Zee Classic to premiere Chetan Anand's war epic Haqeeqat on the occasion of 71st Independence Day

A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature

Haqeeqat, Directed by Chetan Anand


Zee Classic, committed to promoting the classics of Indian cinema, is set to premiere Haqeeqat, the Chetan Anand classic based on the 1962 Sino-Indian War, on coming Independence Day at 8:30 AM. As we are aware, India would be celebrating its 71st Independence Day on August 15, 2017. Naturally the day holds a special place in the history, for it was on this day in the year 1947 that India finally became an independent country after years of British oppression. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his iconic ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech on the occasion. The day is a celebrated as a national holiday as a mark of pride and patriotism. The day begins with the prime minister unfurling the Indian National Tricolor followed by an address to the nation. It’s a perfect day to remember the sacrifices made by our heroes. It’s difficult to think of a better movie than Haqeeqat to be screened on this occasion. Zee Classic certainly needs to be commended for its choice of film.


If we look at the history of Hindi cinema we would come across names of many a great filmmaker who made an indelible contribution to the art of motion picture. One major name that often goes unnoticed is that of Chetan Anand—the elder brother of Dev and Vijay Anand. During the career spanning over four decades Chetan Anand made several memorable films. Let’s not forget that Anand’s 1946 social drama Neecha Nagar was the first Indian film to get recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the festival’s highest honor Grand Prix du Festival International du Film (Best Film) award. But if we are to choose one film in his entire body of work it would be his 1964 war film Haqeeqat, starring the likes of Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Priya Rajvansh, and Vijay Anand. One of the reasons why Haqeeqat is a special film is that it happens to be the first full-fledged war film in the history of Indian cinema. Prior to Haqeeqat, the idea of a war film didn’t really hold a proper place as a specific genre. As a matter of fact, Haqeeqat till date remains one of the best war films made in India.

Haqeeqat, Directed by Chetan Anand

Speaking of war films, we recently had Tubelight which too revolved around the 1962 war. But the plausibility factor with the movie was pretty low. But, as oppose to Tubelight, Haeeqat not only looks convincing but also feels convincing. It partly can be attributed to Chetan Anand’s visionary direction. The film revolves around a small group of Indian soldiers who are rescued by Ladakhi tribesman. Haqeekat is the story of courage and valor in the line of duty. But more importantly it is a film about the indomitable spirit of man. The film features songs by the legendary composer Madan Mohun that are based Kaifi Azmi’s lyrics.

Haqeeqat, war scene, Chetan Anand film

Haqeeqat is a film that’s as relevant today at it was back then, especially in the context of the growing tension between India and China. For, today, Sino-India relations are more delicate than ever. And so a film like Haqeeqat can be a great way of analyzing the various factors that would have led to the 1962 war in the first place. I personally cannot think of a better Independence Day treat. So if you happen to share my thoughts then make sure to tune in to Zee Classic at 8:30 AM on August 15, 2017. 

Zee Classic’s tribute to Indian Soldiers

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