A special tribute to the Indian army

By now, it’s a known fact that Neeraj Pandey’s next, Aiyaary revolves around two army officers (played by Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee). Now, we have come to know that the film-maker has decided to unveil the first look of his new film on Vijay Diwas. The day is commemorated on December 16 every year as it marks India’s military victory in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

“Since Aiyaary is set against the backdrop of army officials, the idea was to underline the importance of Vijay Diwas. Makers feel this day is apt to unveil the first look as it’s a celebratory day for the army. Neeraj has always expressed his love for the nation through his films. And now, he has taken up yet another opportunity to choose important dates to put out his film’s content,” says an insider.

Interestingly, Neeraj will not only unveil the first look on Vijay Diwas but will also release the film on Republic Day (January 26). Before Aiyaary, he paid tribute to the armed forces and intelligence agencies with films such as Baby (2015), Naam Shabana and Rustom, among others. The MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) film-maker feels Vijay Diwas is a “very significant day for the military forces of the country.”

“It’s a tribute to the martyrs, who have laid down their lives for the victory of India in 1971. So, we thought what could be a better day than this to release the poster of our film. We dedicate it [the film] to our military forces and their brave families,” says Neeraj.

Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee play army men in Aiyaary

PHOTO: PRAMOD THAKUR/HT Neeraj Pandey