"I have forgotten hate."
Batwara 1947 (2026) is a period film that explores life during the Partition of India.
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, and Karan Deol in lead roles.
It is produced by Aamir Khan and delves into themes of motherhood, belonging, and courage.
For decades, Bollywood has explored the ties between India and Pakistan with sensitivity and depth through its cinema.
For those who loved Batwara 1947, there is plenty more material Bollywood has to offer that showcases these ideas.
DESIblitz lists ten films that explore the relations between India and Pakistan.
Dharmputra (1961)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Mala Sinha, Shashi Kapoor, Rehman
Directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, this film marked the adult acting debut of Shashi Kapoor.
Dharmputra begins during the British regime in India and tells the story of two families in Delhi.
The clans are extremely close, but things change when one of their daughters, Husn Bano (Mala Sinha), becomes pregnant.
Husn Bano gives birth to Dilip Rai (Shashi), who grows up to be a pioneer of hate during the Partition era.
Will the mother and son ever be reunited in this pendulum of hate and harmony?
Dharmputra received critical acclaim and began a sparkling career for Shashi Kapoor, who was one of Bollywood’s leading actors in the 1970s and 1980s.
It was the first Hindi film to depict the Partition, thus paving the path for much more thought-provoking cinema.
At the 9th National Film Awards, it won the award for ‘Best Feature Film in Hindi’.
Garm Hava (1973)
Director: MS Sathyu
Stars: Balraj Sahni, Farooq Shaikh, Geeta Siddharth, Shaukat Kaifi
MS Sathyu’s Garm Hava narrates the tale of a North Indian businessman named Salim Mirza (Balraj Sahni).
Beginning in the aftermath of India’s Partition, Salim remains in India as his relatives migrate to Pakistan.
However, he faces economic hardship, discrimination, and the loss of his ancestral home.
Adding to Salim’s woes is the state of his daughter Amina (Gita Siddharth), who must deal with betrayal and heartache.
As the challenges mount, Salim must decide where his patriotism truly lies.
Garm Hava is believed to be the film that championed art cinema in Bollywood and was nominated for several awards.
In a review of the film, Garvita Khybri writes: “I was left with myriad thoughts after watching the movie.
“Here the past hurts, it bruises. It deserves to be watched.”
Border (1997)
Director: JP Dutta
Stars: Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna
JP Dutta’s epic war film, Border, stars Sunny Deol as Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri.
Kuldip is a fiercely patriotic soldier who even prepares to divorce his wife should she threaten his service.
The commander must lead his battalion against Pakistan, turning fear into courage.
In his army are soldiers including Bhairon Singh Rathore (Suniel Shetty) and Dharamvir Singh Bhakhri (Akshaye Khanna).
The scintillating chartbuster, ‘Sandese Aate Hai‘, signifies the pain of being separated from loved ones while in war.
Border was a giant success and remains one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated movies.
A sequel, Border 2, was released in 2026, to similar acclaim and salutation.
Train to Pakistan (1998)
Director: Pamela Rooks
Stars: Nirmal Pandey, Rajit Kapur, Mohan Agashe, Smriti Mishra
Based on Khushwant Singh’s novel, Train to Pakistan is directed by Pamela Rooks.
Set in the fictional village of Mano Majra, the film chronicles the romance between Juggut Singh (Nirmal Pandey) and Nooran (Smriti Mishra).
The peaceful existence of Mano Majra is changed forever when a train arrives from Pakistan containing the butchered bodies of Indian people.
The sensitive premise of Train to Pakistan led to the film facing multiple delays and trouble with the censors of the time.
However, the film was received well when it was ultimately consumed by the audience.
A writer notes: “The film remains a powerful and moving portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.”
Train to Pakistan is a brave undertaking which isn’t shy to paint a grave yet realistic picture.
1947: Earth (1998)
Director: Deepa Mehta
Stars: Aamir Khan, Rahul Khanna, Nandita Das, Maia Sethna
Deepa Mehta’s period romance 1947: Earth is one of the most diverse films in Aamir Khan’s career.
Aamir portrays Dil Nawaz, the Ice Candy Man, who is love with a maid named Shanta (Nandita Das).
However, Hassan (Rahul Khanna) also has feelings for Shanta, creating a sense of conflict.
They are all part of the friendship group that broke due to violence from the Partition.
1947: Earth is a powerful reminder of old wounds which continue to fester from tragic incidents.
Aamir delivers a masterful performance as Dil Navaz, masterminding a complicated and layered character.
Writing about the film, Fatima Zehra says: “The movie is a brutal depiction of the birth of Pakistan, and who died on the way to and from.”
Watch 1947: Earth for an unforgettable and rousing experience.
