Story of 120 soldiers fighting all odds demands to be told: Director Razneesh Ghai

Dhaakad maker Ghai set to helm film based on battle of Rezang La from 1962 Indo-China war

The battle of Rezang La was arguably the sole high point for India in the 1962 Indo-China war. Director Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai believes the heroism displayed in the battle, which saw 120 Indian soldiers from 13 Kumaon battalion defeat 1300 Chinese soldiers, deserves a big-screen retelling. He will dive into the world of the war drama early next year as soon as he wraps up his upcoming movie Dhaakad, headlined by Kangana Ranaut.

Producer Sohel Maklai with Razneesh Ghai

“It’s a classic David-versus-Goliath story. The war story [teaches] young people the true value of the Army. The story of 120 soldiers fighting against all odds demands to be told sincerely on the big screen. It’s set in the ’60s, so recreating that era will take some time,” says Ghai. He adds that the story is all the more relevant now — in 1962, the Indian Army was successful in blocking the Chinese troops from crossing the key ridge into the Chushul Valley. Military experts believe that gave India strategic leverage during last year’s Indo-China skirmishes and compelled the Chinese forces to disengage.

Casting is crucial in such an ambitious project. The director says he is currently in discussion with an A-list star. “Just a good story doesn’t cut it anymore. A film has to offer scale, [sincere] performances, and action that matches the international [standards],” adds the director. Sohel Maklai, who is  co-producing the movie, says, “War films in India usually aren’t mounted on a [grand canvas]. But I believe in Razy’s vision.”

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