Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the perfect example of evolution of nationalism in Hindi film industry as well as in the audience's dictionary.
In 2016, Akshay Kumar's Airlift brought back the feeling of pride in the minds of audience. The film infused the sense patriotism in people who have forgotten what it felt like to be connected with a nation. The film was about an evacuation operation held in early 90's by the Indian government and made us feel proud to be associated with a country that carried one of the biggest rescue operation of all times.
People no longer relate themselves with ‘Us vs Them’ divide. The problem of the world is now bigger than a boundary divide or past wars. So does that mean the film industry has forgotten the sacrifices done by our forefathers during the freedom movement or the bloodshed of the forces while defending the boundaries? Probably not.
Today's films live in the glory of those victories. Lateral patriotism has taken over the true blue feeling of nationalism. The so called patriotic film might not have a protagonist ready to sacrifice every drop of blood for the nation or recite a Kaifi Azmi verse but will present the new age India on global platform readily.
The society has changed and with the interpretation of patriotism has also shifted- much like our films.
Hindi film industry has always played a key role in defining and designing the feeling of nationality in people's mind and it continues to do so. The meaning of nationality keeps on changing but the idea of nation remains same.