Pippa: The war hero whose story of a forgotten tank battle inspired Ishaan Khatter's war film

Had Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta t written his book, ' Burning Chaffees', on urging of his battalion mates, Battle of Garibpur in run-up to 1971 India-Pakistan War, would have been forgotten forever.

But book inspired Raja Krishna Men, previously in news for Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Airlife', to make war film 'Pippa' with Ishaan ' Suitable Boy' Khattar playing war hero (and author of book), n a 26-year-old who was made a Captain in thick of battle after his commanding officer died within three minutes of it.

film is a compelling retelling of this tank battle, which was fought in present-day Bangladesh, against Pakistani fire power with Lt-General A.A.K. Niazi, who eventually signed surrender documents for a defeated Pakistan.

Battle of Garibpur was fought between India and Pakistan for control of vill of Garibpur, which is w in Bangladesh.

On vember 20, 1971, before India and Pakistan formally went to war, troops of Punjab Regiment's 14th Battalion with 14 supporting PT-76 Russian-made tanks from 45 Cavalry moved in to capture areas around Garibpur in what was n East Pakistani territory.

Interestingly, Ishaan was 26 when he shot for film, as was war hero when he fought during war. This synchronicity adds a unique layer of aunticity to film, making it more realistic.

amphibious tank in film is called 'Pippa', which is a tribute to Punjabi soldiers who, upon seeing tank for first time, lovingly likened it to a Pippa, a ghee tin that floats in water. This charming moniker adds character to tank's role in movie.

PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka in Russian) was designed for amphibious operations and used to cross rivers during war. se tanks played a significant role in war.

PT-76 used in 'Pippa', film, is also t a replica but a genuine tank. Explicitly resurrected for film, this auntic tank provides a true-to-life touch to movie's tank warfare scenes.

movie, shot in Amritsar, Ahmednagar and interiors of West Bengal, narrates a story of patriotism and heroism.

Produced by RSVP Movies and Roy Kapur Films, with Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur serving as producers, it also stars Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Painyuli in pivotal roles.

It will be released on vember 10 on Prime Video.