'I RESPECT THE SELFLESS ACTS OF OUR SOLDIERS'
Actor Vicky Kaushal says Uri, his latest release, is not jingoistic and reflects the country’s mood
For actor Vicky Kaushal, playing the role of an Army officer in his latest film, Uri: The Surgical Strike, was an experience he’ll cherish forever. He says it was not only a challenging role but it also made him understand and “respect the selfless acts of soldiers” more than ever.
“While making the film, we didn’t want to take any liberties. We respect the Army and we were very meticulous. We can’t fiddle around ki medal kahin bhi daal do, kaise bhi pehen lo,” shares Vicky, who is in the Capital today for Army Day celebrations.
The actor admits doing a film based on an important chapter from the country’s recent past meant added pressure. He says, “We did retakes of a shot just because the beret wasn’t in place. Those pressures were there because at the end of the day you’re portraying the defence personnel of the country.”
Patriotic films often tend to look jingoistic, however, Vicky says Uri is a “sombre” film and doesn’t fall into that category.
“[Our film] sticks to just that one incident. We lost 19 of our soldier brothers. There was an emotion running not just in the Army but in the country as well — of agony. And those are there in the film. There is no jingoism,” he says.
The film has received a good response since it released last week and Vicky couldn’t be happier. “Till the film is released, you don’t have an idea if it is going to work. But the reaction we received is overwhelming,” he says.