The year 2025 has been a landmark period for cinema, characterized by the extraordinary success of films based on or inspired by powerful true stories. From monumental historical battles to defining moments in social justice, these must-watch releases have captured the imagination of audiences and delivered substantial box office returns.
Chhaava
Based on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the warrior-king who succeeded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the Maratha throne. This historical drama based on the novel depicts the valor, strategic genius and ultimate sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as he fiercely defended the Maratha Empire against the formidable Mughal forces. Chaava is a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹800 Crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.
Kesari 2 - The Jallianwalabagh Chapter
A gripping historical courtroom drama adapted from the book The Case That Shook The Empire, it focuses on the legal struggle of C. Sankaran Nair, a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, against the British establishment to expose the truth of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Kesare 2 - The Jallianwala bagh chapter was a box office hit, with collections exceeding ₹144 Crore globally.
Haq
Haq is a powerful courtroom drama that is inspired by the landmark Shah Bano Begum case. The movie talks about the emotionally charged legal battle of a divorced woman fighting for maintenance, highlighting a pivotal Supreme Court judgment and its profound socio-legal impact on gender equality. A content-driven success, the film collected over ₹11.25 Crore (India Net) in its initial run and continues to run at the box office, backed by strong, positive word-of-mouth reviews.
120 Bahadur
The heroic last stand of the 120 Indian soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, during the 1962 Sino-Indian War at the Battle of Rezang La. A deeply moving war drama that honors the unbelievable bravery of a small detachment of soldiers who fought to the last man against overwhelming Chinese numbers at 18,000 feet, making it one of the most celebrated acts of military courage in history. The film is currently in theatres, having opened to strong initial reviews and a highly anticipated theatrical run, with its wide release scheduled for tomorrow, November 21, 2025.
Skyforce
Skyforce is a high-octane action drama dedicated to the brave Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who executed a critical retaliatory strike deep inside enemy territory during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. The film chronicles the daring air strike on Pakistan's Sargodha Air Base, intensely showcasing the aerial combat that was instrumental in turning the tide of the war. Its substantial box office collection, crossing ₹168 Crore globally, proves the enduring appeal of patriotic wartime sagas.
Ikkis
The last one to look forward to in 2025 is Ikkis, a highly anticipated biographical war drama set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Based on the extraordinary life and sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the film chronicles the story of the 21-year-old officer who displayed indomitable courage during the Battle of Basantar. He was posthumously awarded India's highest military honour. Ikkis is soon to be released, scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.
These films underscore the powerful connection between Indian history, acts of heroism, and the silver screen. They are not merely entertainment but vital cultural documents celebrating the nation's defining moments.