Best movies that featured an India vs Pakistan theme

While India and Pakistan's skirmishes are an ever present reality in world politics the contest also heats up on the cricket field as well as in the domain of films. With the much-talked-about cricket World Cup match slated to take place tomorrow, we look at the history of India and Pakistan's contests but in films. The historical and geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have long been a compelling backdrop for the world of cinema. The complex relationship between these neighboring nations has provided ample material for filmmakers to explore themes of patriotism, conflict, love, and human connection. The portrayal of India versus Pakistan in movies is often emotionally charged and has garnered international attention.

Directed by Anil Sharma, "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" is set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan partition. It tells the love story of Tara Singh (Sunny Deol), a Sikh, and Sakina (Amisha Patel), a Muslim woman from Pakistan. The film encapsulates the emotional turmoil and devastating consequences of the partition.

The original India versus Pakistan war film that created celluloid hysteria with the geo-political theme. Directed by JP Dutta, Border is 'the' war film based on the real events of the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It pays tribute to the valor and sacrifices of Indian soldiers while highlighting the intense conflict on the border. Most memorable is the all-star cast featuring Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff.

One of Siddharth Malhotra's biggest hits, Shershaah, directed by Vishnuvardhan, is a biographical war film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, a courageous officer of the Indian Army. The film depicts his heroism during the 1999 Kargil War, which was a significant conflict between India and Pakistan. It is also remembered for kick-starting the romance between real-life couple Kiara Advani and Siddharth.

Alia Bhatt and director Meghna Gulzar's Raazi is a spy thriller based on the true story of an Indian woman, Sehmat (played by Alia), who marries a Pakistani military officer to serve as an undercover spy during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film explores the complexities of espionage and personal sacrifices.

One of the most successful war films of all time, Vicky Kaushal's action drama was directed by Aditya Dhar. Uri is an action-packed film inspired by the 2016 Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir. It showcases the Indian government's response through a surgical strike against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The sequel to Sunny Deol's Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 has been one of the year's biggest success stories. This quintessential India vs Pakistan movie built on the legacy and drama of the first film to such an extent that, Pakistani goons were seen fleeing the scene the moment they saw Sunny Deol's Tara Singh in the vicinity of a hand pump.

Chetan Anand's Haqeeqat is a classic war film depicting the events of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and, to some extent, the regional instability and India's relations with its neighbors, including Pakistan. The film's star studded cast included Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Sanjay Khan and Vijay Anand.

Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, was an action packed adventure starring Shah Rukh Khan with Salman Khan making a fan pleasing cameo as Tiger. The movie also featured Deepika Padukone as an ISI agent and together they flex muscles and outsmart John Abraham, the rogue Indian agent on hire by an evil Pakistani general.

Featuring Salman Khan as an Indian RAW agent and Katrina Kaif as his Pakistani counterpart, this cult hit directed by Kabir Khan, is an espionage thriller that follows the love story of an unlikely couple. The film also delves into the world of intelligence agencies as the cross-border romance unfolds.

Directed by Kabir Khan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a heartwarming story of a man (Salman Khan) who goes to great lengths to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family. Many people consider this to be Salman Khan's best film to date. The story emphasizes compassion and humanity, transcending political boundaries.

Directed by JP Dutta, LOC: Kargil is a war film that dramatizes the events of the 1999 Kargil War. It provides an in-depth look at the conflict and the courageous efforts of Indian soldiers who defended their country's borders. With a star cast that features Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Suniel Shetty, this film is the mother of multi-starrers.