Shershaah starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani is all set to release on Amazon Prime Video on August 12. The film is based on the life of Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra. Sidharth, Kiara and director Vishnu Varadhan speak to IndiaToday.in about Shershaah, Captain Batra, and overall, the valour of the Indian Army.

It’s not every day that you have the magnificent Tiger Hill as your backdrop for a celebrity interview. In the post-Covid world, it’s mostly Zoom backgrounds (you can get the Tiger Hill there too, perhaps, but you know what we’re talking about). So, when Team Shershaah decided to spring this very special surprise on us, we didn’t think twice. India Today was at Drass in Kargil on the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas to see the trailer launch. But it wasn’t the trailer that took our breath away. It was the knowledge that, in CDS General Bipin Rawat’s words, the ground where we were celebrating a trailer launch, was possible because people like Captain Vikram Batra sacrificed their lives for us.

So, we sat down with actors Sidharth Malhotra, who plays Captain Vikram Batra in the latter’s biopic Shershaah, and Kiara Advani, who plays Dimple Cheema, Vikram’s girlfriend; and director Vishnu Varadhan to discuss the movie, the Kargil War, Captain Batra’s family, and overall, the courage and valour of the Indian Army.

What was it like, wearing the Indian Army uniform, we ask Sidharth Malhotra.

“Oh, it was an amazing feeling. I can challenge any of the boys here that the moment you wear the Indian Army uniform, your body language changes, your persona changes, and that is because we have such a strong impression of the Indian Army in our head; of the decorum, of the personality, of what they represent. That was all the days that we shot wearing the uniform. But beyond that, just to get into the headspace of a real war hero, an actual hero who fought for the country and who didn’t just say these words and dialogues and he really meant it, and he really gave his life for this. It was an amazing experience. I’ve been extremely attached to this film and this character because of that. He is someone who has inspired me as well, because Vikram Batra overcame fear. He overcame the biggest fear or just fear in general that we all have, of just doing things. He broke that, that obstacle with so much confidence and such heart and such style that we have memorable lines of him saying, ‘Ye dil maange more, Sir’,” says Sidharth.

We talk about the catchphrase: ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ and Sidharth tells us how Captain Vikram Batra was completely ‘skewed to the commercial movies and songs, and he was so influenced by the pop culture then’.

But just to imagine his mindset… sitting in one of these hilltops, completely tired or battered or bruised after a mission, and then saying to his senior, ‘Yeh dil maange more, Sir’ is an amazing high, and he’s an amazing personality, and that’s the reason we’re here today,” says Sidharth.

Captain Vikram Batra was a completely filmi person, from what his father, mother, or Dimple remembers; so, there was a Bollywood movie waiting to be made on him. How did director Vishnu Varadhan decide to make a movie on the story? Varadhan, who is making his Bollywood debut with Shershaah, tells us ‘honestly’ that he was not ‘supposed to be on the project’.

“That’s how things happen, you know… Some of the best things happen like that; they come to you when you’re not going after them, or when you don’t think about them. So, Sandeep Srivastava, who is the writer, was writing another feature film for me. So, we were discussing that film when Shershaah came to him. He wanted a director’s perspective, so he was talking to me. The more and more I got to know about Captain Vikram Batra, the more interested I became in his story,” says director Vishnu Varadhan.

We move to Dimple Cheema, the most intriguing person in the story of Captain Vikram Batra. Now Dimple is a person who is extremely media-shy. She chose to stay away from the limelight. She chose to not marry anyone after the death of Captain Batra. And all these years, she has led a life surrounded by the memories of Vikram, as Captain Batra’s father GL Batra puts it in his book on the Shershah of Kargil.

So, what did Kiara have to go through, while playing a person like Dimple?