Sarfarosh (1999)
Director: John Matthew Matthan
Stars: Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan, Sonali Bendre
Continuing with Aamir Khan’s fantastic work, we come to John Matthew Matthan’s Sarfarosh.
In this movie, Aamir inhabits the world of ACP Ajay Singh Rathod.
Ajay is an unwavering and sincere police officer who gives his all to every case he takes.
On the other end of the spectrum is a famed Pakistani ghazal singer named Gulfam Hassan (Naseeruddin Shah).
Tramautised by his childhood experiences during the Partition, Gulfam secretly works for ISI.
As Ajay and Gulfam lock horns, who will emerge victorious?
In a 2025 interview, Aamir explains the new direction Sarfarosh allowed Bollywood to take:
“Before Sarfarosh, we had to address Pakistan as ‘the neighbouring country’ in our films.
“Sarfarosh was the first film in which we bluntly mentioned Pakistan’s name.”
Hey Ram (2000)
Director: Kamal Haasan
Stars: Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Hema Malini, Vasundhara Das
Kamal Haasan’s Hey Ram provides an alternate history into India’s Partition.
In this film, Kamal stars as Saket Ram, who is an archeologist in 1946 alongside his friend Amjad Ali Khan (Shah Rukh Khan).
When tragedy strikes, a revenge-fuelled Ram goes on a murderous spree, targeting rioters and thugs.
Hey Ram explores ideas of love, loss, and patriotism, while also testing boundaries and indulging in brave storytelling.
This movie was tremendously acclaimed and remains one of Kamal Haasan’s finest works.
In an interview, Kamal revealed that making Hey Ram was his tribute to the iconic freedom fighter, Mohandas Gandhi.
Also featuring Rani Mukerji, Hema Malini, and Vasundhara Das in key roles, Hey Ram is an ode to Indian-Pakistani ties and loyalty to one’s homeland.
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
Director: Anil Sharma
Stars: Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Amrish Puri, Utkarsh Sharma
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is one of Bollywood’s most loved and celebrated classics.
The film is the epic saga of Tara Singh (Sunny Deol) and Sakina Ali Singh (Ameesha Patel).
After Tara rescues Sakina from a group of rioters during Partition, they fall in love and marry.
However, through deceitful means, Sakina is separated and lured back into Pakistan, away from Tara and their young son, Jeete (Utkarsh Sharma).
It is now up to Tara Singh to bring Sakina back home, while also upholding the values of communal peace and harmony.
In a scene, Tara declares: “The Partition was an obsession which has now passed. I have forgotten hate. So should you.”
Adorned with riveting action, soulful songs, and gentle romance, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha is a tentpole film which all Bollywood lovers must watch.
Its legacy was continued with the release of its sequel, Gadar 2 (2023), which received just as much applause and adulation.
Pinjar (2003)
Director: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Stars: Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Suri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Set in the Partition, Pinjar delves into the story of Puro / Hamida (Urmila Matondkar).
Puro’s happy life turns upside down when Rashid (Manoj Bajpayee) kidnaps her.
However, Rashid is attracted to Puro, which prevents him from harming her.
Even after escaping Rashid’s clutches, Puro faces heartbreak from her family.
Pinjar not only beautifully encapsulates the brimming tensions between India and Pakistan, but also shines a light on societal expectations.
Reflecting on the film, Manoj says: “Based on the legendary Amrita Pritam’s novel, [Pinjar] spoke about unity, inclusiveness, and the human cost of division.
“The love it continues to receive means a lot.”
If you’re seeking a stunning portrait of a gut-wrenching story and immaculate performances, Pinjar is a top choice.
Veer–Zaara (2004)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity G Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini
If you loved Preity G Zinta’s performance in Batwara 1947, you will be even more mesmerised by her act in Yash Chopra’s Veer–Zaara.
This unforgettable movie introduces us to the Indian former Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), who has been imprisoned in Pakistan for the past 22 years.
He begins to tell Pakistani lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukerji) about his love story with Zaara Hayat Khan (Preity).
What follows is a spellbinding tale of love, determination, and sacrifice.
During the climax of the film, Veer delivers an inspiring speech, noting the similarities between Pakistan and India.
These words make us ponder the adversity between the nations which actually have similar roots.
The film was unanimously praised for its sensitive and nuanced depiction of Indian-Pakistani ties.
Veer–Zaara is often considered one of the best Bollywood films ever made. When you watch it, it won’t be hard to see why.
Bollywood’s stories about Indian-Pakistani ties remind us that history is not only written in textbooks.
It lives in memories, relationships, borders, and the quiet ache of separation.
From stories of Partition and conflict to moments of friendship, love, and shared heritage, these ten Bollywood films offer a powerful glimpse into the complex India-Pakistan relationship.
Ultimately, the best Bollywood films about India-Pakistan ties do more than revisit history.
They invite us to imagine a future where understanding speaks louder than division.
