Marking seven triumphant years, ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ remains a benchmark for patriotic cinema in India. The 2018 blockbuster, inspired by the real-life 2016 cross-border operation post-Uri attack, continues to resonate, especially as actor Vicky Kaushal drops a bombshell from its making.
In anniversary specials across media platforms, Vicky revealed he almost said no to the role that defined his stardom. Fresh off ‘Masaan’s critical success, the actor feared the high-stakes military drama would pigeonhole him. ‘I wanted to reject it outright,’ Vicky recounted, detailing how Aditya Dhar’s unwavering conviction turned the tide.
Dhar, making his directorial bow, shared exhaustive research on the surgical strikes—India’s precise response to the dastardly attack on its soldiers. Late-night discussions and script breakdowns convinced Vicky. He underwent rigorous training, mastering combat moves and shedding inhibitions to embody Major Vihaan, the no-nonsense commando leading the mission.
Box office numbers tell the rest of the story: from a shoestring Rs 40 crore budget to over Rs 250 crore earnings, ‘Uri’ shattered records. It clinched multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for Vicky, and ignited national pride. Critics lauded its restraint, avoiding jingoism while delivering pulse-pounding sequences.
Vicky’s journey with ‘Uri’ underscores serendipity in cinema. ‘Rejecting it would have been my biggest regret,’ he muses now. As the film turns seven, it stands resilient against time, reminding viewers of India’s resolve. Streaming on platforms and trending online, ‘Uri’ proves true stories of courage never fade.