“I, fortunately, got to meet Dimple, and kept asking myself, ‘did this really happen?!’ When I heard her re-living all those moments with Vikram, it was like… goosebumps. It was too good to be true. It’s amazing just to know a person like her; to know how strong she is. And it is so lovely, endearing to meet someone like her. Someone you are so intrigued by. Even I was so intrigued by her. I’d heard she was very media-shy; I knew she didn’t want to give any interviews. She didn’t want the limelight. A lot of respect to her for taking that time out, and I’m sure she did it for her love for Vikram Batra. She knew this film was being made and she took her time out to lend her side of the story. Just to see the kind of sacrifices made by the people behind the Indian Army officers… we don’t always get to see those sacrifices, and through her, I just felt that it was such a big sacrifice. You just feel proud that your man is going out there and he has got this passion, and also to kind of put yourself second and be like, ‘but I love him’. And she had her own set of hurdles, and to just overcome all of that speaks volumes about her,” says Kiara.

Sidharth and Kiara’s fans are obviously waiting with bated breath to see their chemistry on screen. There are all the link-up rumours, after all. We prod on, whether we will get to see a film on Dimple’s story, and director Vishnu Varadhan tells us that they were just grateful to Dimple for sharing her side of the Vikram Batra story. “We’re just thankful to her for sharing her story. Had she not, this would have just been a fictional tale!” says Vishnu.

Vikram Batra’s is a story that has been out in public since the Kargil War. So, what is it that Shershaah is doing?

Director Vishnu says, “It’s purely history being translated, you know. We will give you what actually happened. Unlike a game of Chinese Whispers. He was multi-faceted. We spoke to multiple people and all of them said different things about him. Now, we bring all of that together and show you what Vikram Batra was.”

Sidharth Malhotra got emotional at the trailer launch of Shershaah in Drass. The film is directed by Vishnu Varadhan.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who will be seen playing the role of Kargil hero Vikram Batra in the upcoming film Shershaah, says he is fortunate to have been chosen to play the real-life hero on-screen.

The biographical war drama, directed by noted South film director Vishnu Varadhan, narrates the life story of Captain Vikram Batra and how he led the charge of his troops during the 1999 Kargil War. He was given the highest wartime gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

In the film, Sidharth will be seen 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 where I have portrayed the life of a real-life hero. ‘Shershaah’ has been an experience bigger than a film,” Sidharth said Sunday at the trailer launch event of the film at the National Horse Polo Ground here in Drass town on the eve of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas.

“I would like to thank the Indian Army… This story is about true, real-life heroes like you. And I consider myself lucky that I got to play him,” the 36-year-old actor added.

Kiara, who plays Dimple Cheema – the romantic interest of Captain Vikram Batra in the film, said working on the film transformed her on a personal level.

“Some films change you professionally, but there are some that change you personally. Shershaah is that film for me. Thank you to the Batra family, Dimple and everyone who made this possible for us. I will forever be grateful. We can’t wait to share this with the world,” she said.

The 28-year-old actor also expressed her gratitude towards the Indian Army.

“I am quite nervous right now because I am standing in front of the Indian Army for the first time. No amount of words would justify the gratitude we all have in it hearts for each of you. I would also like to thank the families here. We salute 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 making successful Tamil movies like Arinthum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal, and Billa, among others.
Directing a film inspired by the life of Captain Batra was “once in a lifetime opportunity” for him, Vishnu Varadhan said.

“Apart from reading and knowing about him (Captain Batra), it was the experience of meeting the people, all the officers, who fought by him,” he said.

The director said the team has tried to stay true to the events of the 1999 war.

“We never thought we would shoot in Kargil. We would imagine how it would have been during the war. Every time we would shoot, we could see it all coming alive. What we filmed on those heights is nothing compared to what the Indian Army achieved at that time. So, we have tried to bring everything possible on screen,” he added.

Shershaah is scheduled to be released on August 12 on Amazon Prime Video. The film is jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment.

Vijay Subramaniam, director and head, content, Amazon Prime Video, India, said when Dharma Productions approached him to release it on the streaming platform, it was an instant yes from their team.

