That may also explain why patriotic cinema continues to attract some of Bollywood's biggest names. Akshay Kumar has repeatedly explored stories inspired by India's armed forces, scientists and unsung heroes. Salman Khan has reflected the nation's journey through films such as Bharat. Aamir Khan, whose productions have often gravitated towards socially relevant storytelling, has now backed Batwara 1947.

The genre has evolved beyond military dramas into a broad canvas that accommodates historical epics, courtroom dramas, biographical films and stories inspired by real events.

For Santoshi, however, labels have never mattered as much as honesty.

"As a filmmaker, I try to be honest with the subject I pick up and choose."

That creative philosophy has arguably kept his films relevant across generations. While the settings have changed, the emotional questions they ask have remained remarkably consistent. What does justice look like? What is courage? What are we willing to sacrifice for those we love? Those questions resonate whether the backdrop is a courtroom, a village, a battlefield or a nation in transition.

As our conversation draws to a close, I ask both Deol and Santoshi what Independence means to them today.

For Santoshi, the answer lies in freedom of expression and collective responsibility.

"Independence means you can express your thoughts, your ideas freely without any fear," he says. "Together, sharing the ideas with every Indian... to work on the development of the country."

Deol pauses before answering.

"Thousands and thousands of people gave their lives to get us this independence," he says. "Now when I see the way society is developing, it's a question everyone should ask. Do we deserve it? Are we doing something for which those people sacrificed? Are we worth it?"

It is a striking way to end a conversation that began with a film and gradually expanded into something much larger.

Patriotic cinema may have become one of Bollywood's most enduring and commercially successful genres, but its finest stories have always asked audiences to look inward as much as outward.

Perhaps that is why these films continue to resonate long after the Independence Day celebrations are over. In an industry constantly searching for the next big trend, patriotic cinema has quietly established itself as a storytelling tradition because it continues to ask timeless questions about identity, justice, humanity and the responsibilities that come with freedom.

And maybe no question captures that better than the one Sunny Deol leaves hanging in the air as our interview comes to an end.

"Do we deserve it?"