Uri: A Tribute to Bravery - 6 Years of Impact and Inspiration

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It has been six years since Vicky Kaushal famously exclaimed, "How's the Josh?" in the film Uri: The Surgical Strike. The 2019 release, marking Aditya Dhar's directorial debut, has reached a remarkable milestone and continues to be one of the most iconic films in Bollywood. Uri: The Surgical Strike is an action-war film that dramatizes the real-life events following the 2016 Uri attack.

Overview of Uri: The Surgical Strike plot and central theme

The narrative centers on Major Vihaan Shergill, portrayed by Kaushal, a key figure in the military response. The film's core plot is based on the 2016 surgical strike conducted in retaliation for an attack on an Indian army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of nineteen soldiers. This attack, executed by four armed militants on September 18, 2016, prompted the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators. Paresh Rawal's character, Govind Bharadwaj, the national security adviser, proposes the surgical strike strategy. Following the Prime Minister's directive, a ten-day timeline is established for the operation. Major Vihaan resigns from his position and travels to the Northern Command base in Udhampur. With the approval of General Arjun Singh Rajawat (played by Shashi Singh), the Chief of Army Staff, he prepares his team for the surgical operation, which is ultimately executed on September 28.

In this film, Vicky Kaushal embodies Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, the leader of the Para Special Forces team, while Paresh Rawal takes on the role of Govind Bhardwaj, inspired by national security advisor Ajit Doval. Rajit Kapur portrays the Prime Minister of India, drawing inspiration from Narendra Modi.

The film is divided into five segments: The Seven Sisters (Northeast), An Unsettling Peace (New Delhi), Bleed India with Thousand Cuts (Uri, Jammu Kashmir), Naya Hindustan (New India), and The Strike (POK, Pakistan). Each of these chapters plays a vital role in elucidating the reasons behind the Pakistani military's decision to execute a surgical strike.

Critical and commercial success

Uri: The Surgical Strike is a multi-award-winning film that portrays real-life events and has garnered a significant following. With a production budget of $25 million, it astonishingly grossed over $359 million globally, earning the title of "blockbuster."

Upon its release on January 11, 2019, the film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. It was honored with several awards, including four National Film Awards, recognizing the contributions of both Vicky Kaushal and Aditya Dhar. Uri was celebrated for its compelling narrative, action sequences, sound design, direction, and technical execution.

Vicky Kaushal's transformation for the role

In preparation for his role, Kaushal underwent an intense transformation over five months, gaining significant weight while engaging in rigorous military training. He dedicated five hours daily to physical training, in addition to three to four hours of military drills. His training included firearms instruction at the Mumbai naval base in Cuffe Parade, which he described as the most physically demanding project he had ever undertaken.

One of the film's most iconic lines is Vicky Kaushal's "How is the Josh?" His performance was exceptional, embodying the essence of an Indian army officer. He consistently elevated the film's intensity, showcasing the physicality and determination required for the lead role.