Showing posts with label Major. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Major. Show all posts
‘Uri’ effect? Bollywood full of josh for military movies
8:32 AM
Wartime stories and biopics of heroes are the new favourite with filmmakers, many of whom are trying to make them more authentic with real weapons and research
Himanshi Dhawan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; January 28, 2024)
Bollywood is going to war! Well, not literally but visually. Don’t get us wrong. The staple Bollywood masala hero must still overcome insurmountable challenges, romance the girl and win in the end. But if a hero can also fly a plane, shoot enemies of the country, survive a couple of bullets, there is a better chance of box office success.
No wonder filmmakers have dusted off archival material to bring old war stories to celluloid — the 1971 war with Pakistan is a hot favourite. ‘Fighter’, starring Bollywood biggies Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone who play fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force, released this week, and there are more such military-themed movies in the pipeline.
‘Ekkis’ by director Sriram Raghavan— slated for a 2025 release — is based on the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee Lt Arun Ketrapal who lost his life during the 1971 war. Director Aanand L Rai has announced ‘Gorkha’ on Gorkha regiment’s Maj Gen Ian Cardozo and the pivotal role he played in the 1971 war, while Tamil director Rajkumar Periyasamy has begun shooting for a film on Major Mukund Varadarajan who killed three terrorists in J&K’s Shopian district and was awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously.
‘Fighter’ co-producer and filmmaker Ramon Chibb has announced a film on Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar recently. Col Kumar, who was awarded the Padma Shri, carried out multiple expeditions in the Siachen glacier area in the late 1970s and early 1980s which laid the basis for the Army’s success in Operation Meghdoot.
Last year, there were three Bollywood films on the armed forces, including the Sam Bahadur biopic starring Vicky Kaushal, and ‘Pippa’ that was released on OTT featuring Ishaan Khatter and ‘Tejas’ that showcased Kangana Ranaut as a woman fighter pilot helming a military spy operation. The first two received critical acclaim for their portrayal of the military. ‘Major’m based on NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was released in 2022.
Military historian AVM Arjun Subramaniam says military movies have been an influential genre in the West that India is catching up to. “Indian filmmakers had it tough in terms of authentic research and access to material and people. Now, there are more sources of information, more books, and more articulate officers. Also, the defence establishment has realised that this is an effective form of outreach to show how the military that embodies the values of inclusiveness, secularism and multiculturalism has contributed to democracy.”
Subramaniam, who was advisor for ‘Sam Bahadur’, says it is amongst the few military biopic made after Independence and a good indicator of how nascent the genre is in India.
Many took their cue from the resounding success of ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ in 2019. “How’s the josh?” a dialogue by Vicky Kaushal’s character captured the public imagination. In 2021, ‘Shershaah’, based on Captain Vikram Batra who lost his life during the 1999 Kargil war, was also a success. ‘LOC Kargil’, ‘Lakshya’ and ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ have been some of the other films on the subject.
Chibb, who wrote the story for ‘Fighter’ besides co-producing it, says that there is a marked change in how Bollywood approaches the subject. For starters, it’s ditching the earlier clichés of bandook and badi mooch. “Filmmakers are more sensitive to historical facts and are veering towards realism whether it is action, operational details or equipment. Earlier, there were times when the film would carry the wrong medals, uniform and weaponry,” he says.
Cringe-worthy scenes like an army officer wearing police medals, or a 25 or 26-year-old being portrayed at a senior position like a Lt General that takes 25 years of service come to mind. Chibb says ‘Fighter’, which has extensive aerial manoeuvres and authentic weaponry and equipment, will hopefully show the way.
Chibb says that he would watch Hollywood films like ‘Guns of Navarone’ and ‘Top Gun’ and find that ‘cool’ quotient missing in Bollywood films. He singles out ‘Vijeta’ (1982) and ‘Prahar’ (1991) as exceptions and close to authentic. “The industry has realized that military stories lend themselves to the screen: they have action, mystery and drama. When big stars are willing to play the characters, it makes a huge difference. It raises awareness about the military and increases recruitment,” he says.
