The Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival opened across the country on Monday, marking the start of a three-day nationwide tribute to India’s independence through cinema. Organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the festival runs from August 11 to 13 as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
The initiative aims to deepen citizens’ emotional connection with the National Flag while celebrating India’s journey to freedom and the stories of unity that define the nation. Screenings across the country feature a curated lineup of films that highlight sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and moments of modern-day valour.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in New Delhi’s NFDC-Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi’s Minister of Art, Culture & Language Kapil Mishra said that cinema has the power to immortalise the sacrifices of freedom fighters and inspire generations.
In Mumbai, Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju stressed that cinema’s lasting visual impact makes it an ideal medium to spark patriotism. Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar, also present at the Mumbai event, said the stories told through these films remind audiences of India’s resilience and courage.
The festival was launched with grand inaugural events in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune.
In Chennai, noted filmmaker Vasanth, choreographer Kala Master, actress Namitha, and other cultural figures reflected on the role of art in fostering national pride.
In Pune, audiences at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) joined the celebrations through a live telecast of the opening ceremonies.
The lineup includes iconic patriotic films such as Shaheed (1965), Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024), Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), RRR (2022), and Tanhaji (2020), along with classics like Veerapandia Kattabomman (1959), Kranti (1981), Haqeeqat (1964), Saat Hindustani (1969), and Parasakthi (1952). Educational documentaries including ‘Our Flag’, ‘Lokmanya Tilak’, and ‘Shahadat’ provide historical context and deeper engagement.
A highlight of the festival is the screening of digitally restored versions of ‘Kranti’, ‘Haqeeqat’, ‘Saat Hindustani’, and ‘Shaheed’, preserved by the NFAI using advanced digitisation and restoration techniques. NFDC officials said the inclusion of these classics reflects the corporation’s commitment to safeguarding India’s cinematic heritage.
