The film is based on the firsthand account penned in the book The Burning Chaffees by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta.
Prime Video, on November 1, announced the direct-to-streaming premiere of ‘Pippa’ with a gripping trailer of the film. The film is slated to release this Diwali, on November 10. ‘Pippa’ is a thrilling narrative of a landmark moment in history - the Battle of Garibpur, during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971; that was pivotal in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
‘Pippa’ features Ishaan who essays the character of real-life war hero Captain Balram Singh Mehta along with Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan in pivotal roles. Based on the book ‘The Burning Chaffees’ by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, the film is written by Menon, Tanmay Mohan, and Ravinder Randhawa. The soul-stirring music by maestro A.R. Rahman provides an atmospheric backdrop to this story of patriotism and sacrifice.
The action thriller gets its name from the amphibious war tank called the PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka), which was popularly known as “Pippa,” akin to an empty tin of ghee that smoothly floats on water. This wartime saga narrates a story of patriotism and heroism, and traces the coming of age of Captain Balram Mehta (essayed by Ishaan) of the 45 Cavalry Tank Squadron. Together, Balram Mehta and the Indian Armed Forces exemplify valour and courage, in a war for the liberation of another country, and redefine what it means to be a hero. The trailer takes us back in time, when India fought the Battle of Garibpur, on the eastern front. Captain Balram Singh Mehta assumed command over the squadron after their leader fell during the mission. Along with his siblings, he was on the frontlines of the war and was instrumental in India’s quest for victory. With the battle war cry “We fight like soldiers, kill like soldiers, and die like soldiers” acting as a clarion call, Indian forces gave it their all, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Watch the trailer here:
Director Raja Krishna Menon shared, “When I read Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta’s book ‘The Burning Chaffees’, I was absolutely certain that this inspiring and lesser-known story of triumph needed to be shared with the world. I believe we have been able to create an apt tribute to our armed forces, by bringing to life this story that is hidden in the annals of our rich history. I would like to thank Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur for believing in my vision and I am eternally grateful to Ishaan, Mrunal, Priyanshu, Soni Ji, the entire crew and every member of the cast who have given it their all. With Prime Video, I am confident that Pippa will be well received by audiences within India as well around the world.”
Produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner of RSVP and Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Roy Kapur Films, and directed by Raja Krishna Menon.