Bhuj: The Pride Of India Movie download

Bhuj: The Pride Of India Movie download free

 The film is a fictionalised account of real events. The Pakistani Air Force destroyed the Bhuj airstrip during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, dropping 14 napalm bombs on it. The devastation continued for two weeks, with relentless attacks by bombs and rockets. 300 people, majority of them women, hailing from the nearby village of Madhapur, came to the Air Force’s rescue at that point of time. Working mostly at night, they repaired the airstrip in 72 hours under the guidance of Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik. It was a remarkable feat indeed and was one of the factors that decided the war in India’s favour as the IAF was able to remain operational. It was Pakistan’s intention to capture Bhuj and use it as a bargaining tool but the resilience of our troops and the common citizens saved the day. 

Bhuj: The Pride Of India, tells the story of their heroism, albeit in a highly dramatic manner. Vijay Karnik is played by Ajay Devgn here. As said earlier, Karnik, though he deploys an anti-aircraft gun to much effect, isn’t able to save the almost total destruction of the Bhuj airstrip. A parallel story tells us about the sacrifice of Indian spy Heena Rehman (Nora Fatehi), who before her death is able to convey Pakistan’s plans to her Indian handlers. Another strand tells us of Colonel Nair (Sharad Kelkar), who and the 120 soldiers serving under him are in charge of the crucial Vighakot post. Then we also have Indian spy Ranchordas Pagi (Sanjay Dutt), who knows the desert like the back of his hand and whose reconnaissance of the Pakistani army proves vital to the Indian defence. And Ammy Virk plays Flight Lieutenant Vikram Singh Baj Jethaaz, who flies in the reserve forces to the base. Sonakshi Sinha plays Sunderben Jetha Madharparya, the village woman who inspires others to come to the aid of the IAF. Kannada actress Pranitha Subhash plays Karnik’s wife. 

The first half of the film is devoted to giving short backstories to everyone. We learn that Nora’s character spies for India because her brother, also an Indian spy, was brutally killed by the Pakistanis after he got captured. Sharad Kelkar is a tough soldier with a soft heart who has fallen for a handicapped Muslim girl, Ammy Virk’s wife has passed away and he’s anxious about bringing his little girl up. Sanjay Dutt’s character is obsessed with killing the Pakis for personal reasons and Sonakshi Sinha, whose husband is abroad, is a braveheart who can kill a leopard single-handedly. The narrative rambles all over the place and your interest starts wavering.  However, the drama-filled narrative of the second half more than makes up for the lapses of the first. Sharad Kelkar and Sanjay Dutt are shown to be a two-man army who put a stop to the advancing Pakistani troops through a mix of guile and bravery. While Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha and Pranitha Subhash race against time to finish the runway. Ajay’s moment of glory comes when he helps land the transport plane, whose front tire is missing, with the help of a truck. The events are overtly dramatised but nevertheless convey the fortitude and determination of the people involved. 

The VFX, sound design and the background score help transport us to the war zone. What’s galling is the jingoism and the religious propaganda, which should have been toned down a bit. Ajay Devgn comes across as a true patriot ready to lay down his life for his country. His sincerity, his dedication seeps through in every frame. His anger at losing his beloved airfield initially and his hardiness is getting it running again is real. Sanjay Dutt’s screen presence hasn’t faded with age and he has done another competent job here, and so has Sharad Kelkar. Ammy Virk, Sonakshi Sinha, Nora Fatehi and Pranitha Subhash have been sincere as well. Navni Parihar is spot on as former PM Indira Gandhi. 

All-in-all, Bhuj: The Pride Of India brings to life an important aspect from the 1971 war. It’s a good enough history lesson if you choose to ignore the over-the-top narration and Paki-bashing involved in the telling.