Shershaah is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language biographical war film. It is a cinematic portrayal of the life of Captain Vikram Batra, a hero of the Kargil War. Directed by Vishnuvardhan and penned by Sandeep Shrivastava, the film marks Vishnuvardhan’s Hindi film debut.
Released in August 2021, it is produced under the banners of Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment. The movie features Sidharth Malhotra in a dual role, portraying both Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal. Kiara Advani plays Vikram’s girlfriend, Dimple Cheema.
The film begins by showcasing Vikram Batra’s early life. He is characterized by his fearless nature, which becomes evident during a childhood cricket game that escalates into a fight. His aspiration to join the Indian Army is sparked by his fascination with the TV series Param Vir Chakra. As Vikram grows up, his desire to serve in the army only intensifies.
What was Vikram’s true calling?
In college, while majoring in English, Vikram’s initial aim is to join the Indian Navy or Army. He gets selected for the Merchant Navy, which pleases his girlfriend, Dimple, though she remains uncertain about his career choice. Vikram and Dimple’s relationship faces a hurdle when Dimple’s father disapproves of their marriage due to caste differences. Eventually, Vikram realizes his true calling is in the Army, not the Merchant Navy. He succeeds in the Combined Defence Services examination after completing his master’s degree and joins the Indian Army, commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Vikram is posted in Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, where he quickly earns the respect of his fellow men and the locals because of his involvement in counter-insurgency operations. However, during one such operation, Vikram disobeys orders from his Commanding Officer, Lt. Sanjeev “Jimmy” Jamwal. However, he manages to neutralize enemy insurgents and save Jimmy’s life, leading to a strong bond between them.
Later, Vikram’s unit, Delta Company, captures a henchman of an insurgent group. In retaliation, the insurgent leader Haider lures Delta Company into an ambush with false intelligence. Vikram’s friend, Naib Subedar Bansi Lal, is killed in the attack. Driven by vengeance, Vikram tracks down Haider and, with authorization from his CO, Lt. Col. Y. K. Joshi, leads a successful raid on Haider’s location, eliminating him.
Why did Vikram leave early?
As the Kargil War looms, Vikram cuts his leave short to rejoin his unit. He famously promises his friend, Sunny, that he will return only after hoisting the Indian flag in victory or wrapped in it. Vikram’s unit is initially positioned at Ghumri Army Base as a reserve force. They soon face artillery fire, resulting in several casualties, including Vikram’s senior, Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia.
Three weeks into the war, Vikram’s unit is moved to active duty to relieve the 2nd Rajputana Rifles and tasked with recapturing Point 5140 at a daunting altitude of 17,000 feet. Adopting the codename “Shershaah,” Vikram leads the operation to a successful conclusion without any casualties in his unit, earning widespread acclaim.
Shershaah ending: How did Vikram Batra die?
Following this victory, the Army Command assigns Vikram’s unit the critical task of capturing Point 4875, which overlooks National Highway 1. The assault is challenging, with rough terrain and enemy bunkers impeding progress. They manage to destroy four bunkers but are unaware of a fifth camouflaged one. In an attempt to rescue Rifleman Yash Paul, Vikram is hit multiple times and fatally wounded. He succumbs to his injuries while witnessing Subedar Raghunath Singh lead a charge on the final bunker and the Indian Army raising the national flag. Vikram Batra is posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and leadership at Point 4875.
Shershaah concludes with scenes of Vikram’s funeral in Palampur, Kangra, leaving a grieving Dimple behind. The real-life hero, Captain Vikram Batra, is also honored in the film’s credits, paying tribute to his extraordinary valor and sacrifice.
