Art has, through the ages, remained a mirror of periods, struggles, and the triumph of humanity. Art does not only render visible; it also renders emotions. At the time of war, art does not merely portray reality: it immortalizes valour, sacrifice, and the spirit of mankind. The Bollywood cinematic interpretation of the Kargil War is doing just this, foregrounding the sacrifices of those who bore arms during the war and compelling us to contemplate the human cost of conflict.
Films, including Shershaah (2021), embody the heroism of Captain Vikram Batra, whose courage during the Kargil War attained legendary status. With justice to the life of Batra, the film stands as a cinematic tribute almost verging on an epic poem-artistry embodied by Siddharth Malhotra, whose utterance of the words “Yeh dil maange more” transcends being a mere battle cry and instead stands as a generation’s rallying call to protect and serve something greater than oneself. The life and sacrifice of Batra resonated with the eternal ideals of heroism that classical literature puts forth, wherein warriors make supreme sacrifices for a higher cause.
In a similar vein, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) salutes the courage of Gunjan Saxena, among the first few female pilots in the Indian Air Force. Her story speaks of bridging divides and confronting challenges in a field so heavily dominated by men. The film depicts not just her gallantry in the skies but also the silent strength that marks real heroism in those often-unnoticed spaces. Much like in literature that depicts silent resilience, it’s a stark reminder from Saxena’s character that true heroism is never loud; it is deeply inexorable.
In Lakshya (2004) portrays the coming-of-age story of Lieutenant Karan Shergill (Hrithik Roshan), so much so that they can be likened to classical heroes of ancient epics. The narrative explores the coming of age of young man who finds purpose in the battlefield as he transforms from uncertainty to unshakable resolve. Many a time, it is the same journey a person undertakes in the face of war to discover a deeper sense of self and duty.
A full ensemble accommodated in the long-breathing canvas of LOC Kargil (2003) reflects and gives a representation to the collective heroism of the soldiers of Operation Vijay. The film moves right into the inner emotional terrain of the war, showing that it was not only the soldiers who sacrificed themselves but victims were the families too. This approach has roots in the paradigm of an epic, in which the literary narratives focus on not only the visible and outward battles but also on the inner and deep-seated wars that each individual in a population undergoes.
Finally, Dhoop (2003) remains one step ahead to portray the trauma of the families of martyrs. The fallen are mourned, and the resilience of their families celebrated. It is an observing reminder that war pours more blood into fields outside the battlefield as well.
As we mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, Bollywood’s tribute to the Kargil heroes stands as a powerful testament to the enduring power of art. These films are not just historical depictions but emotional journeys that resonate deeply with the human experience. Through cinema, we continue to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom, reconnecting with the timeless themes of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.