After the controversy sparked by the release of ‘Gunjan Saxena’, where the military felt that facts had been distorted to show the air force as gender biased, it mandated that scripts would be cleared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI). ADGPI can also recommend defence consultants for projects.
“The military has also opened access to cantonment areas, equipment and even using real soldiers that adds authenticity to the film,” says Major Sandeep Sangwan who was a defence consultant for ‘Pippa’. The movie was shot at the Armoured Corps School and Centre in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. In ‘Sam Bahadur’, Kaushal was allowed access to not only Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw’s car but also his driver for the film scenes.
Filmmakers might have upped the standard with research, but critics say many of them still border on jingoism. Unlike films like ‘Dunkirk’ that examine military strategies or ‘American Sniper’ that explores PTSD in soldiers, most Bollywood films do not look at layered characters.
Subramaniam says, “Our DNA is not structured for an open investigation or learning from mistakes. Issues of national security are cloaked in secrecy. The public does not easily understand these matters.” This reflects in the paucity of books or availability of declassified archival material on the battles India has lost. Indian filmmakers also succumb to the temptation of adding romance and songs.
The military is one of the few institutions for which public support transcends regional and communal loyalties and that means serious moolah, an opportunity that Bollywood is gunning for.
Adivi Sesh, who played an army officer in Major, reacts to Richa Chadha’s controversial post
7:56 AM
Adivi Sesh, who played an army officer on screen, reacts to Richa Chadha’s controversial post
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 8, 2022)
Actor Adivi Sesh’s film Major, which is a biopic on late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan — who was martyred during the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai — fetched him good reviews. The film was also screened at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and received a standing ovation.
Having played Unnikrishnan on screen, Sesh says he is “emotionally attached to the film” and was taken aback by actor Richa Chadha’s recent Galwan tweet. “As Indians, we are raised with love for the armed forces. I feel we need to have a better understanding of the kind of life our jawans lead and the stress they handle, rather than paying token respect,” says the 37-year-old.
For the uninitiated, Chadha courted controversy when she responded to a tweet by a senior Army personnel, who said that the Indian Army is ready to take back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Chadha wrote, “Galwan says hi (sic)”, referring to the 2020 Galwan clash, in which several Indian soldiers died.
Meanwhile, Sesh is glad that Major, which was made in Telugu and Hindi, received love across India. “I am thrilled that the film introduced me to a pan-India audience, and that’s the biggest change for me. I get love from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, especially after Major’s OTT release. Filmmakers are starting to think about me as their choice for projects,” ends the Hit: The Second Case actor.
Except Pushpa, RRR and KGF - Chapter 2, rest of the South films see a disaster fate in Hindi
8:33 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
There was this South bandwagon going on through the pandemic developed by the media mainly to put Hindi cinema down as within the digital world, that was the need of the hour to get views or likes. Now post the pandemic, there has been a record number of dubbed releases from the South and most of them have met their disaster fate.
The bigger thing than the final fate is that there are just no takers of South films from the first day as shows get cancelled. These films open to such limited audiences that even if there is some likeability in a region where South films are more appealing, it will still not get much collections due to the no show on the first day.
There will be the branded films like KGF - CHAPTER 2 and RRR which either have value from a previous film or the director has some value due to his previous film which you know have great chances to score. Then there will be a PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 type of a film which comes along and surprises but even that will always be a rarity. Also PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 had a budget and scale which also gives it a chance. But the sort of releases which we have been seeing are basically tack fests and met their deserved fate.
Some of the bigger Telugu releases which are probably the best bets did not even bother with a dubbed version as they knew the likely results. The box office collections of South films released in Hindi in 2022 are as follows and the fate outside KGF - CHAPTER 2 and RRR is a total disaster. Anything can be written to paint a certain picture but numbers never lie.
Khiladi - 1.4 crore
Valimai - 2.1 crore
ET - 6 lakhs
Radhe Shyam - 17.41 crore
James - 50k
RRR - 275 crore
KGF - Chapter 2 - 427 crore
Raw (Beast) - 2.3 crore
Major - 9.6 crore (2 weeks)
Vikram: Hitlist - 6 crore (2 weeks) (Note - This film has not done well but has held at those low levels. The film started with a 25 lakh first day and may well end up with around 10 crore nett lifetime driven by Mumbai circuit as third week should be better than second due to lack of releases)
777 Charlie - 1.65 crore (1 week)
There are going to be many more South dubbed releases this year or are being planned to be released and the disasters will continue to pile up.