“Dharma Productions and I share a warm relationship and when they asked us about this film, we instantly said yes. It is a unique experience,” Subramanian said, adding the film will have a wider release in more than 200 countries.
It was producer Shabbir Boxwala, who first learnt about Captain Vikram Batra and approached his family to make a film on him.

Also read: Swara Bhasker reacts to meme calling Manika Batra ‘more beautiful’ than ‘woke actors’ like her, Taapsee Pannu

“In the first meeting, they agreed to give the rights of (the life of) Vikram Batra and that was the happiest day of my life. They are part of the family now. The support of the Indian Army and his family was very essential and unconditional,” Boxwala added.

The trailer launch was also attended by chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi, filmmakers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and the family members of Kargil war veterans, several soldiers and officers.

Before the event, homage was paid to the heroes of the Kargil war by army personnel and a group of school children, who sang popular patriotic songs like Chak De! India, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon, Teri Mitti and Ae Watan.

Shershaah also stars Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra.

Kriti Sanon shared a BTS video of Param Sundari song from her upcoming film Mimi. The actress can be seen going gaga over having AR Rahman’s music in her film for the first time.

Kriti Sanon is gearing up for the release of her comedy-drama film, Mimi. The actress has been posting photos and videos from the film’s making on social media. Recently, she shared a sneak peek into the filming of her dance number titled Param Sundari in Mimi. Kriti can be seen gushing over having AR Rahman’s music in one of her films for the first time.
KRITI SANON POSTS VIDEO ON THE MAKING OF PARAM SUNDARI

Param Sundari is an energetic dance track and Kriti Sanon has performed her incredible moves in its video. However, the actress revealed she was scared as the beats were fast. She revealed so in the BTS video of Param Sundari. Kriti also called AR Rahman the ‘god of music’ and talked about her excitement on having him compose the music for her song. Pankaj Tripathi, who plays an important role in Mimi, also talked about how his dream of having AR Rahman’s music in one of his films came true.

Kriti Sanon is happy with how Param Sundari has turned out. She said in the video, “It’s looking beautiful. It has got a very catchy tune. Bada gaana hai (It’s a big song).

She captioned the video, “Param Sundari Behind The Scenes Param Sundari has already captured your hearts now get a sneak peek at what went behind the scenes! Exclusive world premiere 30th July.

ALL ABOUT MIMI

Mimi is directed by Laxman Utekar and inspired by the Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy. Kriti Sanon plays the titular role. She dreams of becoming an actress, but, she ends up becoming a surrogate mother, which completely changes her life. Kriti Sanon put on 15 kg for her role in Mimi and shared her ‘Mimi to mummy’ journey with her fans through a video. The film’s cast also features Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Tripathi and Manoj Pahwa.

Ajay Devgn plays an Indian Air Force officer in Bhuj: The Pride of India. The film is based on the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

The trailer of Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India is out. The film, which is based on the Indo-Pak War of 1971, is set to release on Disney+Hotstar on August 13. As expected, the trailer is full of several patriotic moments that will give you goosebumps. Ajay Devgn, in the role of Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, ignites a feeling of patriotism with his powerful dialogues and action.
BHUJ: THE PRIDE OF INDIA TRAILER OUT

The trailer of Bhuj: The Pride of India is high on patriotism. The trailer gives a glimpse of the action and the powerful dialogues the actors will mouth in the film. Ajay Devgn plays IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, who was in charge of the Bhuj airport at the time of the war. The film details how the officer saved the area from the Pakistani army by re-constructing an entire IAF airbase along with the help of 300 women from a local village in Madhapar.

Apart from Ajay Devgn, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Ammy Virk, Nora Fatehi and Sharad Kelkar in pivotal roles.

