The dialogue “Hum toh kisi doosre ki dharti par nazar bhi nahi dalte… Lekin itne nalayak bachche bhi nahi hai ki koi hamari dharti maa par nazar daale aur hum chup chap dekhte rahein” from the iconic movie ‘Border’ holds a special place in our hearts. No one can deny that the story, emotions, and picturization of this film are unmatchable.
Bollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries, has produced some remarkable movies over the years, ranging from romance to action to war. However, when it comes to war movies, the industry has struggled to match the standards set by one of its most successful films, Border. Even after 26 years since its release, Bollywood has failed to deliver a war movie as great as Border.
Border: The Masterpiece
Border, directed by J.P. Dutta and released in 1997, is based on the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The movie stars an ensemble cast of Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Jackie Shroff, and others. The movie was not only a commercial success but also critically acclaimed for its portrayal of the war and the soldiers’ bravery.
Bollywood Failed To Recreate The Magic Of Border
Since the release of Border, Bollywood has attempted to produce several war movies, but none of them have been able to match the level of realism, emotion, and patriotism that Border instilled in its viewers. Movies like LOC Kargil, Lakshya, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Shershaah, Bhuj have tried to recreate the same magic, but they failed to recreate the hard-hitting impact that Border had on the audience.
The Exceptional Storytelling With Just The Perfect Dose Of Emotions
One of the reasons why Border is still a masterpiece in the war movie genre is because of its exceptional storytelling. The movie not only shows the war scenes but also takes the time to develop each character and their relationships with one another. The audience gets to know the soldiers, their families, and their struggles, which makes it easier for them to connect with the movie and feel the emotions that come with it.
Outstanding Portrayal Of War Scenes Along With Hard-Hitting Dialogues
Another reason why Border stands out is because of its portrayal of war scenes. The director J.P. Dutta, who himself comes from a military family, had first-hand experience of the war and the soldiers’ lives. He ensured that the movie was shot with utmost accuracy and detail, from the uniforms to the weapons and the battle scenes. The audience could feel the tension, fear, and adrenaline rush that the soldiers went through during the war. And, how could we forget the impact of hard-hitting dialogues throughout the movie?
Excellent Character Development & Talented Star Cast
On the other hand, recent war movies in Bollywood lack the emotional connection and attention to detail that Border had. They are more focused on the action sequences and special effects, neglecting the importance of character development and storytelling. While they may be entertaining, they fail to leave a lasting impact on the viewers, which is what a great movie should do. And, no one can deny that the talented star cast left no stone unturned in making their characters immortal.
Emotional Songs That Still Bring Tears To Our Eyes
Even the legendary song, “Sandese Aate Hain” from Border, is a timeless song that beautifully captures the emotions of soldiers posted at the border who eagerly wait for letters from their loved ones back home. The song has become an anthem for the Indian Army and is played on several occasions, including Republic Day and Independence Day.
Overall, it is evident that Bollywood has failed to deliver a war movie as great as Border, even after 26 years. Border is not just a movie; it is an emotion, a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for their country. It is a benchmark that Bollywood has set for itself, and it’s high time that the industry rises to the challenge and produces a movie that can match the greatness of Border.