These days, the Bollywood film industry produces propaganda films in the name of patriotism. Varun Tej’s “Operation Valentine,” which is filmed in both Hindi and Telugu, also features the Indian Air Force and surgical strikes. Although the film is on the 2019 Balakot airstrike, a bombing raid carried out by the Indian Air Force on 26 February 2019 in Balakot, Pakistan, against a terrorist training center, Varun Tej believes it should not be viewed as a favor to one party.
The film, directed by newcomer Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, and produced by Sony Pictures and Sandeep Mudda, is set for release on March 1st. The film also features Manushi Chhillar, Navdeep and Mir Sarwar in pivotal roles.
The meaning of ‘Operatione Valentine’
On February 14, 2019, 40 CRPF jawans were killed in the Pulwama terror attack. The Indian Air Force carried out an operation to exact revenge on the enemies who caused it. The surgical strikes took place on February 14. Since it happened on Valentine’s Day, this attack was planned as a return gift to the enemy. Valentine here represents everyone’s love for their country.
Production delays
“Operation Valentine” script was narrated to me in 2020. Due to a variety of challenges, the project was delayed. If it had been made according to the original intention, it would have been the first film to explore this patriotic issue. Nonetheless, our film is not like Hrithik Roshan’s “Fighter”. This story has to be told.
Different from “Fighter“
We only learned about “Fighter” after we began discussing the story of our film with the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defense. But our film is quite different. Even the Indian Air Force men believed we did an excellent job showcasing the Air Force. Our film explores the lives of our soldiers and their families. It’s more of an emotional drama than an airstrike or visual show. Despite its limited budget, “Operation Valentine” features great visuals. Operation Valentine’s emotional quotient is its biggest asset.
About Hindi debut
I knew Hindi well, but to mouth the dialogues fluently, I needed a trainer. I learned language from someone who had traveled all the way from Mumbai.
Recent failures
We made a mistake with “Gandeevadhari Arjuna”.
No propaganda film!
The most important thing to remember is to always back our Indian Army and Air Force when they fight against an enemy, regardless of whatever political party is in control. While we may differ on some topics, we must work together to ensure national security. And this film is not intended to support any political party.
About Manushi Chhillar
Manushi Chhillar brought fame to the country as Miss World. She worked very hard on this film. She played the radar officer in the film and she did enough research to appear like an officer.
About Matka
My next release will be “Matka”, being directed by Karuna Kumar. In “Matka”, I play a character that has lot of scope for showing varied performance. It’s a good commercial revenge drama.