AJAY DEVGN ON HIS ROLE IN BHUJ: THE PRIDE OF INDIA

Ajay Devgn, who is donning the Indian Air Force uniform for the first time as Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik in Bhuj: The Pride of India, talked about his character in the film in a virtual press conference last year. He said, “Bhuj is a true story based on real life characters. I am playing a Squadron Leader. It is a big scale film. The story revolves around how a handful of people stop the Pakistani army when the Indian army cannot reach them in time.

Directed by Abhishek Dudhaiy, Bhuj: The Pride of India will premiere on Disney+Hotstar on August 13.

Kriti Sanon’s Mimi trailer is filled with many rib-tickling moments and at the same time it will make you cry. The actress looks promising as a surrogate mother in the trailer.

The trailer of Kriti Sanon-starrer Mimi is out. The actress is seen playing the role of a surrogate mother in the Laxman Utekar directorial venture. Mimi will premiere on Netflix and Jio Cinema on July 30. Besides Kriti, Mimi stars Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles. Earlier, Kriti shared a teaser of the film to get her fans excited for her next.

KRITI SANON BECOMES SURROGATE MOTHER IN MIMI

After releasing the teaser of Mimi, Kriti Sanon today (July 13) shared the trailer of her upcoming film. In the film, the actress will be seen in a new avatar. She is playing the role of a surrogate mother. Pankaj Tripathi is playing an agent who comes to Kriti with the offer of surrogacy for a foreigner couple. While the trailer starts on a comic note, it soon gets intense when the couple ask Mimi to abort the child. The trailer promises that Mimi is going to be high on emotional quotient.

Sharing the trailer, Kriti wrote, “#Mimi expected everything, except for this unexpected journey! Watch the glimpse of her unexpected story with your family. #MimiTrailer out now (sic).

ABOUT MIMI

According to the makers, Mimi has an unusual story by Bollywood standards. It casts Kriti Sanon as a young surrogate mother. Talking about the film, the actress had earlier told IANS, “I am very excited. It’s based on the subject of surrogacy but actually it’s the story of this young girl who wants to be an actor. She’s a dancer in Mandawa and she ends up being a surrogate for a couple. Then, the things that follow change her life and also change her as a person.

Mimi is Kriti Sanon’s second film with director Laxman Utekar. Earlier, they have worked together in Luka Chuppi, also starring Kartik Aaryan. The film was shot in Rajasthan’s Churu. Apart from Kriti, the film also has Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles.

Kriti Sanon will be seen in the role of a surrogate mother in Mimi. The film is rumoured to be released on an OTT platform soon.

Kriti Sanon took to social media to tease her fans with an update on her upcoming film Mimi. Sharing a moving poster of the film, the actress asked fans to “expect the extraordinary from the ordinary” this July. It seems, she is going to make an important announcement regarding the release of the film this month. Speculation are rife that the film might take the OTT route and premiere digitally.

HOW KRITI WISHED RANVEER SINGH A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH MIMI STILL

On July 6, Kriti Sanon wished Ranveer Singh a happy birthday with an unseen still from Laxman Utekar’s directorial venture Mimi. The actress wrote that the Gully Boy actor is her and Mimi’s favourite. In her note, she wrote, “Dear Ranveer Singh, You are Mimi’s FAVOURITE! And Mine too. Wish you a very happy birthday!! @ranveersingh From Mimi & Me #HappyBirthdayRanveerSingh #Mimi (sic).

ABOUT MIMI

Mimi has an unusual story by Bollywood standards. It casts Kriti Sanon as a young surrogate mother. Talking about the film, the actress had earlier told IANS, “I am very excited. It’s based on the subject of surrogacy but actually it’s the story of this young girl who wants to be an actor. She’s a dancer in Mandawa and she ends up being a surrogate for a couple. Then, the things that follow change her life and also change her as a person.”

Mimi is Kriti Sanon’s second film with director Laxman Utekar. Earlier, they have worked together in Luka Chuppi, also starring Kartik Aaryan. Apart from Kriti, the film also has Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Tripathi and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles.