Several Indian filmmakers are seizing on the nationalist sentiment that surged after the recent military confrontation with Pakistan. Many are now planning films inspired by “Operation Sindoor,” the name given to India’s retaliatory strikes following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Production companies have reportedly registered titles such as “Mission Sindoor,” “Sindoor: The Revenge,” “The Pahalgam Terror,” and “Sindoor Operation,” aiming to turn the cross-border conflict into cinematic narratives.

The Conflict That Sparked a Filmmaking Race

Earlier this year, India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed rivals, engaged in a four-day military confrontation in May. The exchange involved artillery, drone strikes, and aerial bombardments. The escalation began after the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam. India blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the incident and launched strikes on alleged terrorist camps inside Pakistani territory. Pakistan denied responsibility and called for an impartial investigation. The conflict ended abruptly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, though India maintains that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted their counterpart to request the truce.

Symbolism Behind ‘Operation Sindoor’

The Indian government named the retaliatory military action “Operation Sindoor.” Sindoor, traditionally worn by married Hindu women, symbolizes love and marital commitment. The operation’s title was intended to signify India’s determination to avenge the widowing of women whose husbands died in the Pahalgam attack. This symbolism has become a powerful marketing hook for filmmakers looking to connect with audiences on an emotional and patriotic level.

Vivek Agnihotri Sees a Story That Must Be Told

Director Vivek Agnihotri, known for his 2022 hit “The Kashmir Files,” has expressed strong interest in the subject. He told news agency AFP that the events of Operation Sindoor are “a story that must be told.” Drawing comparisons to Hollywood, Agnihotri argued that international filmmakers would have already made multiple films on such an event. His earlier film depicted the 1990s exodus of Hindus from Kashmir and was both a commercial success and a political flashpoint.

Political Endorsements and Criticism

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has openly supported Agnihotri’s stance. However, critics accuse him of promoting narratives that inflame sentiment against India’s Muslim minority. Film critics argue that Bollywood, especially since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, faces growing pressure to align with the government’s ideological positions.

Raja Sen Questions the Heroism Narrative

Film critic and screenwriter Raja Sen, commenting on the India-Pakistan confrontation, questioned the portrayal of events as acts of heroism. He pointed out that India appeared eager to escalate militarily but halted operations when urged by President Trump. Sen has also highlighted a broader cinematic trend of depicting Muslim rulers and leaders as extremists, while avoiding politically sensitive stories that challenge authority.

Anil Sharma Calls Out Opportunism

Director Anil Sharma, known for patriotic blockbusters like “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha” (2001) and its 2023 sequel “Gadar 2,” has criticized the rush to capitalize on the Pahalgam attack. Sharma labeled such projects as “crowd-pleasing” films made by “seasonal filmmakers” responding to current events rather than deeper storytelling needs. He insisted that strong cinema arises from themes that naturally evoke emotion, not from exploiting tragedies for quick profits.

Blending Action and Patriotism for Big Releases

Bollywood has a history of timing major action and patriotic films around national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day, when patriotic fervor is high. For example, Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s “Fighter” released on January 25, 2024, a day before Republic Day. The film drew inspiration from India’s 2019 Balakot airstrikes against Pakistan. Despite mixed reviews, “Fighter” earned over ₹350 crore worldwide. That same year, the historical epic “Chhava,” based on Maratha ruler Sambhaji Maharaj, became the highest-grossing film of the year, but faced criticism for allegedly fueling prejudice against Muslims.

Concerns About Propaganda Through Cinema

Raja Sen warns that if audiences are repeatedly shown one-sided ideological narratives, without space for opposing viewpoints, such portrayals risk becoming entrenched propaganda. He argues that this repetition spreads misinformation and limits the diversity of voices in Indian cinema.

Rakesh Omprakash Mehra Advocates for Peace in Cinema

Acclaimed filmmaker Rakesh Omprakash Mehra offers a contrasting vision of patriotism in film. His award-winning socio-political drama “Rang De Basanti” won national honors and was India’s official submission for the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Mehra believes that true patriotism in cinema should promote peace, harmony, and cross-border understanding. He asks, “How can we achieve peace and build a better society? How can we learn to love our neighbors? For me, that is patriotism.”

Nationalism, Commerce, and the Future of Bollywood Storytelling

The rush to make films on Operation Sindoor underscores a larger trend in Bollywood: the fusion of nationalism with commercial filmmaking. Such projects often tap into public emotion while aligning with dominant political narratives. While this approach can produce box office hits, it also risks narrowing the thematic range of Indian cinema. Directors like Agnihotri see it as an opportunity to tell stories of sacrifice and resilience. Critics like Sharma and Sen see a danger in turning complex geopolitical events into simplistic entertainment.

Balancing Art, Politics, and Profit

As production houses race to register titles and begin pre-production, the debate over art versus propaganda will likely intensify. Audiences, too, are divided—some eagerly await films celebrating military victories, while others call for more nuanced depictions of conflict that explore all perspectives. Whether Operation Sindoor films will become enduring works of cinema or remain tied to a fleeting political moment will depend on how filmmakers balance patriotism with storytelling depth.