War dramas and army based films have become immensely popular today. Now, a mainstream Bollywood film is being planned around Operation Trident, one of the most audacious naval attacks the world has ever witnessed. Conducted on the night of December 4 and 5, during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, it targeted the Karachi Harbour. As a tribute to its success, December 4 is celebrated every year as Navy Day. The film is provisionally titled Navy Day and expected to go on the floors by mid-2020.
Bhushan Kumar who is producing the lavishly mounted film with Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar and Swati Iyer Chawla, pointed out that this was one of the most successful operations in modern naval history after World War II. “Our Navy suffered no losses and caused heavy casualties on the enemy side. It’s an extraordinary tale of strategy, thrill and bravery,” he avered.
Operation Trident was planned under the leadership of Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda and masterminded by then Fleet Operations Officer of the Navy, Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani. According to a source, the script should be locked by August-September with extensive research and interviews with those who were a part of the operation, after which casting will start, followed by three-four months of exhaustive prep. It will be directed by ad filmmaker Razneesh Ghai.
“After Ram Madhvani (Neerja) and Suresh Triveni (Tumhari Sulu), we are launching another leading figure from Indian advertising. He’s an Army kid who shot the campaign to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Indian Air Force and motivate youngsters to reach for the skies. With the panache of his story-telling, I’m sure Razneesh will bring a new approach to the genre,” asserted Tanuj, adding that the film will be shot in Mumbai and Delhi with the action scenes picturised at an international location. Navy Day is looking at a late 2020 or early 2021 unveiling.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
