Farhan Akhtar's next centered on 1962 Battle of Rezang La
After a long break, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is making his return to the silver screen. Per ETimes, Akhtar's upcoming film—helmed by Razneesh Ghai—will delve into the historic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China War. The story will shine a spotlight on the courage of 120 Indian soldiers who bravely faced off against 5,000 Chinese troops. This conflict led to significant casualties, with over 1,300 Chinese and 110 Indian soldiers losing their lives.
Why does this story matter?
Akhtar announced his return to acting in March after a three-year hiatus, with his last acting performance being in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Toofaan (2021). Shortly after this announcement, news surfaced that Akhtar and his production company would collaborate with Ghai, known for directing Kangana Ranaut and Arjun Rampal in Dhaakad (2022). Notably, this untitled project will possibly start filming in July.
Film to showcase India's bravery in the 1962 war
The film, primarily focusing on the Battle of Rezang La in Ladakh during the Indo-China War of 1962, will depict Major Shaitan Singh leading a small force of 120 Indian soldiers against nearly 5,000 Chinese troops. This engagement successfully prevented the Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) from infiltrating the Chushul Valley, thereby protecting Ladakh from potential Chinese incursion. This area also witnessed skirmishes between the two nations in 2020.
Soldiers honored with Param Vir Chakra, Vir Chakras
To note, the soldiers who participated in the Battle of Rezang La were awarded numerous honors including one Param Vir Chakra, eight Vir Chakras, four Sena Medals, and one Mentioned-in-Dispatches (M-in-D), making Charlie Company 13 Kumaon one of the most decorated companies in the Indian Army history.
This film marks Akhtar and Ghai's second collaboration
A source revealed to the portal that Ghai has harbored the ambition to bring this story to the screen, with a personal connection to the narrative due to his familial ties to the military; both his father and brother have served in the armed forces. Meanwhile, this film marks the second collaboration between Akhtar and Ghai, who previously teamed up on a commercial for a mobile brand featuring Akhtar as their ambassador.
Meanwhile, Akhtar's 'Don 3' to go on floors in 2025
Amid these developments, Akhtar is currently engrossed in the pre-production for Don 3—a project announced alongside co-partner Ritesh Sidhwani in 2023. Ranveer Singh is set to headline, with Kiara Advani cast as the lead heroine. The latest update indicates that production is on schedule to commence in February 2025. Akhtar—who will be directing the film—is presently in the UK conducting location scouting in London.
