Akshay Kumar Pays Tribute to India’s Air Warriors
Khiladi Kumar Film on India’s First Airstrike: Sky Force is an upcoming aerial action film Starring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya. Sandeep Kelwani and Abhishek Anil Kapur co-directed the film, which was produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande. Amar Kaushik, the director of Stree and Bhediya, is also a creative producer on the project.
The film is set against the backdrop of the 1965 India-Pakistan Air War, the first major air battle between the two countries following British India’s partition in 1947. The film will depict the bravery, passion, and patriotism of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters who took part in India’s first and most lethal airstrike against Pakistan, overcoming great obstacles in the process.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose tenure the film is set, the film’s announcement teaser was published on October 2, 2023. The teaser opens with a voice recognized as Pakistan’s then-President Muhammad Ayub Khan expressing threats against India. The video then cuts to a clip showing Lal Bahadur Shastri rebuffing Pakistan’s assault and pledging a proper response.
The film will be released in theaters on October 2, 2024, to commemorate Shastri’s 100th birthday. Sky Force’s creators have described the film as an untold factual story that graphically depicts history like never before.
Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande, who have previously collaborated on films such as Stree, Bala, Roohi, and Bhediya, are co-producing the film. They’re also behind Akshay Kumar’s next flick Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue.
The film is co-directed by Sandeep Kelwani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, both of whom are making their directorial debuts. Sandeep Kelwani was previously an assistant director on films such as Ra.One, Don 2, and Chennai Express. Abhishek Anil Kapur is a writer and actor best known for his roles in online series such as The Test Case and The Final Call.
Veer Pahariya, the grandson of former Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, makes his cinematic debut as well. Veer Pahariya will play a young Indian Air Force pilot who accompanies Akshay Kumar’s character on the mission. To prepare for his role, Veer Pahariya has undertaken extensive preparation, including flying instruction and physical fitness.
In Sky Force, Akshay Kumar will play an Indian Air Force Officer. He will command a group of daring pilots who would carry out India’s first and most lethal airstrike against Pakistan in 1965. His character will represent the IAF fighters’ Valor, Sacrifice, and Patriotism in defending the nation’s sovereignty and honor. The film is based on a true story that has never been told on the big screen before.
A Tribute to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh
The film will include high-octane air action sequences that will highlight the IAF fighters’ talents and bravery. The film will also honor Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, who led the IAF during the 1965 war and ordered the air strike on Pakistan. Arjan Singh was the Indian Air Force’s first and only officer to be promoted to the rank of five-star.
Khiladi Kumar Film on India’s First Airstrike: Legend Arjan Singh – A Glimpse
Arjan Singh was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, British India (now Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan) on April 15, 1919. His father, grandpa, and great-grandfather had all served in the army, therefore he came from a military family.
In 1938, he enrolled in the Royal Air Force College Cranwell and graduated as a pilot officer in 1939. He served in the North-West Frontier Province with the IAF’s No. 1 Squadron. He piloted a variety of planes, including the Westland Wapiti, Hawker Hart, and Hawker Audax.
During the Arakan Campaign in 1944, he led the No. 1 Squadron of the Indian Air Force. He flew close air support flights for the Allies as well as air-to-air combat with Japanese planes. For his bravery and leadership, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following WWII, he enrolled at the RAF Staff College at Bracknell in 1945. In 1945, he also led the Indian Air Force’s showcase flight. On 15 August 1947, he conducted the first fly-past of Royal Indian Air Force aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi following India’s partition.
He served in the Indian Air Force in a variety of command and staff capacities, including Wing Commander of Air Force Station Ambala, Air Commodore of Western Air Command, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Operational Command, and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
On August 1, 1964, he was promoted to Air Marshal and became Chief of the Air Staff. At 45, he was the youngest person to hold this office. He headed the Indian Air Force during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the two countries’ first significant air battle after their independence. He designed and executed a successful air operation that cost the Pakistani Air Force much and aided the ground forces.
In 1965, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, for his remarkable service throughout the war. In appreciation of his accomplishments, he was also advanced to the rank of Air Chief Marshal. He was the first officer in the Indian Air Force to occupy this position.
He retired from active duty on July 15, 1969, after serving as Chief of the Air Staff. Following that, he served as India’s Ambassador to Switzerland, High Commissioner to Kenya, and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He has also been named to the National Commission for Minorities.
On January 26, 2002, he was awarded the title of Marshal of the Indian Air Force, which is comparable to Field Marshal in the army. He was the Indian Air Force’s first and only officer to receive this rank. For this occasion, he was also handed a ceremonial baton and a special costume.
He died due to Cardiac Arrest on September 16, 2017, at the age of 98. He was cremated with full state honors in Delhi Cantonment’s Brar Square. Several dignitaries, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, attended his funeral.
He is well-recognized as a distinguished and respected Indian Air Force officer. He will be remembered for his bravery, professionalism, vision, and service to the defense and security of the country. In his honor, the Indian Air Force post in Panagarh, West Bengal, was renamed Air Force Station Arjan Singh in 2016.
Budget of Sky Force
Sky Force’s budget has not been officially revealed by the film’s producers. However, according to certain sources, the film’s budget is anticipated to be around Rs. 200 crores. This is due to the film’s high-octane airborne action sequences, realistic sets, and considerable visual effects work.
In addition, the film was shot in a variety of places, including Lucknow, Sitapur, and Mumbai. The film is expected to be one of Akshay Kumar and Dinesh Vijan’s most expensive and ambitious productions.
Director of Sky Force
Sky Force is a forthcoming film co-directed by two debutantes, Sandeep Kelwani and Abhishek Anil Kapur. Here is some information regarding their Indian film career:
Sandeep Kelwani is a film director and screenwriter from India. Sky Force, Runway 34, and Bholaa are among the three Hindi films he has written. Sky Force marked his directorial debut. He is also the co-founder and owner of the production company Good Karma Films. Sandeep’s ambition is to direct a large event-based historical war picture, stating, “I have a lot to contribute to the magical silver screen.”
Abhishek Anil Kapur is a writer and actor best known for his roles in web series such as The Test Case and The Final Call. He also collaborated on Sky Force. He is not to be mistaken with another Indian film director, Abhishek Kapoor, who has directed films such as Rock On!!, Kai Po Che!, Fitoor, Kedarnath, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.
