Operation Sindoor: From URI to Fighter, 7 iconic airstrike-based titles to watch on OTT
As the nation watches Operation Sindoor unfold with bated breath, one thing is clear: India's Armed Forces aren't just defending the borders but writing history. Whether it's the stealth of our ground forces, the power of our jets, or the sheer will of the men in uniform, every mission reminds us what true bravery looks like. While we might not be on the frontlines, we can always keep the patriotism burning by revisiting stories that show the heart and heroism of our forces.
Over the years, Bollywood and OTT platforms have gifted us some unforgettable tales inspired by real-life military operations, especially daring airstrikes. So, as the spirit of Operation Sindoor soars high, here's a list of 7 incredible titles based on iconic airstrikes and surgical strikes that you can stream right now. Read on!
1. URI: The Surgical Strike (2019)
Where to Watch: Zee5
Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal
IMDb: 8.2/10
This is where it all began for many of us, the moment India responded to the Uri terror attack with a bold and precise surgical strike across the Line of Control in 2016. Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill had the entire country shouting, 'How's the Josh?' The film captures the emotional, strategic, and action-packed elements of India's military response.
2. Fighter (2024)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor
IMDb: 6.2/10
Imagine the Indian Air Force in full throttle, battling enemy jets and defending the nation's skies with heart-pounding dogfights and jaw-dropping visuals. That's Fighter - India's first aerial action film that salutes the unsung heroes of the Air Force. Hrithik and Deepika play elite IAF pilots whose chemistry, courage, and camaraderie light up the screen. If you want a thrilling dose of patriotism in the skies, this one's for you.
3. Operation Valentine (2024)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Starring: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar
IMDb: 5.3/10
Inspired by the Balakot airstrikes, this Telugu-Hindi bilingual film is a lesser-known gem that highlights India's response to the Pulwama attack. With crisp aerial combat scenes and a compelling storyline, Operation Valentine delivers a balanced mix of military tactics and emotional moments.
4. Sky Force (2025)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan
IMDb: 6.9/10
This film is based on India's first and boldest airstrike during the 1965 war - the Sargodha attack. This was the moment when our pilots flew into enemy territory, against all odds, to protect the nation. Akshay Kumar plays a commanding officer, while Veer Pahariya plays a young, brave pilot who risks it all. The aerial combat scenes will keep you hooked, but it's the emotion behind those missions - the letters home, the brotherhood, the silence before takeoff - that truly hits the heart.
5. Avrodh: The Siege Within (2020)
Where to Watch: Sony LIV
Starring: Amit Sadh, Neeraj Kabi
IMDb: 7.7/10
A thrilling web series based on the same events as URI, but with a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes military planning, politics, and intelligence work that led to the 2016 surgical strikes. Avrodh brings realism and detail that films often skip. It's perfect for those who want to understand the brain behind the brawn of our armed forces.
6. Rakshak: India's Braves
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Starring: Varun Mitra, Kanika Mann, Mrinal Naval
IMDb: 8.2/10
Part of the India's Braves anthology, Rakshak is a touching tribute to real-life gallantry award winners. The episode starring Varun Mitra tells the story of a young Air Force officer who laid down his life to protect fellow soldiers. There's no dramatisation, just raw emotion and factual storytelling. This one's for those who truly want to feel the weight of a soldier's sacrifice.
7. Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond (2024)
Where to Watch: JioHotstar
Starring: Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana
IMDb: 7.8/10
This series is a fictional retelling, but it's heavily inspired by real events around the Balakot airstrike and everything that came before and after. From military precision to political pressures, Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond dives deep into the high-stakes decisions that shape national security. What makes it stand out is that it zooms out to show the bigger picture of strategy, misinformation, and modern warfare in today's India.
As Operation Sindoor unfolds in real-time, saluting our brave soldiers becomes more than a gesture but a feeling that runs deep. Cinema has the power to stir that feeling, helping us understand the depth of sacrifice, strategy, and spirit our forces bring every single day. So, the next time you're scrolling through OTT platforms wondering what to watch, pick one of these. They're a salute. A reminder. A feeling of India in your heart. Jai Hind!
For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
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