Randeep Hooda and Rahul Mittra Collaborate on Operation Khukri Film

A New Cinematic Venture

Recently, while many in the film industry hurried to secure the title for Operation Sindoor, acclaimed actor Randeep Hooda and producer-actor Rahul Mittra took a different route by announcing their film based on the bestseller, Operation Khukri, authored by Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia.

Timing and Intentions

Mittra insists that the film's announcement is not influenced by the current national sentiment. He and Randeep are not looking to exploit any situation. He states, “There’s no strategy involved; it’s simply a compelling narrative that highlights a significant chapter in military history.”

Patriotic Pride

Like many Indians, he expresses pride in the recent military actions against neighboring nations, echoing the patriotic sentiments of Jai Bharat, Jai Jawan, and emphasizing the supremacy of the nation in its victory over Pakistan.

The Story of Operation Khukri

Operation Khukri narrates the extraordinary bravery of the Indian Army, set in Sierra Leone in 2000. Mittra notes that since this event occurred before the current government took office, it does not cater to any political party. The book, published by Penguin Random House, details the ordeal of 233 Indian soldiers who were trapped for nearly three months in the African jungles, which first caught Randeep's attention. The two friends decided to collaborate as co-producers for this project. Rahul mentions, “Acquiring the rights to the book was a lengthy process.” Having a book as a foundation is advantageous, especially since the author and the film's lead character are both alive, allowing for clarification of any factual discrepancies.

Challenges of Adaptation

However, transforming a book into a war drama presents its own challenges. With Randeep portraying Major General (retd) Rajpal Punia, who was a young Company Commander during the standoff, audiences can expect a remarkable performance.

A Coincidental Connection

Rahul humorously notes, “It’s a coincidence that both Major-General (retd) Punia and Randeep are Jats.” He emphasizes, “Randeep is an exceptional actor, but he carries a significant responsibility, especially since Major General (retd) Punia is quite tall.”

Maintaining Authenticity

When a hero recounts his own story, there’s a risk of embellishment. Rahul points out, “All facts are well-documented, and we will conduct our own research.” He assures that they will pay meticulous attention to detail while remaining true to the narrative. However, he also reminds that it’s a film, not a documentary, focusing on human drama, bravery, and camaraderie.

Character Development

As a filmmaker, he values character arcs, believing that characters resonate with audiences long after the film ends. Interestingly, his favorite Indian war film is Border, which left a lasting impression on him. When asked if their film will feature songs, he replies, “We are still working out the details, but the journey has begun.” They are hopeful that the film will connect with Indian audiences and viewers worldwide, as “Bravery never goes out of style.” While the film will honor the courage of soldiers, Rahul assures it will not be a simplistic retelling or mere slogan.

Professional Collaboration

With Randeep Hooda as both the lead actor and co-producer, concerns about potential interference arise. However, Rahul Mittra, who has collaborated with numerous stars, dismisses such notions, stating he has never encountered any star-related issues. He adds, “Randeep, with whom I have worked since Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, is a consummate professional. Both of us are mature, and such trivial matters won’t disrupt our creative process.”

The Heroic Mission

Operation Khukri recounts a successful multinational rescue mission involving India, Ghana, Britain, and Nigeria, primarily composed of Indian Army units. In July 2000, during India’s UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone, the Revolutionary United Front rebels captured 233 Indian soldiers in Kailahun. The crisis lasted 75 days, culminating in a daring rescue operation by the Indian Army, which successfully overpowered the rebels and freed all hostages.