Pippa Story:-
“Pippa” delves into the gripping narrative of India’s 45 Cavalry regiment’s Captain Balram Singh Mehta and his siblings, portraying their courageous exploits during the Battle of Garibpur on the eastern front of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 10 November 2023 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Action, Drama, History |
| Duration | 2h 19min |
| Cast | Ishann Khattar, Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli, Inaamulhaq, Waris Ahmed Zaidi, Leysan Karimova, Soni Razdan, Chandrachoor Raj, Neeraj Pardeep Purohit, Amit Ghosh, Vaibhav Gohil. Anuj Singh Duhan, Abhinav Bhattacharjee |
| Director | Raja Menon |
| Writer | Raja Menon, Tanmay Mohan, Ravinder Randhawa |
| Cinematography | Priya Seth |
| Music | A.R. Rahman |
| Producer | Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala |
| Production | RSVP, Roy Kapur Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Director Raja Krishna Menon takes a distinctive approach with this biographical war drama, steering away from the conventional tropes of patriotic fervor and hero glorification. Instead, the film highlights India’s noble contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), emphasizing themes of justice, humanity, and sacrifice. At the heart of the story is Captain Balram “Balli” Singh Mehta, portrayed by Ishaan Khatter, an unconventional soldier known for his blunt demeanor and defiance of superiors’ orders.
WWhile the film derives its title from the PT-76 tanker helmed by Captain Balli, it transcends the man-machine relationship to offer a nuanced exploration of duty, family, and national pride. Through Captain Balli’s journey, the audience is immersed in the broader narrative of India’s steadfast support for its neighboring nation, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a young officer’s personal growth and maturation.
What sets “Pippa” apart is its multifaceted approach, which not only celebrates Captain Balli’s valor but also shines a spotlight on his siblings—elder brother Major Ram (Priyanshu Painyuli) and sister Radha (Mrunal Thakur). Radha’s pivotal role as a master decoder of encrypted messages underscores the vital contributions of individuals beyond the battlefield, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to victory in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
The screenplay, crafted by Ravinder Randhawa, Tanmay Mohan, and Menon, exhibits a masterful balance of narrative depth and authenticity. By weaving together elements of family dynamics, personal history, and wartime heroics, the film offers a comprehensive portrayal of Captain Balli’s journey and the larger historical context in which it unfolds. Despite occasional pacing issues, the narrative remains engaging, aided by AR Rahman’s evocative soundtrack, which enhances the emotional resonance of key moments.
In terms of performances, Ishaan Khatter delivers a compelling portrayal of Captain Balli, capturing both his youthful bravado and evolving sense of responsibility with conviction. Priyanshu Painyuli impresses as the steadfast Major Ram, while Mrunal Thakur brings depth to her role as Radha. Supporting performances from Inaamulhaq as the Pakistani soldier Shibli and Soni Razdan as the Mehta brothers’ mother further enrich the film’s ensemble cast.
“Pippa” stands as a poignant tribute to India’s spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and solidarity in the face of adversity. By honoring the unsung heroes of the past, the film serves as a timely reminder of the values that unite us as a nation and inspire us to uphold the principles of justice and humanity.
