Meghna Gulzar's Sam Manekshaw biopic, starring Vicky Kaushal, is now titled Sam Bahadur

The eagerly awaited biopic of the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is now titled Sam Bahadur. The makers announced the new title through a short video on Manekshaw’s 107th birth anniversary.

The brief video is narrated by Gulzar who states that the highly decorated army officer was known by many names throughout his illustrious career, but became immortal as Sam Bahadur.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Sam Bahadur stars Vicky Kaushal as the Indian army chief during the India-Pak war of 1971. Manekshaw was in the military for four decades and served in five wars, including World War II.

In a statement, Kaushal said, “I had always heard stories about Sam Bahadur from my parents who hail from Punjab and have seen the 1971 war, but when I read the script I was blown away. He is a hero and a patriot who is still remembered and loved to this day and capturing his spirit in the film is of the highest importance to me.”

Meghna added, "He was a soldier's soldier and a gentleman's gentleman. They don't make men like Sam Bahadur anymore. I'm so honoured to be telling his story with Ronnie Screwvala and the incredibly talented Vicky Kaushal. On the field marshal’s birth anniversary, his story has got its name. I couldn’t be happier.”

Meghna and Kaushal have previously worked together on the period spy thriller Raazi (2018). The release date for Sam Bahadur has not been announced.