Kargil War Through Bollywood’s Lens

On 26 July every year, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour our soldiers and celebrate victory over Pakistan’s illegal intrusion in North Kargil of Leh Ladakh. The Kargil War stands as a testament to India’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity, marked by intense battles fought amidst treacherous terrain, extreme weather conditions, and formidable challenges posed by the towering peaks of the Himalayas. This conflict remains etched in history as one of India’s most demanding and crucial military engagements, underscoring the unwavering courage and indomitable spirit of our armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Kargil War Timeline

2nd May 1999	Detection of Pakistani intrusion in the Kargil Sector by a local shepherd and being reported to the Indian Army.
5th May 1999	The Reccaunassince Team under the leadership of Lt Saurabh Kalia was sent to confirm the presence of the enemy. They were captured and killed after extreme torture by the Pakistan Army.
Late May to June	Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to flush out Pakistani infiltration at high altitude mountain terrain.
26th May 1999	Indian Air Force joined the Indian Army with Operation Safed Sagar conducting airstrikes on intrusion’s posts.
5th June 1999	India released documents recovered from 3 Pakistani soldiers, clearly indicating Pakistan’s invovement in the War.
29th June 1999	Tololing was recaptured.
Early July 1999	Success by the Indian Army was gained in Dras, Batalik and Kaksar.
4th July 1999	A key point overlooking NH1D, “Tiger Hill” was recaptured.
14th July 1999	Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declares Operation Vijay a success.
26th July 1999	Kargil War officially came to an end, marking it as Vijay Diwas to celebrate annually in honour of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war.

Bollywood Taking Viewers to the Reality of Kargil War

The Indian Cinema has always reflected the complexities, tradition and transformation of Indian Society. Bollywood movies always exert influence on Indian society through their portrayal of different characters. Similarly Indian cinema has a long-standing tradition of influencing Indian society through their war movies. These movies often weave narratives of heroic sacrifices and national pride, evoking strong emotions among audiences, and fostering a sense of unity and identity. These movies also serve as an educational tool by bringing historical events to life, enlightening viewers about the Indian military history and the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Some influential movies include LOC Kargil, Border, Major, Shershaah, Fighter, Lakshya, and many others. These movies have inspired many youths to follow the path of selfless service and serve the nation. 

Dhoop (2003)

Captain Anuj Nayyar recipient of Maha Vir Chakra was a brave warrior of India, who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War. In 1997, he joined the Indian Army’s 17 Jat Regiment, which was among those mobilized to Kargil in response to Pakistan’s intrusion in 1999. Nayyar’s first operation during the Kargil War was to secure Pimple II, a peak within Pimple Complex on the western slopes of point 4875, a strategic peak in the Mushkoh Valley. On 8th July under the command of Capt. Anuj Nayyar 17 Jat captured Pimple II which further paved the way for the recapture of Tiger Hill. But during this assault on Pimple II 11 troops of the Indian Army attained martyr including Capt. Anuj Nayyar.

Ashwini Chaudhary’s film “Dhoop” offers a different perspective on the aftermath of war. Inspired by the real-life Captain Anuj Nayyar, a martyr of the 17 JAT regiment in the Kargil War (represented in the movie as Captain Rohit Kapoor), “Dhoop” delves into the profound grief and struggle his parents faced after the death of Capt. Kapoor. The film goes beyond personal loss, highlighting the additional burden placed upon them by bureaucratic corruption within government departments. Parents of Capt. Kapoor upon being allotted a Patrol Pump by the government faced multiple challenges due to existing corruption within the departments related to finalising the paperwork for the petrol pump. This movie goes beyond the battlefield and reflects the challenges faced by the families of the soldiers who gave their lives for the nation. 

LOC Kargil (2003)

The most iconic movie of all time based on LOC Kargil, stands as a powerful cinematic portrayal of Kargil War. The movie’s runtime is 4 hours 15 minutes, making it one of the longest Indian films. Directed by J.P. Dutta with the aim to offer a unique perspective on the conflict, transporting viewers directly to the harsh realities of the battlefield. This movie tried to cover all fronts of the Kargil war. 

