India, June 24 -- Art truly heals, and Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga has done something to my brain chemistry. In an increasingly divisive and war-stricken world, what we consume becomes food for thought. And in 2026, what we are mostly consuming is a barrage of misinformation, disguised as quick dopamine hits, altered to please the algorithm Gods and with a side of hysteria peddled endlessly. But here's a film that has given an opportunity to not look away, but tackle the politics of hate with love, longing and belonging. As an outlet of grief and pain, as old as the ghosts of partition. Starring Sharvari, Vedang Raina, Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah, the film is the talk of the town for all the right reasons.
A lot has been spoken about writer and director Imtiaz Ali's politics, but nothing changes the fact that the film's politics is clear - anti-war. If you have watched the film (please visit your nearest theatre if you haven't), you know that the rioters portrayed weren't Hindu or Muslim; they were the looters from Mars. The language and the treatment make a strong case for community without glossing over or virtue signaling. And there is hope after all, because after a slow start at the box office, the film has registered 130% growth, thanks to Incredible word of mouth. Main Vaapas Aaunga is also a great marker for industry experts who are quick to dismiss a film after the first weekend.
In fact, here are more anti-war films like Main Vaapas Aaunga to help you cope with the horror that is reality.
Ikkis
Karan Johar called it a love letter to peace, and Ikkis is exactly that. Starring Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia and Jaideep Ahlawat, the biographical film directed and co-written by Sriram Raghavan, is based on the life of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal. Against the backdrop of 1971 India-Pakistan war, the film is patriotic without the jingoistic, chest-thumping nationalism. It explores themes like humanity and kindness while celebrating its hero; a huge feat for the genre that is often barbed with hate and violence. It's a shame not many people have watched it. It's streaming on Amazon Prime, in case you wan't to remedy that.
Grave of the Fireflies
No film has broken my heart and put it back together like the way Grave of the Fireflies has. A Studio Ghibli animated Japanese film written and directed by Isao Takahata, the story revolves around two orphaned siblings caught in the destructive aftermath of the Pacific war, followed by bombings by the US Army. It truly reveals the ugly face of a war-torn reality, plagued by famine, starvation, and communal unrest. And especially, the adverse effects it can have on children. You can watch it on Netflix.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
The first movie that left me disturbed for days. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is not an easy watch. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the film tells us the story of a small boy, the son of an officer with the regime, and his unlikely friendship with a little Jewish prisoner from the camp. He actually sees the camp from his bedroom window but is under the impression that it's a farm; it is things like these that leave an impact. Although the cruel fate awaits, even in the known, the film stands out for its treatment. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is streaming on Netflix India.
Adrishya Jalakangal
Tovino Thomas' Adrishya Jalakangal (Invisible Windows) is a Malayalam-language anti-war film written and directed by Dr. Biju. Another underrated, seemingly arthouse film with power-packed performances by the cast including Nimisha Sajayan, that went under the radar. The unique and surrealist story tells us about a man who can talk to the dead. He is a morgue watchman and lives in an abandoned railway wagon, all set as a part of a dystopian world that is full of magical realism and conflict courtesy of a looming war. The music by Ricky Kej is also a selling point. If you're lucky, you will find it on YouTube.
The Wind Rises
Another Japanese animated Studio Ghibli masterpiece, The Wind Rises is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and is based on his 2009 manga of the same name. It was supposed to be Miyazaki san's swan song, before he decided to make The Boy and the Heron, and it's equally commendable. Revolving around the life of Japanese aeronautical engineer Jiro Horikoshi, who designed Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter planes during World War II, the highly acclaimed movie is essentially about dreams and the pursuit of the same. A must-watch that is available on Netflix.