(Crisp) Movie Review: MAJOR by FENIL SETA
8:25 AM
Major is based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the 26/11 war hero. The film is treated in a very commercial manner and despite the routine storyline, it manages to impress. There have been many films and web shows on the Mumbai terror attacks. And not to forget, Shershaah, which is still fresh in people’s minds, was also in the same zone. Yet, Major engages viewers and doesn’t give a been-there-done-that feeling. On the flipside, the film is a bit lengthy. The romantic portion in the second half acts as a roadblock. Speaking of performances, Adivi Sesh is a fine talent and slips into the role effortlessly. He looks quite convincing as a trained soldier. Saiee M Manjrekar is cute but her performance is okay. Prakash Raj is terrific, as expected. Revathy is dependable. Sobhita Dhulipala is great and has a crucial track in the film. Murli Sharma is apt. All in all, Major is a well-made saga and deserves a watch.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 728
9:12 AM
WILL SAMRAT PRITHVIRAJ BE ABLE TO BREAK THE DAY 1 RECORD OF BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2?
One of the biggest films of the year, Samrat Prithviraj, is all set to be released tomorrow, June 3. Starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, this period flick also features Sanjay Dutt and Sonu Sood and marks the debut of Manushi Chhillar. The film is directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, a well known name thanks to his works like Chanakya, Pinjar etc.
Samrat Prithviraj is produced by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films. It is known for quality products and in this regard, the film looks grand, technically and visually. The budget of the film is skyhigh and it shows. As a result, it looks like a movie which can be best enjoyed on the big screen. Moreover, it is based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, a brave king who is fondly remembered even today.
Sadly, the film’s buzz is limited. Though the action and grandeur are topnotch, audiences have got a been-there-done-that feeling from the promos as the film looks similar to Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, Jodhaa Akbar etc. Akshay Kumar’s performance has also come under the scanner. He doesn’t seem to have put in the required hard work. The promotions have also been low-key. In the last one week, however, the promotional activities picked up big time. Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chhillar and Chandraprakesh Dwivedi travelled to Somnath and Varanasi and even showed the film to Home Minister Amit Shah. Today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will watch Samrat Prithviraj at a special screening in Lucknow.
Yet, the buzz remains low. As a result, it’s difficult to say whether it’ll have an opening of Rs. 10 crore plus. Even if it does, its target is to break the day 1 record of the recent hit, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The Kartik Aaryan starrer had collected Rs. 13.50 crore on day one and it remains to be seen if Samrat Prithviraj can cross the number.
Samrat Prithviraj is not a solo release. Major, starring Adivi Sesh, is a bi-lingual and based on the life of 26/11 hero Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. This film, too, has limited hype but the makers have adopted a smart marketing strategy. Since last week, they have held pre-release screenings in different cities. The response to these screenings has been very positive and it has aroused curiosity. Hence, it’ll start low but can pick up through a good word of mouth.
The third release is the Tamil film Vikram, which will be dubbed in Hindi. It has an enviable star cast, comprising Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. The trailer is quite creative and massy. Yet, the excitement is just not there among the Hindi audiences. As a result, it’ll have a disastrous opening.
People only knew of Sandeep Unnikrishnan's last 48 hours. What about 31 years before that?-Adivi Sesh
8:16 AM
Even though previews ran the risk of piracy, Major star Adivi Sesh says it was important to take braveheart Unnikrishnan’s story across the country
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 30, 2022)
Standing in his living room in San Francisco, Adivi Sesh - the leading man of Major - movie based on the life of martyred NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan, remembers looking at the TV screens and wondering for the very first time - “Who is this guy who looks like me?” That’s where his association with Sandeep’s story began.
Over the next 14 years, the South actor has collected every small or big article on the man he plays on screen. “I have a folder of paper clippings, every tidbit of information. I was always on his Orkut page. Amidst all the darkness, his story was one of hope. He saved so many people’s lives. It made me angry that people only knew of his last 48 hours. What about 31 years before that?”
