Randeep Hooda will star in his next big movie, a suspenseful military drama based on one of the Indian Army’s most audacious peacekeeping missions overseas, which comes right after the huge critical and box-office success of Jaat!
The movie, Operation Khukri, is based on actual events that happened in 2000 and depicts the story of 233 soldiers who were taken captive by rebel forces in Sierra Leone (West Africa) and the risky rescue effort that was carried out. Hooda will play Major General Raj Pal Punia, who led the 14th Mechanised Infantry throughout the standoff and
subsequent incredible rescue in the midst of fierce jungle combat! At the time, he was a young Company Commander.
The film is based on the best-selling Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad by Penguin Random House India, the adaptation rights to which have been exclusively acquired by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films.
Regarding the project, Randeep Hooda said, “I was really moved by the story of Operation Khukri. In addition to firearms and glory, it is a story of selflessness, fraternity and unwavering bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity! It is an honour and a responsibility to take on the role of Major General Punia, who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unidentified area. Our goal is to bring to life a period of Indian military history that merits far greater attention, not only for the spectacle but also for the bravery of our troops who would sooner die than give up. This story has the potential to motivate all Indians, in my opinion.”
After 75 days of being besieged without supplies in the inhospitable terrain of Kailahun, the mission, which started out as a peacekeeping operation but quickly turned into a bloody standoff, put the Indian contingent’s mettle to the test! The result was a bold, unprecedented counteroffensive that would go down as one of the most successful in Indian military history.
