The teaser of the upcoming war drama Pippa (2022) opens with a solemn, sombre announcement of war by then prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
The film, directed by Raja Krishna Menon, follows the heroic 48-hour Battle of Garibpur, led by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, played by Ishaan Khatter, during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which led to creation of the new nation of Bangladesh.
Based on the Brigadier’s war memoir, The Burning Chaffees, Pippa is inspired by true events. As the nation hear the PM’s radio address, the soldiers going to the frontlines are gearing themselves up for battle.
Incidentally, the film’s title refers to the magnificent Russian amphibious war tank PT-76 that was used in the war, nicknamed “Pippa”, which is Punjabi for an empty ‘ghee da dabba [container of clarified butter]’ that smoothly floats on water. A shot from the teaser demonstrates this as well.
The drama, which also tells the story of three siblings set against the backdrop of war, is also a coming-of-age tale as Mehta leads his squadron to victory. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan.
The teaser, released on India’s 75th Independence Day, also reveals that the film has been moved up one earlier to premiere in theatres.
Pippa is now due to be released on 2 December. Check out the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to see the film.