100 hours of interviews with his parents, friends, colleagues, juniors, NDA classmates aided the making of this screenplay. “We spoke to everyone except his wife because of privacy reasons. Uncle and Amma were clear they didn’t want it. To protect her privacy, we changed her name in the film. The idea was to capture the story’s soul but not getting into precise details.”
As an actor, this was his passion project. A decade had passed in between to lend to the story the desired perspective. “I didn’t want to be caught up with the sensationalism. But the emotion behind it was precious. There is a funny story about his legendary photograph. He was apparently smiling big. The photographer told him that you can’t smile like that for a passport picture. So he was holding back his laughter. He is the opposite of what you expect of a military man - fun, cosmopolitan, sunshine, loved Arnold Schwarzenegger films, and liked Sufi music. We went ahead and constructed all of this in the first 35 minutes of the film. It shows who the man was. The first half might feel like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na… We wanted to show all of this because in the second half when you see him fighting in Kargil, when you see him at Taj, you see more than a hero. You see the man who was one of us.”
Sesh doubles up as screenwriter on the project. For him, Major isn’t a movie. Having lived with the film for close to five years, he has found a family in Unnikrishnan’s parents. “Our motivation was to tell the story about this guy. 26/11 is a chapter in his life. Mumbai attacks is not the film. When we perceive a great man, we tend to think of him as someone who is instantly great. He is the boy next door who became great by doing things that were great.”
At a time when patriotic dramas have become brazenly jingoistic, the south actor says that Sashi Kiran Tikka’s directorial venture has avoided that route. “It was important to reflect Major Sandeep’s spirit. He is fiercely patriotic and not jingoistic. He won’t sit and talk about how much better India is vis-a-vis other countries. He will talk about how he wants to make India better.”
For Sesh, the film isn’t just another pan-India film. ‘It’s an all-India story of a guy - born in Kerala, who lived in Bangalore, posted in Bihar, training officer in Haryana, served in Kashmir, died in Mumbai.’ The star and the film’s producer decided to hold preview screenings of the project two weeks before the film’s release. “The same day we were supposed to be promoting the film at reality shows. They couldn’t give us a slot because some other film had claimed that slot. I was disappointed. In Telugu, we did every show possible. Major Sandeep is bigger than all of this. Like Uncle said on the day of the film's launch at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai - ‘This building is standing because of my son.’ I had a realisation that not much can come from the audience seeing me on a dance show about how good the film is. Next day morning, we decided to keep 10 advance screenings for the public across India. The tickets were available on Book My Show and anyone could book. It was a huge risk, especially because of piracy or someone could drag the film down. We wanted people to see what we’ve done. Para special forces watched the movie, my Telugu fans watched it. The reaction that came from former army officers breaking down to 10 minute standing ovations from 200 army men, we realised this is a mass film of a different kind. This film is about hope. Major was financially safe a year ago, right now it’s about winning love."
Will he ever get over this character as an artiste? "I don't want to get over this. I can never be Sandeep for Amma and Uncle. But I hope to be their second son. This film has enriched me as a person. I want to live with everything I have learnt from Sandeep's life, as long as I live."
The late Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother told me she could see her son in me-Adivi Sesh
8:19 AM
Actor Adivi Sesh, on reliving the journey of NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed in the line of duty during the 26/11 terror attacks, in a biopic
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 27, 2020)
Adivi saw a picture of the martyr on news channels and it struck him that he could have been someone from his family. “I couldn’t forget him as he looked like an older me. I started reading about him and the more I did, I realised I wanted to bring his story to screen like a sunrise after a dark night,” he shares.
He’d imagined the Major as tough and macho but in the course of his research, found him to be free-spirited and fun-loving. “I was told he always had a smile on his face but often got into arguments because he insisted on doing what was right, but that also won him the respect of his colleagues. He loved animals and rescued many of them. Being a vegetarian, I share his feelings,” Adivi informs.
