The Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival opened today to an enthusiastic response, marking the beginning of a three-day nationwide cinematic tribute to India’s independence. Running from August 11–13, 2025, the festival is organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

The festival is part of the broader Har Ghar Tiranga campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which seeks to deepen every citizen’s emotional connection with the National Flag and instil a renewed sense of unity and patriotism. Through carefully curated film screenings, the festival aims to remind audiences of India’s journey to freedom, celebrate the sacrifices of countless heroes, and showcase stories that have shaped the nation’s identity.

Minister of Art, Culture & Language, NCT of Delhi, Shri Kapil Mishra said that Cinema has the power to immortalise the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and inspire generations. The Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival is not just a celebration of cinema, but a reminder of the journey that brought us independence, the minster added.

Speaking on the occasion in Mumbai, Secretary, MIB Shri. Sanjay Jaju said that the Har Ghar Tiranga- the Patriotic Film Festival aims to showcase India’s rich cultural history and heritage through the medium of cinema. Cinema being a visual medium leaves a long lasting impact on the viewers and so, this festival aims to spark the spirit of patriotism amongst all Indians, Shri Jaju added.

Actress Shriya Pilgaonkar also spoke on the event in Mumbai. She said that she was honored to be part of the initiative. “These films remind us of the resilience and courage of our people, and it’s important that we continue to share these stories”, she added.

Inaugural Ceremonies Held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune

Grand Inaugurations Across Four Cities

• New Delhi: The festival was formally inaugurated at the NFDC–Siri Fort Auditorium by Shri Kapil Mishra, Minister of Art, Culture & Language, NCT of Delhi. He was joined by senior dignitaries including Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary (I&B); Shri Bhupendra Kainthola, Principal Director General (DPD); and Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General (Media & Communication).
• Mumbai: The festival opened at the NFDC–National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) Complex with Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and acclaimed actress Shriya Pilgaonkar, whose presence added star power to the event. Senior officials, filmmakers, and cinema lovers attended, setting the tone for three days of inspiring film showcases.
• Chennai: The Tagore Film Centre hosted an inauguration graced by Director Vasanth, for his insightful thoughts on patriotism through cinema; Choreographer Kala Master, for highlighting the role of art in national pride; Mr. Chozha Nachiyar, President of the Tamil Chamber of Commerce, for her support and encouragement; Actress Namitha, for her gracious presence and patriotic reflections; Dr. AVS Sivakumar, Principal of the Tamil Nadu Music College, for bridging culture, tradition, and youthful talent; and Mr. Veera, actor, director, and producer.
• Pune: While Pune’s own screenings began shortly after, audiences at the NFDC–National Film Archive of India (NFAI) enjoyed a live telecast of the inaugural ceremonies from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, bringing the spirit of unity and shared celebration to Maharashtra’s cultural capital.

A Diverse and Inspiring Film Lineup

The diverse film lineup includes legendary patriotic films such as:

• Shaheed (1965)– The stirring story of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his ultimate sacrifice.
• Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024) – Chronicling the life and ideology of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
• Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)– A modern retelling of the 2016 Indian Army surgical strikes.
• RRR (2022) – An epic action drama inspired by fictionalized accounts of freedom fighters.
• Tanhaji (2020)– The valorous tale of Maratha warrior Tanhaji Malusare.

Other notable screenings feature:

• Major (2022)– A tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s bravery in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose – A short documentary capturing the legacy of the visionary nationalist leader.
• Veerapandia Kattabomman (1959)– The Tamil classic on the legendary freedom fighter from South India.
• Kranti (1981)– A grand tale of rebellion against colonial rule.
• Haaqeeqat (1964)– A moving war drama inspired by the 1962 Indo-China conflict.
• Parasakhti (1952)– A landmark Tamil film with strong social and nationalist themes.
• Saat Hindustani (1969) – A story of seven Indians fighting for Goa’s liberation.

In addition, the festival presents educational documentaries that provide historical context and deepen audience engagement:

• Our Flag – Exploring the symbolism and history of the Tiranga.
• Lokmanya Tilak – Chronicling the life and political awakening of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Tilak – An intimate portrayal of Tilak’s nationalist vision.
• Shahadat – Highlighting acts of sacrifice in India’s fight for freedom.

NFAI Restored Classics – Bringing the Past to Life

Four landmark films in the festival — Kranti (1981), Haqeeqat (1964), Saat Hindustani (1969), and Shaheed (1965) — are presented in their digitally restored versions thanks to the painstaking preservation efforts of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI).

• Kranti (1981) – A sweeping tale of India’s fight against British oppression in the 19th century, starring an ensemble cast led by Manoj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, and Hema Malini.
• Haqeeqat (1964) – Directed by Chetan Anand, this war drama captures the emotional and strategic challenges of the 1962 Indo-China conflict.
• Saat Hindustani (1969) – A spirited story of seven Indians, from diverse backgrounds, uniting to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule — notable as Amitabh Bachchan’s film debut.
• Shaheed (1965) – Manoj Kumar’s powerful portrayal of Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary struggle and sacrifice.

NFAI’s Role in Restoration:

The National Film Archive of India, a division of NFDC, has been at the forefront of film preservation and restoration, ensuring that India’s cinematic heritage is not lost to time. Through advanced digitization techniques, color grading, and sound enhancement, NFAI restores fragile celluloid prints to near-original quality, allowing new audiences to experience these classics as they were meant to be seen. The inclusion of these restored versions in the Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival is both a tribute to the filmmakers and a reaffirmation of NFAI’s commitment to safeguarding India’s film legacy.

Complete festival schedule — All Cities (Aug 11–13, 2025)

Below is a city-wise, day-by-day table of the full Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival programme. Where screenings overlap in the same city, a second/secondary is indicated.

New Delhi — NFDC, Siri Fort Auditorium

Mumbai — NFDC / NMIC Complex, Pedder Road

Pune — NFDC / NFAI (Law College Road)

Chennai — Tagore Film Centre

NFDC’s Role and Commitment

The National Film Development Corporation of India has, for decades, played a pivotal role in the growth and preservation of Indian cinema. As the government’s premier film agency, NFDC not only produces and promotes quality films but also safeguards the nation’s cinematic heritage through the National Film Archive of India.

With the Har Ghar Tiranga – Patriotic Film Festival, NFDC harnesses the medium of cinema as a unifying force—bridging generations, languages, and regions. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering a personal connection between citizens and the National Flag, turning the act of celebration into a deeper engagement with India’s values and history.

NFDC’s endeavor ensures that patriotic stories—whether rooted in historical fact or reimagined through fiction—continue to resonate with audiences and inspire the next generation to uphold the ideals of freedom and unity.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith