Ria Sharma

In the grand halls of Indian cinema, if there was ever a face synonymous with patriotism, it was Manoj Kumar, fondly dubbed Bharat Kumar by fans. From Shaheed, Upkar and Kranti to Purab Aur Paschim, he wore his nationalism on his sleeve, shaping a generation’s cinematic understanding of what it meant to love one’s country.

Decades later, we’re witnessing a strikingly similar arc with Akshay Kumar, an actor who, while starting his career with action and comedy, has carved a powerful niche in the genre of nationalist and patriotic cinema. But is Akshay really the new-age Manoj Kumar? All signs point to a compelling ‘YES’.

The patriotic portfolio

Over the last decade, Akshay’s film choices have echoed the same intent and impact that Manoj Kumar’s films once had - uplifting the nation’s pride, narrating forgotten chapters of Indian history, and paying tribute to unsung heroes.

While Akshay dabbled in patriotic themes early in his career with films like Sainik (1993), it was Namastey London (2007), alongside Katrina Kaif, that truly laid the foundation for his on-screen nationalism. Since then, he has emerged as the go-to actor for films that carry even a hint of patriotic sentiment.

Akshay’s brand of patriotism isn’t an accident - it’s a conscious choice. While other Bollywood actors have also flirted with nationalism, Akshay has built an entire sub-genre around it. His off-screen persona also mirrors this: a tax-paying, army-supporting, social-issue-raising public figure.

Some might argue that this alignment with nationalism also serves as smart positioning in today’s politically charged cinema landscape. And while critics question if the line between storytelling and propaganda is blurring, audiences continue to respond positively as films like Kesari (2019) and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) weren’t just critical successes but box-office hits too.

However, it may be mentioned that not all his films catering to this theme have been successful. Examples include Bell Bottom (2021), Mission Raniganj (2023), Sarfira (2024), and Samrat Prithviraj (2022).

He’s set to play advocate C Sankaran Nair, who challenged the British Empire in court following the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. It remains to be seen whether Akshay will leave a lasting impact with this powerful role, or if the film will struggle to connect with audiences like some of his recent outings.

The Manoj Kumar parallel

Going by his films, Manoj Kumar’s patriotism was poetic and often metaphorical. Akshay’s is modern and mission-based, however, the essence remains the same: Both actors are storytellers of India’s soul. Where Manoj sang Mere Desh Ki Dharti, Akshay delivers impassioned monologues about sacrifice and nation-building. Where Manoj Kumar inspired post-Independence idealism, Akshay stirs up modern nationalism, one fit for 21st-century India.

Their films may differ in style and tone - Manoj Kumar’s often idealistic, Akshay’s more grounded and action-driven, but their purpose aligns: cinema as a vehicle of national pride. In an industry increasingly driven by spectacle and fantasy, Akshay’s nationalist roles offer a blend of purpose and populism. Like Manoj Kumar before him, he’s not just playing a character but embodying a sentiment.

So, is Akshay Kumar the Manoj Kumar of this era? Yes, but updated for the Instagram generation, with better stunts and sharper suits. And like Manoj Kumar once did, Akshay has made patriotism not just relevant but cinematic again. In fact, Manoj Kumar had once himself called Akshay his ‘true successor’.