The actor met Sandeep’s parents several times to convince them that their intentions were pure and their respect for their son genuine. “After the media ruckus, many filmmakers approached them. I promised myself I’d treat them like my own parents for the rest of my life irrespective of whether we made the film or not,” the actor recounts, revealing that it was only after the fourth or fifth meeting that he got their nod. “Sandeep’s mother told me she could see her son in me. I was so overwhelmed that I just hugged her for a long time.”
Sandeep’s parents also shared the story behind his most seen photograph, saying he was smiling when he was getting clicked and the photographer screamed at him. “He was controlling his laughter but his eyes were smiling,” he relays, insisting that while he resembles Sandeep, within a few hours of meeting his parents he realised that he can aspire to be like him all he wants but he can never be him.
As part of his prep, Adivi joined a regular boot camp and through the shoot had an army consultant on set to ensure every move was accurate and authentic. “Since I’m left-handed and Sandeep was right-handed, I had to condition my body and mind to do everything with my right hand, especially when I was handling a gun. It’s like asking Vinod Kambli to bat like Sachin Tendulkar,” he laughs.
The biggest hurdle was losing weight. “I portray Sandeep through different time periods and that required significant weight loss. We have about 35 per cent of shoot left, and I’m only focussed on losing a few more kilos,” he admits.
The Sony Pictures India and Mahesh Babu production reunites Adivi with his Goodachari team, director Sashi Kiran Tikka and co-star Sobhita Dhulipala. He is all raves for the latter, “She and I both come from a middle-class background and her mom sounds exactly like mine. She was always talented, but now she understands nuances of the craft better.” He adds that his other co-star, Saiee Manjrekar, brings a breath of fresh air to the film. “When we saw her Instagram profile, we realised she is what we needed,” he avers, saying Major isn’t a film on the 26/11 attacks but a celebration of Sandeep’s life. “People know him for his ultimate sacrifice but not many know about the brilliant life he led before he was killed in the line of duty.”
Saiee Manjrekar set to relive 26/11 horrors in Hindi-Telugu bilingual Major
8:07 AM
Actress plays pivotal role in Hindi-Telugu bilingual based on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who died trying to save hostages during 2008 terror attacks
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 24, 2020)
Saiee Manjrekar made her debut last December opposite Salman Khan in the third instalment of the Dabangg franchise. She played Khushi, the first love of a youthful Dhaakad Chand Panday, who is implicated by the village goon, Bali Singh, in her murder and that of her aunt and uncle, and sentenced to jail. Fortunately, for Dhaakad, under the tutelage of a police commissioner, he evolves into a Robin Hood cop, Inspector Chulbul Panday. While the film belonged to Salman, the freshfaced Saiee caught the eye and there was plenty of speculation about her next project.
But before she could finalise her slate, the Coronavirus-triggered pandemic brought the industry to a standstill, while giving the actress plenty of time to introspect. “I was looking for a character who would leave an impact on the overall narrative and at the same time, offer me an opportunity to explore myriad emotions as an actress. And that’s what the script of Major offers,” informs Saiee, pointing out that since it’s a Hindi-Telugu bilingual, she can reach two different film markets at once. Director Sashi Kiran Tikka insists that Saiee fits his vision perfectly. “Right casting is the base for good direction. When we watched her work in Dabangg 3, we knew she was the right choice,” he says.
Mirror (March 2) had earlier reported that the film is based on the life of a much-feted member of the National Security Guards, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died in the line of duty, trying to save 14 hostages trapped inside Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel during the 26/11 terror attacks. In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra by the then President, Pratibha Patil. Telugu actor Adivi Sesh essays the title role in Major that is being produced by Sony Pictures India and Mahesh Babu. Sobhita Dhulipala plays a pivotal role in this film.
Sashi points out that it’s a challenge to recreate an incident that brought the whole country to a standstill. “None of us were present at the spot, but it was the big news for several days. The challenge lies in bringing authenticity to our imagination and projecting it as a feature film rather than a documentary,” he asserts.
Major is being shot in Telugu and Hindi simultaneously and almost 50 per cent of the film had been shot, in Mumbai and Hyderabad, when the nationwide-lockdown was announced and the schedule had to be halted prematurely. The team is now gearing up to resume work and Saiee will join the rest of the cast in Hyderabad in the second week of October.
