Sidharth Malhotra, who will play Kargil hero Vikram Batra in the forthcoming film Shershaah, says he considers himself lucky to have been picked to play the real-life hero in cinema.
The biographical war movie, directed by famous South cinema filmmaker Vishnu Varadhan, tells the tale of Captain Vikram Batra and how he led his men into battle during the Kargil War in 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime bravery honor.
Sidharth will portray Captain Vikram Batra as well as his twin brother Vishal Batra in the film.
“This is a really emotional day for me. With Vishal Batra Ji, we began this adventure five years ago. This is the first time I’ve played a real-life hero in a film. ‘Shershaah’ was more than a movie; it was an experience “On the eve of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas, Sidharth remarked during the trailer releasing ceremony for the film at the National Horse Polo Ground in Drass town.
“I’d want to express my gratitude to the Indian Army… This is a narrative about genuine, everyday heroes like you. And I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to portray him “The 36-year-old actor went on to say more.
Kiara Advani also appears in Shershaah, which takes its title from the martyr’s codename.
Kiara, who portrays Dimple Cheema, Captain Vikram Batra’s romantic interest in the film, claimed that working on it changed her on a personal level.
“Some films have a professional impact, while others have a personal impact. For me, Shershaah is that film. Thank you to the Batra family, Dimple, and everyone else who helped us make this happen. I will be eternally thankful. We are ecstatic to share this with the rest of the globe “she stated.
The actress, who is 28 years old, also conveyed her appreciation to the Indian Army.
“I’m a little anxious right now since this is my first time in front of the Indian Army. There are no words that can adequately express our thanks for every one of you. I’d also want to express my gratitude to the families that are present. We thank you for your prayers, support, and for being genuine pillars of strength for our military men and women “she continued.
Vishnu Varadhan, who makes his Hindi directorial debut with Shershaah, is known for popular Tamil films such as Arinthum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal, and Billa others.
Vishnu Varadhan described directing a film based on Captain Batra’s life as a “once in a lifetime chance.”
“It was the experience of seeing the individuals, all the officers, who battled by him,” he added, “apart from reading and knowing about him (Captain Batra).”
The director said the team has tried to stay true to the events of the 1999 war.
“We never imagined we’d be shooting in Kargil. We imagined how things could have been throughout the conflict. We could see it all come to life every time we shot. What we captured on those peaks pales in comparison to what the Indian Army accomplished at the time. As a result, we’ve attempted to provide as much information as possible on the screen “Added he.
