NEW DELHI: As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to capture international attention, it serves as a stark reminder of the real-world implications of terrorism and terror attacks. Over the years, both Hollywood and Bollywood have explored this complex issue through the lens of cinema, creating thought-provoking and gripping films that shed light on the consequences of terrorism. Here, we take a look at some notable films from both industries that have tackled this challenging subject matter.

Munich (2005)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Munich” is a gripping drama that tells the story of the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack. The film explores the covert mission of an Israeli intelligence team tasked with tracking down and assassinating those responsible for the attack. It delves into the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices made in the name of justice.

New York (2009)

Bollywood has also ventured into the realm of terrorism with films like “New York.” Directed by Kabir Khan, this film explores the lives of three friends who become entangled in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It portrays the racial profiling and the impact of counter-terrorism measures on innocent lives.

3. The Kerala Story (2022)

The plot of “The Kerala Story” revolves around a Hindu woman from Kerala, portrayed by Adah Sharma, who undergoes indoctrination to convert to Islam and is subsequently sent to Syria where she is compelled to join the ISIS terrorist group and subjected to torture. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film created several controversies after the release of its trailer earlier this year.

4. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty” takes audiences inside the intense hunt for Osama bin Laden. The film offers a detailed account of the decade-long search and the covert operations leading to his capture and eventual death. It raises questions about the ethics of torture and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice.

5. Kurbaan (2009)

In “Kurbaan,” a Bollywood thriller directed by Rensil D’Silva, a love story unfolds against the backdrop of global terrorism. The film delves into the complexities of religious extremism and how it impacts people and relationships.

6. Phantom (2015)

Directed by Kabir Khan, “Phantom” is based on the novel “Mumbai Avengers” by Hussain Zaidi. The film follows a retired army officer on a mission to eliminate those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

7. United 93 (2006)

Directed by Paul Greengrass, this gripping drama recounts the tragic events of United Airlines Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked during the September 11 attacks. The film captures the passengers’ brave attempt to regain control of the aircraft, ultimately preventing further devastation.

8. Hotel Mumbai (2018)

Based on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, this film depicts the harrowing events inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel during the terrorist siege. Dev Patel and Armie Hammer lead the cast.

9. The Kingdom (2007)

Directed by Peter Berg, this action thriller stars Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, and Jennifer Garner. It follows an FBI team as they investigate a terrorist attack on an American facility in Saudi Arabia. The film delves into the complex relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia in the context of terrorism.

10. Paradise Now (2005)

Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, this Palestinian film tells the story of two friends who are recruited as suicide bombers. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the motivations and experiences of people involved in acts of terrorism.

11. Carlos (2010)

Directed by Olivier Assayas, this biographical miniseries follows the life of Venezuelan terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, known as Carlos the Jackal. The series explores his involvement in various international terrorist activities during the 1970s and 1980s.

12. Omar (2013)

Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, “Omar” is a thriller that centres on a young Palestinian man who becomes entangled in the activities of a terrorist group. The film delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the complex dynamics in the Palestinian territories.

13. No Man’s Land (2001)

Directed by Danis Tanović, this dark comedy-drama explores the absurdity of war and conflict. The film follows two soldiers—one Bosniak and one Serb—trapped in a trench between enemy lines during the Bosnian War. It highlights the futility and tragic consequences of violence.

14. The Attack (2012)

Directed by Ziad Doueiri, this drama is based on the novel by Yasmina Khadra. It tells the story of a successful Arab surgeon living in Tel Aviv who is shocked to discover that his wife may have been involved in a suicide bombing. The film explores identity, radicalisation, and the impact of terrorism on people and communities.

15. URI: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Directed by Aditya Dhar, this Bollywood film is based on the true events of the 2016 Uri attack in India. It follows the Indian army’s retaliatory surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead and is known for its patriotic themes.

16. Raazi (2018)

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, “Raazi” is a spy thriller based on the novel “Calling Sehmat” by Harinder Sikka. The film stars Alia Bhatt as a young Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to serve as an undercover spy during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

17. Caliphate (2020)

A Swedish thriller series created by Wilhelm Behrman, “Caliphate” explores the lives of those involved in or affected by terrorism. It focuses on a young woman’s radicalisation and her involvement with ISIS. The series delves into themes of extremism and its impact.

18. Shershaah (2021)

Directed by Vishnuvardhan, “Shershaah” is a biographical war film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, a hero of the Kargil War. Sidharth Malhotra portrays Captain Batra and the film showcases his bravery and sacrifice during the conflict.

19. Neerja (2016)

Directed by Ram Madhvani, “Neerja” is a biographical thriller based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who saved passengers during a hijacking in 1986. Sonam Kapoor plays the titular role, and the film is a tribute to her courage.

20. Omerta (2017)

Directed by Hansal Mehta, “Omerta” is a crime drama that delves into the life of British-Pakistani terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. Rajkummar Rao plays the lead role, and the film explores the psychology of terrorism and its global impact.

Bonus:

21. You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008)

“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” is a light-hearted comedy that uses humour to address serious topics, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in a playful and exaggerated manner. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it has found an audience appreciative of its offbeat humour and Adam Sandler’s comedic antics.

These films, whether from Hollywood or Bollywood, provide a platform for viewers to reflect on the impact of terrorism and the resilience of brave people in the face of such violence. While they offer fictionalised narratives, they draw inspiration from real-world events and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism worldwide. As the Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds, these films underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of such conflicts and finding peaceful resolutions to ensure a secure and harmonious future for all.