Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947  is all set to release in theatres. Based on the 1947 partition, the film perfectly aligns with the Independence Day weekend. Ahead of the film’s release, if you are looking to watch a few meaningful shows and films based on the story of our Independence, here is your one-stop watch guide.

From Imtiaz Ali’s recently released Main Vaapas Aaunga to Sunny Deol’s Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, here is the complete list.

Partition movies to watch ahead of Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947

Main Vaapas Aaunga – Netflix

Recently released and starring Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedang Raina and Naseeruddin Shah, Main Vaapas Aaunga is the perfect pre or post Batwara 1947 watch. The story is based on a couple who get separated after the partition and will definitely bring you to tears.

Credit: Applause Entertainment

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha – Zee 5

Sunny Deol and Independence Day releases go hand-in-hand. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is a 2001 action-drama film directed by Anil Sharma and is set against the backdrop of the partition in 1947. The movie stars Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in lead roles, Amrish Puri, Vivek Shauq, Lillete Dubey and Utkarsh Sharma in supporting roles.

Watch trailer:

Mammo – Prime Video

For those looking to watch something iconic from the 90s, watch Mammo, starring Farida Jalal. The story is a tale of a lady named Mammo who moves to Pakistan. Years later, she returns to Bombay to visit her sister and grandson, only to find herself struggling to extend her visa and remain in the city.

The movie has been directed by Shyam Bengal.

Credit: National Film Development Corporation of India

Manto – YouTube

Manto, released in 2018, tells the story of Indo-Pakistani author and writer Saadat Hasan Manto. Manto is based on the 1940s post-Independence period of India and earned 7 Filmfare Award nominations. You can watch it on YouTube for ₹50.

Watch trailer:

Train To Pakistan – MX Player

In the mood for a classic Independence Day watch, Train To Pakistan should be on your watchlist. Released in 1998, the film is set in the Partition of India of 1947 and directed by Pamela Rooks. It is based on the 1956 novel by Khushwant Singh.

The film also stars Nirmal Pandey, Rajit Kapur, Mohan Agashe, Smriti Mishra, Mangal Dhillon, and Divya Dutta. If true emotions and a heart-touching story are what you are looking for, this one is a must-watch.

Watch trailer:

Garm Hava – YouTube

Old classic movie Garm Hava, released in 1974, is probably one of the best partition movie, a must have on your watch list. It is set in the aftermath of Partition and is sure to leave you with tears in your eyes. The movie was led by Balraj Sahni.

Credit: Abu Siwani

Dharmputra – YouTube

Yash Chopra’s Dharmputra was the first Hindi film to depict the partition and marked Chopra’s second movie overall. Produced by his elder brother B.R. Chopra, who was himself uprooted from Lahore, the film dealt with the pain of the partition, the massacre that followed, and the problems faced by the citizens of both countries.

The film starred Shashi Kapoor, marking his first venture into cinemas as an adult.

Ikkis – Prime Video

Another heart-touching story about the partition and Dharmendra’s last film, Ikkis, is a must-add to your I-Day watchlist. It tells the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda), India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was killed in action at age 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

Credit: Maddock Films

Pinjar – Prime Video & YouTube

Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Suri, Sandali Sinha, and Priyanshu Chatterjee-starrer Pinjar was released in 2003 and is based on the problems faced by Hindus and Muslims after the 1947 partition.

The film won much praise and even took home the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.

So, which movie are you in the mood to watch this Independence Day?

Lead and social image credits: Applause Entertainment, Aamir Khan Productions, HP Studios