The timing could not have been more auspicious. There’s something about Republic Day and Independence Day that makes every Indian’s heart beat with a strong patriotic rhythm. Especially when we see the tricolor hoisted and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is in the air. That same stirring emotion was in play across the country and felt by audiences at every show of Bollywood’s new release ‘Sky Force’ yesterday and today.

It is amazing, in just 128 minutes of mind-blowing action depicting a blazing aerial dogfight by the Air Forces of India and Pakistan in the 1965 war, filmmakers Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani have managed to bring out the patriot in every Indian. And thanks for this largely goes to the two actors who played fighter pilots in the Jio Studios-Maddox Films actioner that is making box office tills ring.

Yes, Bollywood’s old warhorse Akshay Kumar and debutant Veer Pahariya carry the film on their shoulders and walk away with the glory. Sadly, Veer’s character does not live to see the day because he plays Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya of the Indian Air Force whose daredevilry in the sky resulted in him defeating the enemy but getting martyred in the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

Veer’s performance is being hailed by critics and fans. But if there is one truth that working in ‘Sky Force’ has taught him, it is about patriotism. As a youth of today, the young actor says, “Patriotism isn’t loud. It’s not about hashtags or chest-thumping. It’s about responsibility, it’s about being informed, empathetic, and ready to contribute, whether that’s in your job, community or personal sphere.” True, and spoken like a hero.