Shershaah graces the 69th National Film Awards: A tribute to the legacy of Captain Vikram Batra
Celebrating a cinematic masterpiece: Sher Shah's triumph
The Indian film industry saw a gem in 2021, a film that went beyond entertainment, to the depths of sacrifice, valor and patriotism. That film was Shershaah, an epic tribute on the life of Captain Vikram Batra. This masterful tale has now been officially recognized with the Special Jury Award at the 69th National Film Awards.
Vishal Batra's emotional rendition: A brother's pride
Captain Vikram Batra's legacy is not only that of a brave soldier but also that of a loving brother. Captain Vikram's brother Vishal Batra was beyond happy to hear about this prestigious honour. Speaking to News18, he shared, “This award represents much more than just cinematic excellence. It symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of each and every soldier who laid down their lives in the Kargil War.
Moving on, Vishal emphasized on the valor of the 527 brave souls who died in the Kargil War. “The film not only depicts the valor of Vikram, but also throws light on the lives of every soldier who fights relentlessly to protect the honor of our country. The love pouring in from our country for the film has been overwhelming.
Acknowledging the artisans behind Sher Shah
While Captain Vikram Batra's story was an inspiration in itself, it was the collective effort of the team behind Shershaah that brought the story alive. Vishal couldn't stop himself from praising Karan Johar, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra for their unparalleled dedication. Also, his special mention to Sandeep Srivastava, the writer of the film, underlines the intricate craft involved in the story.
Elaborating further on Sidharth Malhotra's portrayal of his late brother, Vishal said, “Vikram's life was one of unparalleled heroism. Finding an actor who could convey such intensity was very important. Siddharth has done immense justice to the role.
Highlights of the 69th National Film Awards
This esteemed award ceremony was not just about the glory of Sher Shah. 2021 celebrates several Indian films that enthralled the audience. Notably, Sujit Sircar's Sardar Udham emerged as the Best Hindi Film, and R Madhavan's intriguing Rocketry - The Nambi Effect was crowned the Best Feature Film.
Alia Bhatt won the Best Actress award for her stellar performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon for her commendable performance in Mimi. Lastly, it was a proud moment for the Telugu film industry too when Allu Arjun bagged the Best Actor award for the hit Pushpa: The Rise Part 1.
Conclusion: Sher Shah's lasting impact on Indian cinema
Sher Shah's success and recognition at the 69th National Film Awards is not just limited to awards or accolades. It is about preserving and celebrating the memory of those who put their nation before themselves. It is a testament to the power of stories that matter and a testament to cinema's ability to immortalize such stories for generations to come.