The lockdown gave the actress time to learn some new things, including Telugu. Prod her on the role and Saiee refuses to divulge details except to say that it takes the story forward. “I really believe the world should know the story of our national hero,” she asserts.
Saiee was a child when the 26/11 attacks happened, but she points out that the emotions it aroused resonate with all Indians irrespective of age. “I was quite young and barely understood what was happening, but deep down I knew something wrong was being done to us and was curious to know what exactly was going on regardless of whether I could comprehend it or not. I will never forget the sight of people bleeding and crying on TV with the sounds of guns blasting and explosions going off,” she shares.
Sobhita Dhulipala relives 26/11 trauma with Sandeep Unnikrishnan's biopic
8:11 AM
Actress joins the cast of the Hindi-Telugu bilingual based on late NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan; film being shot in Mumbai and Hyderabad simultaneously
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 2, 2020)
Mirror had earlier reported (February 15) that Sobhita Dhulipala has joined the cast of Mani Ratnam’s ambitious next, an adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s fictional historic novel, Ponniyin Selvan, co-starring Aishwarya Rai. Now, we have learnt that the actress has bagged another film, Major, which reunites her with the team of her debut Telugu film, Goodachari.The film is based on the life of the late NSG (National Security Guards) Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died in the line of duty, trying to save 14 hostages inside the Taj Mahal Hotel during the 26/11 attacks. In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra by then President, Pratibha Patil. The Sashi Kiran Tikka-directed bilingual features Telugu actor Adivi Sesh as Sandeep and is produced by Sony Pictures India and Mahesh Babu. It is being shot in Telugu and Hindi simultaneously.
Sashi is kicked about the reunion with Sobhita. “It is exciting that we are doubling the challenges by making this film in Hindi simultaneously,” he says, while Sobhita adds, “Goodachari went on to become a critical and commercial success, so it is wonderful to reunite with the same team for a film as feisty as Major. Sesh and Sashi, who have become my friends, are people with immense clarity of thought and action.”Speaking of the challenges involved in making a film of this nature, the actress says, “It is going to be an extreme yet tender, emotional experience. The attack gave us stories of courage, loss and tension while also leaving behind massive wounds.” About her prep, Sobhita reveals that her character arc is “impeccably detailed and honest.” “It is integral to the narrative,” she keeps it short, refusing to divulge further details pertaining to her character.
Mahesh Babu inks deal to co-produce movie on 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
8:05 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 28, 2019)
The last words of the brave heart Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died in the line of duty during the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008, were, “Don’t come upstairs, I will handle them.” Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mahesh Babu are bringing the story of real-life hero, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, to life on the big screen. The brave NSG commando had saved several hostages during the 26/11 attack at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai and ended up sacrificing his life for the nation. He was decorated with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest military honor in peace time for his bravery. The film titled Major will dive deep into the life of legend Major Unnikrishnan whose courage and bravery has made the nation proud.
Major is a bilingual and will be released in Hindi and Telugu. It marks the foray of Sony Pictures International Productions into the Telugu film industry as well as Mahesh Babu Productions’ entry into Hindi cinema. The film is co-produced by Adivi Entertainment, Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy’s A+S Movies.
Major Unnikrishnan’s role will be played by Adivi Sesh, a young actor who has previously written and featured prominently in breakout Telugu hits, Kshanam and Goodachari. The film, that will explore the life of the martyr, will be directed by Shashkiran Tikka.
Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment in India, says “We are excited to partner with Mahesh and Namrata who are such creative forces and are equally thrilled to welcome them in the Hindi film industry. Sesh and Shashi make their debut in Hindi cinema wth this film and we absolutely love the passion with which they have envisioned Major.”
Namrata Shirodkar Ghattamaneni, MD, G Mahesh Babu Entertainment says, “Mahesh and I have envisioned GMB to bring stories that resonate globally. We are excited to be able to tell such a unique and original story about a National hero’s life. The honesty of Sesh and Sashi’s vision for Major’s story echoed with us and in Sony Pictures we found the right partners to bring the incredible story on the big screen not only for a Pan-Indian audience, but an international one.”
Major will go on the floors in the next few months and is expected to release by 2020.
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