Sky Force (2025) Movie Script
1
In 1947, with the end of British rule,
India was partitioned.
After the partition, Pakistan made
continuous attempts to infiltrate Kashmir,
to which Indian forces responded
with a fierce counterattack.
In 1965, a war erupted between
the two countries over this issue.
Pakistan's President,
Ayub Khan believed that
with advanced weapons provided
by the United States,
Pakistan could defeat India in this war.
To send a strong message,
India deployed the Indian Air Force.
The Air Force disrupted
all of Pakistan's strategies.
Having already lost many sectors to India,
Ayub Khan agreed to a ceasefire.
However, despite the ceasefire,
tensions flared up again in 1971
over the issue of Bangladesh,
and Pakistan began
attacking Indian airbases.
Go get him.
Hurry up!
Sir, we have downed
a Pakistani aircraft
and have the pilot in custody.
We have held him
in the East Wing bunker, Sir.
We have also informed the Indian army.
They are on their way, Sir.
I'll be there.
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- Jai Hind.
File.
He's a soldier before being
a prisoner of war.
Untie him.
Group Captain K. O. Ahuja.
Wing Commander Ahmed Hussain.
Should you have any complaints
regarding your treatment here,
you may submit them using this form
from the Geneva Convention.
No need. Thank you.
Can I borrow a cigarette, please?
Sure.
Thank you.
Would you like some whiskey as well?
No, thank you.
I'll have tea, please.
Eagle, Peshawar, Squadron No. 9!
You were piloting a Starstriker,
weren't you?
Yes.
Are there any other attacks planned,
apart from this one?
Perhaps you've forgotten
the rules of warfare.
I can't tell you that.
This isn't good for your health.
So, you received a Gallantry Award?
Yes, the Pakistani Gallantry Award.
Sitara-e-Jurrat in 1965!
But you lost the war in '65.
Does your country give medals for losing?
Do you remember the Sargodha
attack on September 7th?
How can I forget?
I was posted there.
But it seems you've forgotten
the night of September 6th.
Where were you posted?
Adampur, Jalandhar.
Oh,
so you were "The Tigers" from Adampur.
I must commend your bravery, Mr. Ahuja.
You flew all the way to Sargodha!
Tell me,
why were you awarded the Sitara-e-Jurrat?
I had got this to eliminate
one of your Indian Mystere.
Adampur,
It was here that I first met
Squadron Leader T. K. Vijaya.
Filled with patriotism in his heart
and the spirit of the Indian Air Force
in his veins,
he was the soldier who,
with his bravery
and exceptional flying skills,
transformed both the 1965 war
and the world of aviation.
- Tigers.
- Yes, Sir.
At ease.
Reaching the skies with pride
is our goal,
and defending the nation is our duty.
In this training,
you will showcase your flying skills,
along with your core values: -
Courage,
Respect,
Loyalty,
and Valor.
This is the standard expected
from each of you.
Will you rise to meet this challenge?
Yes, Sir.
Good.
Today, let's check your skills
against one another.
I will personally oversee this training.
All pilots in air at 0900 hours.
And remember,
your aircraft is an extension of you.
Keep a sharp look out.
Expect the unexpected.
Good hunting and safe flying.
Let's begin the dogfight.
Bull, Duck, high speed chase,
lock your target in 60 seconds.
Tigers, tonight's special...
TANDOORI DUCK!
Sir, you're a bull. You're a vegetarian.
In the heat of battle,
this Bull becomes a Tiger!
Get off my tail,
Sir and the beer's on me.
Bribing a soldier, huh?
Got you, Duck.
Damn it! I'm locked.
Returning to the base.
Panther, you're next.
Your time starts now, Panther.
Bull Sir, today you'll get
to witness the Panther's speed.
Give it a shot, kiddo.
And see the Bull's power.
You're on!
The Panther is closing
in on Bull at high speed.
Wrong move, he'll lose.
Trying to be the Flying Sikh, huh?
You're on!
Whoa!
No way! No, no!
What was that, sir?
What the hell?
What happened?
Got scared?
I was just joking! Who does that!
Now save your tail if you can.
Bull won't let Panther go now.
Tabby cover Panther,
Cockroach cover Bull.
Two versus two.
Come on, you...
What the hell!
On your left, Bull.
In the heat of the battle,
when the enemy is right in front of you,
don't waste time talking.
Where's Roach?
Disaster strikes,
when your caution shakes.
Look behind you!
Tabby Sir!
Tabby Sir, he's here!
Tabby Sir, he's here!
Cockroach on my tail, need cover!
Contact with both.
On my call, turn hard left.
Roger.
You saved him from the Bull,
but lost him to the Cockroach.
No, no, no, not again.
And lock.
Hard left, hard left now!
But sir, I'm already locked in!
What are you doing?
What are you doing, Sir?
