Tejas to Gunjan Saxena: Bollywood films that celebrate the Indian Air Force

From tales of daring aerial combats to inspiring biographies of courage in the skies, Indian cinema has increasingly turned its lens towards the valour and dedication of the Indian Air Force. These films offer glimpses into the lives of air warriors, their rigorous training, the adrenaline-pumping action of fighter jets, defining their unwavering spirit and determination to serve their nation. These stories depicting fictionalized battles or real-life heroism, aim to instill pride and offer a cinematic salute to the men and women who safeguard India's airspace. Let's take a look at Indian films that prominently feature the Indian Air Force and their compelling narratives.

Directed by Sarvesh Mewara and starring Kangana Ranaut as IAF officer Tejas Gill, this action thriller revolves around her mission to rescue an Indian spy while confronting her own past traumas. Released on October 27, 2023, the film aimed to instill pride in the Indian Air Force and showcased various aerial action sequences. Despite its political support, the film unfortunately did not perform well at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics regarding its execution and screenplay.

This Siddharth Anand’s film starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, is a recent high-octane aerial action thriller. The film pays tribute to the elite fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force, showcasing their skill, camaraderie, and courage as they undertake challenging missions to protect the nation's skies. The film centers around the elite "Air Dragons" unit, showcasing their rigorous training, camaraderie, and daring missions as they face external threats. With impressive aerial combat sequences and a patriotic storyline, it offers a thrilling cinematic experience. The film was critically acclaimed and well received by its audience.

Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, this film starring Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, and Sara Ali Khan, in the leads is a recently released aerial actioner. Released on 24 January 2025, the film is reported to have been inspired by the 1965 Indo-Pakistani air war and the attack on the Sargodha airbase. The narrative follows the events leading up to the airstrike and the subsequent search for a lost hero, blending high-stakes action with patriotic fervor and emotional depth. It depicts the bravery and sacrifice along with the strategic efforts of the Indian Air Force officers during critical times, blending action with patriotic fervor. The film did relatively well in the box office and received mixed reviews from its audience.

Directed by Sharan Sharma and starring Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Angad Bedi, this biographical drama tells the inspiring story of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female Indian Air Force pilots to fly in a combat zone during the Kargil War. The film highlights her determination, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field, and her significant contribution during a crucial military conflict. It's a powerful portrayal of breaking barriers and serving the nation.

This Shakti Pratap Singh Hada film starring Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar, in lead roles is a 2024 Indian aerial action thriller based on the 2019 Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force. This film, released on March 1, 2024, follows the indomitable spirits of IAF heroes as they face one of the fiercest aerial attacks India has ever seen. Varun Tej portrays the role of Wing Commander Arjun Dev, a test pilot, while Manushi Chhillar portrays Wing Commander Aahna Gill, a radar controller. The movie aims to showcase the bravery and challenges faced by the Air Force. The film was released in Telugu and Hindi and was well-received by the viewers.