Varun Dhawan, over the years in Bollywood, has established himself as a bankable and an audience favourite star. Be it his impeccable comic timing in Judwaa 2 or his restrained and mature performance in October, the actor has done it all. With Badlapur in 2015, Varun added yet another feather to his cap and delivered a phenomenal performance through the lens of Sriram Raghavan. And now, the maverick duo is all set for yet another collaboration. This time, Varun has been roped in to play the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who is celebrated for his contribution to the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Arun received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for facing relentless attacks from Pakistan. The yet to be titled film will be bankrolled by Dinesh Vijan under the banner Maddock Films. Speaking more on the film, Varun, during an interview with a leading daily, told when he heard the story for the first time, he was left in awe. He further added that the film is the most important film in his career and believed it is the team's collective responsibility to narrate the tale perfectly. An excited Varun went on to say that he hopes Indians feel proud of the film.
“When I heard Arun Khetarpal’s story I was awed that this could have actually happened! I understood then why Dinoo (Dinesh Vijan) and Sriram are so passionate about it. When I met Arun’s brother Mukesh, I was moved. I too have a brother and I can’t understand what he must have gone through. And it’s our responsibility to tell it correctly. This is the most important film of my career and I’m excited to start work with Sriram again. I hope all Indians will feel as proud when they see our story unfold on screen.”
Sriram, who recently delivered the blockbuster AndhaDhun, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu and Radhika Apte, said, "The courage of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal during the 1971 Battle of Basantar is well known. Movies set in wartime have always moved me and this made me reconsider my decision. This is a solid story told over two generations of soldiers and we hope we can do justice to it."
Sriram Raghavan
Dinesh, who will be financing the project, added, “Arun Khetarpal was one of Poona Horse’s most celebrated Lieutenants. When Mukesh (his brother) narrated his story in Delhi, we were already enamoured by his bravery but what connected me more was Arun’s equation with his father. It’s a huge responsibility to make this biopic. We are indebted to the family and to the Poona Horse regiment for allowing us the honour of telling Arun’s story. We hope to make them proud.”
(Source: Mumbai Mirror/Instagram)
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