Try.
Cockroach, Tabby,
you have 60 seconds to lock each other.
45 seconds to go.
This is too risky.
Chickening out, Cockroach?
The game isn't over yet.
I'm... I'm not risking my aircraft, buddy.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, stay with me.
Get working. No, no, no.
This is not the time to throw tantrums.
Get to work.
Come on, come on, come on.
Come on!
Sir, Tabby locked him in.
Run, run, run!
Don't laugh, please.
- Hey, Cockroach?
- What?
Chickened out again, huh?
Hey, cheater!
Anyone can win by cheating.
Meet me in the cafeteria in five minutes,
and we'll see who's better.
Yeah, yeah, we'll see, we'll see.
Sir, why is Cockroach Sir
running like this?
Because when he goes up, the pressure down
here becomes too much to handle.
And then, it starts raining down.
You won't stop taking risks,
Tabby, will you?
In battle, there are no boundaries,
so why should we set any in training?
Tabby Sir,
everything I'd heard about you
makes sense now.
He saved you today, kid.
Let's see what happens next time.
Come on, Sir,
if it weren't for Tabby Sir,
I would've had you locked in.
Is that a challenge?
The point will be mine next time, Sir.
It's not a piece of cake, darling.
Come on, let's arm wrestle.
- Come on, come on, come on!
- Go, go, go!
Come on, come on, come on!
Bull Sir,
why do they keep going
against each other?
These two are like Arjuna and Karana
from the Mahabharata.
Karana was a skilled archer,
but it was Arjun who remained
Lord Krishna's favorite.
Ah!
Come on, come on, come on!
Go, go, go!
Boys.
Will you two ever play
together as one team?
30 minutes, all pilots report
to the Squadron Briefing Room.
- 30 minutes, move it.
- Hurry up, hurry up.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Come.
How's the training going?
It's going good, Sir.
Our boys are getting better with time.
Thank you.
Time is something we don't have.
Intelligence report:
Pakistan is getting aggressive.
They've acquired the latest
Starstriker aircraft
and they are training day and night.
Sir, like them,
we should also invest in better aircraft.
Those aircraft were a gift from America.
We don't have the budget
to invest in new machines right now.
Don't worry, Sir.
When the time comes,
squadron pilots and I will be ready.
Jai Hind, Sir!
Pilots,
tell me, if your fuel is running low
during a dogfight
and the enemy is on your target -
what will you do?
Go ahead.
Sir, we will chase him and eliminate him.
Absolutely NOT!
You could chase the enemy
and shoot him down,
but if you run out of fuel,
you risk losing both your aircraft
and your life.
BUT,
if you disengage,
you live to fight another day.
We must protect each
of our planes and pilots,
because they are our country's
most valuable assets.
And also one more thing,
this time we'll be facing
the American Starstriker.
The Starstriker
is the fastest and most dangerous
fighter plane in existence today.
It has twice the speed
of our Mystere aircraft
and four times the climb rate.
Instead of our single-barrel cannon,
it's equipped with a multi-barrel cannon
and air-to-air missiles,
which our Mystere plane lacks.
In short,
it's a missile with a man in it.
Any questions?
Sir.
Yeah, go ahead.
Do we even stand a chance against
them with our old aircraft?
The pilot, not the plane,
wins the battle, Bull.
It's not the machine,
it's about the man inside the machine.
Sir, their plane is twice as fast
and powerful as ours.
What should our strategy be?
Come up.
I want you to attack me.
Hit me with lot of power and strength.
Punch me.
Sorry, Sir?
Hit me with full speed and power, Tiger.
Sir, I can't do that.
PUNCH ME!!
What did you learn?
Sir, you used my strength
and speed against me,
turning it into my weakness.
Yes, and that will be our strategy
to defeat the Starstrikers.
Any questions?
No, Sir.
Dismissed.
Sir, I apologize for what happened
during the training.
You pushed your limits too far.
Sorry, Sir.
You should be responsible now.
You're about to become a father.
I think you'll have a daughter,
because you are a good pilot.
Sir, I also want a daughter -
India's first female fighter pilot.
How's Geeta?
She's fine, Sir,
but she takes on unnecessary stress.
You know her nature well.
Let's do this:
before the party, come to my house.
- Sir.
- I'll talk to Preeti,
and she'll have a word with her. Okay?
Very well, Sir.
Preeti... ?
- Are you ready?
- Yeah.
Be quick, Monu is on his way.
Monu?
Um, Tabby.
You see Monu in Tabby, don't you?
Same attitude, same energy...
Always pushing the limits.
He is a madman like him.
If Monu were alive today,
he would've been a better pilot than me.
Would've been?
Your brother WAS a better pilot than you.
Yes, ma'am.
Indeed he was.
Listen, Geeta is coming with him as well.
Please have a word with her.
