Indian war dramas have a unique space in cinema and storytelling. Rooted in real conflicts, personal sacrifices, and moments that shaped the nation’s military history, these films go beyond action to explore duty, loss, resilience, and patriotism. With OTT platforms making these stories widely accessible, audiences today can revisit some of the most powerful Indian war and military films from the comfort of home.
From true-life heroes to large-scale ensemble epics and tactical thrillers, here’s a curated list of must-watch Indian war dramas currently streaming on OTT.
Shershaah
A deeply moving biographical war film, Shershaah chronicles the life of Captain Vikram Batra, one of India’s most celebrated heroes of the 1999 Kargil War. The film captures both the ferocity of the battlefield and the emotional core of a soldier’s personal life.
What sets Shershaah apart is its balance — intense combat sequences coexist with tender moments of love, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Rooted firmly in real events, it remains one of the most impactful modern Indian war films on streaming.
Uri: The Surgical Strike
Inspired by the Indian Army’s retaliatory strike following the 2016 Uri terror attack, Uri: The Surgical Strike is a high-octane military action drama driven by precision, strategy, and nationalist fervour.
Following Major Vihaan Shergill and his elite unit, the film dramatizes the planning and execution of a covert operation with slick action and sharp pacing. It became a pop-culture phenomenon, reinforcing the appetite for contemporary, mission-driven war narratives.
LOC: Kargil
Directed by J.P. Dutta, LOC: Kargil remains one of the most ambitious Indian war films ever made. Set during the 1999 Kargil conflict, the film presents multiple battle fronts and regiments, highlighting the collective bravery of Indian soldiers rather than focusing on a single protagonist.
With a massive ensemble cast and detailed recreations of real operations, the film functions as a sprawling tribute to the armed forces and their sacrifices during one of India’s most significant modern wars.
Lakshya
Unlike traditional war films, Lakshya approaches the genre through personal transformation. Set against the backdrop of the Kargil conflict, the film follows a directionless young man who discovers purpose and discipline after joining the Indian Army.
The narrative combines a coming-of-age journey with military training and battlefield realism, making it as much about inner growth as it is about external conflict. Its emotional arc continues to resonate strongly with younger audiences.
The Ghazi Attack
A rare Indian war film set almost entirely underwater, The Ghazi Attack explores naval warfare during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The story revolves around the mysterious sinking of Pakistan’s PNS Ghazi and the Indian Navy’s tactical response.
Tense, atmospheric, and strategy-driven, the film stands out for focusing on intelligence, restraint, and psychological warfare rather than conventional action, offering a fresh perspective on India’s military storytelling.
Kesari
Based on the historic Battle of Saragarhi (1897), Kesari recounts the extraordinary stand of 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army who fought against thousands of invaders.
The film celebrates courage against impossible odds, leaning into emotion, sacrifice, and martial pride. While dramatic in presentation, its core remains a tribute to one of the most remarkable last stands in military history.
Why Indian War Films Continue To Resonate On OTT
What makes these war dramas enduring is not just their scale or patriotism, but their human stories. They explore fear, brotherhood, duty, and moral choice — themes that remain relevant regardless of time or platform.
OTT platforms have also allowed viewers to revisit large-scale epics and discover nuanced military stories that might have been missed during their theatrical runs.
Jay-Ho Now
From the icy heights of Kargil to the silent depths of the ocean, Indian war dramas on OTT offer gripping, emotional, and often inspiring viewing experiences. Whether rooted in real-life heroism or dramatic interpretation, these films stand as reminders of the sacrifices that define a nation’s history.