While the movie received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its length its impact on the audience was as its creation was aimed. LOC Kargil is a powerful tribute to the Indian Army’s operation Vijay, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers to defend our country. LOC Kargil is a movie that will always carry the valour of our great warriors like Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar,  Major Vivek Gupta, Captain Anuj Nayyar and many more. Their stories will continue to move hearts for generations through this movie. 

Lakshya (2004)

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Lakshya is a movie showcasing the timeline of the Kargil war but is completely different from other movies which are based on real stories of valour. Hrithik Roshan played the lead role of Lt. Karan Shergil, a young officer of the Punjab Regiment. This movie showcases the transformation of an aimless person who finds his purpose in life after joining the Indian Army. This movie explores the theme of patriotism and personal transformation against the backdrop of conflict in the Kargil War. This movie ignited a spark of patriotism in young hearts, leading many to consider joining the Indian Armed Forces.

Shershaah (2021)

Captain Vikram Batra before joining the Indian Army, served as a cadet under National Cade Corps and attained the rank of Senior Under Officer. Despite the merchant navy selecting him in 1994, he chose the path to do something greater. He joined the Indian Military Academy in 1996 and graduated in 1997. He joined the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles as a commissioned officer. His first posting was in the Baramulla district of J&K, a highly active militant area at that time. By that time he had several encounters with militants. In early 1999, he completed the commando course in Belgaum, Karnataka, where he earned the highest grading, “Instructor’s Grade.

In early June, the 13 J&K Rifles deployed to Dras to counter a Pakistani incursion along the Line of Control, including the young Captain Vikram Batra. This marked the regiment’s entry into the Kargil War. Captain Batra, at the brave age of 24, led the assault on Point 4875, where he tragically gave his life for the nation.
Capt. Vikram Batra’s inspiring life story is now a film! “Shershaah,” directed by Vishnuvardhan, goes beyond his military achievements, exploring both his bravery on the battlefield and his personal journey. This movie promises to be a true inspiration for the youth, echoing his motto of ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’ (This heart desires more).

Gunjan Saxsena: The Kargil Girl (2020)

Gunjan Saxena demonstrated exceptional courage and skill during the Kargil War. As one of the first women to fly in a combat zone, she defied gender stereotypes and showcased the capabilities of women in the military. Her responsibilities included the perilous task of evacuating wounded soldiers from the high-altitude battlefield, transporting vital supplies to troops, and conducting surveillance missions. Despite facing immense physical and psychological challenges, including the constant threat of enemy fire, Saxena’s unwavering dedication and exceptional flying abilities made her an invaluable asset to the Indian Air Force. Her story has inspired subsequent generations of women to pursue careers in the military and break down gender barriers.

The film stars Janhvi Kapoor as Indian Air Force Pilot Gunjan Saxena, the first Indian woman to fly in a combat zone. This movie is directed by Sharan Sharma and produced by Dharma Production and Zee Studios. This movie depicted Gunjan Saxena’s role in the Kargil War. Although the movie portrays the story of Gunjan Saxena, some parts received criticism from the IAF for inaccurately depicting how her comrades treated her.

Conclusion

The portrayal of the Kargil War through the lens of Indian Cinema not only honours the sacrifice made by our forces but also serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity and determination to defend its sovereignty. These films evoke a profound sense of national pride and gratitude by depicting the bravery and resilience of soldiers facing extreme odds in treacherous terrain. They highlight the human stories behind the war of families waiting anxiously, of soldiers making ultimate sacrifices, and of a nation coming together in solidarity. Moreover, these cinematic interpretations etch the valour displayed during the Kargil War into the collective memory of the nation, inspiring future generations with tales of courage and fortitude. Through cinema, the Kargil War continues to resonate as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders and upholding the values of freedom and sovereignty.