Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who will play the role of Kargil hero Vikram Batra in the upcoming film Shershaah, says he is fortunate to have been chosen to play the real hero on screen.
The biographical war drama, directed by the well-known southern film director Vishnu Varadhan, tells the life story of Captain Vikram Batra and how he led the attack of his troops during the Kargil War in 1999. He was posthumously awarded the highest award for war gallantry, Param Vir Chakra.
In the film, Sidharth will star in the double role of Captain Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal Batra.
“This day is extremely emotional for me. We started this journey five years ago with Vishal Batra ji. This is my first film in which I portrayed the life of a real hero. ‘Shershaah’ was an experience greater than a film.” “Said Sidharth on Sunday at the trailer launch event for the film at the National Horse Polo Ground here in the city of Drass on the eve of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“I want to thank the Indian Army … This story is about real heroes like you. And I’m lucky that I got to play him,” added the 36-year-old actor.
In Shershaah, which takes its title from the martyr’s code name, Kiara Advani also plays the leading role.
Kiara, who plays Dimple Cheema – Captain Vikram Batra’s romantic interest in the film, said working on the film changed her on a personal level.
“Some films change you professionally, but some change you personally. Shershaah is that movie to me. Thanks to the Batra family, Dimple and everyone who made this possible. I will be forever grateful to you. We can’t wait to share this with the world, “she said.
The 28-year-old actress also thanked the Indian army.
“I’m pretty nervous right now because this is my first time in front of the Indian army. No words would justify the gratitude we all have in our hearts for each of you. I would like to thank the families here too. We welcome you for your support, prayers and for being true pillars of strength for men and women in uniform, “she added.
Director Vishnu Varadhan, who makes his directorial debut in Hindi cinema with Shershaah, is credited with successful Tamil films such as Arinthum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal and Billa, among others.
Directing a film inspired by the life of Captain Batra was “a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Vishnu Varadhan.
“Aside from reading and knowing him (Captain Batra), it was the experience of meeting the people, all the officers, who fought for him,” he said.
The director said the team tried to stay true to the events of the 1999 war.
“We never thought we would film in Kargil. We imagined what it would have been like during the war. Every time we shot we could see everything come to life. What we shot at these heights is nothing compared to what the Indian Army achieved at the time. So we tried to put everything we could on the screen, “he added.
Shershaah is set to appear on Amazon Prime Video on August 12th. The film is being produced jointly by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment.
Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India, said when Dharma Productions approached him to post it on the streaming platform it was an instant yes from their team.
“Dharma Productions and I have a warm relationship and when they asked us about this film, we immediately accepted. It’s a unique experience, ”said Subramanian, adding that the film will be released in more than 200 countries.
It was producer Shabbir Boxwala who first found out about Captain Vikram Batra and reached out to his family to make a film about him.
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“At the first meeting they agreed to give the rights of (the life of) Vikram Batra and that was the happiest day of my life. You are now part of the family. The support of the Indian army and his family was very important.” and unconditionally, “added Boxwala.
The presentation of the trailer was also attended by the chief of the defense staff, General Bipin Rawat, the commander of the Northern Army, Lieutenant General YK Joshi, the filmmakers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and the family members of Kargil war veterans, several soldiers and officers.
Before the event, the heroes of the Kargil War were welcomed by army personnel and a group of school children to popular patriotic songs like Chak De! India, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon, Teri Mitti and Ae Watan.
Shershaah also plays Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra.
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