- Yeah.
- Okay?
Come. Let's go.
I'll be there, just a final touch up.
- Please.
- Oh yes, that's important.
- Hi!
- Welcome, welcome, welcome.
- Hello, Sir.
- How are you?
- Hello, Sir.
- I'm good.
- How about you?
- Very well.
- All good?
- All good, Sir.
- Good evening. How are you, Tabby?
- Come.
Hello. Very well. How are you?
Guys, you all sit,
we'll get you all a drink.
Come. Come on.
What will you have?
Sir,
this is for you.
It's a very rare single malt.
One of the smoothest and finest.
Why, what's the occasion?
Sir, I always wanted to give this one
to my father.
After my father,
you have been my greatest mentor.
I've always looked up to you.
You are the best!
Sir, please do us the honor.
No.
I'll open this bottle the day
you prove you're better than the best.
I will not let you down, Sir.
I'm sure.
But thank you for this.
I'm constantly worried.
About what?
About Tabby.
He could be sent to the front
at any time.
Geeta, a soldier's wife
must be stronger than he is.
Only then can he go to the front
and serve the country fearlessly.
And what if something happens to him... ?
Nothing will happen to him
as long as I'm there.
I promise.
Geeta.
Let's raise a toast
to India's first female fighter pilot.
Come on.
You told him that as well?
Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I hold your hand
and it's all I desire, I confide.
I long to see the dawn with you
by my side,
For that I'll wait through the night.
You are my ground and my sky,
In your eyes, I see the reason why.
Apart from you, no one else is mine,
I'm wrapped in your hues,
my crazy lover it's true.
I'm ready to give all that I have too,
I dance and sing just for you.
I dance and sing just for you.
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I've forgotten the world
to belong to you,
I'd give up everything
to make your love true.
My beloved, in joy,
she shines so bright,
Her shirt turned pink,
it's a beautiful sight,
I keep warding off
the evil all the time.
I've forgotten the world
to belong to you,
I'd give up everything
to make your love true.
My beloved, in joy,
she shines so bright,
Her shirt turned pink,
it's a beautiful sight,
I keep warding off
the evil all the time.
I'm wrapped in your hues,
my crazy lover it's true.
I'm ready to give all that I have too,
I dance and sing just for you.
Boys...
I'll be back soon.
Take care.
'Pakistan conducted an airstrike
over the Akhnoor sector today, '
'shooting down four
Indian Air Force aircraft. '
'Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri
condemned the attack'
'and promised swift action from India. '
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- As you all know what the situation is -
- Are you ready?
- Yes, Sir!
Okay. Good.
Sir. We are ready to strike back, Sir.
Not yet.
If the enemy strikes again,
we will retaliate.
Right, Sir,
we always wait until we've lost more men.
Ahuja, you know our government
advocates for peace.
Sir, even after losing three
of our pilots,
our government is advocating peace?
Behave.
Sorry.
Tomorrow, you and one of your squadron
pilots will go to monitor the border.
Observe their activities and report back.
Are we allowed to cross the border?
You know what you have to do,
don't engage.
Got it.
Jai Hind, Sir.
- Sir.
- Tomorrow morning,
we'll go to the border for a recce.
Sandhu, Chatterjee,
you'll be on standby.
- Sure, Sir!
- You will be my No.2.
Yes, Sir!
0800, briefing.
0900, take-off.
Any questions?
- No, Sir!
- Perfect.
Same favoritism, as always!
Did you say something?
Sir, may I go to the toilet?
Sir, as discussed,
I've attached two extra fuel tanks
along with the two rocket pods.
We can now easily recce
beyond the Sutlej River,
all the way to the Darbar Sahib
railway station.
By the way, good suggestion.
Thank you, Sir.
Tiger check.
Tiger two.
Tiger to ATC, requesting start.
Runway 3-1, QNH 1013.
Tiger to ATC, requesting take-off.
Tiger, Tower, clear take off.
Tiger airborne as planned, 2000ft.
Tiger on RT channel 4, 4 go.
Approaching border,
stay alert and keep looking out.
Visual contact 11 o' clock.
Climbing up for better visuals.
This is strange, Sir.
The trains are all stationed
on the border, with no movement.
It is indeed strange.
We need a closer look.
We'll need to cross the border to do so,
and we don't have permission for that.
We have permission, but at our own risk!
Tiger.
Let's maintain altitude at 1000ft AGL
and record the activity.
Roger that.
Sir, these trains are loaded
with weapons. Should we... ?
Negative!
We don't engage until they do.
Here comes another train.
Looks like they are stockpiling.
We need to check further,
there might be an arms
and ammunition depot there.
Sparrow flies.
Mynah flies.
Owl flies.
Tiger flies.
Where have you seen a Tiger fly,
you idiot?
Sir,
Indian fighter jets!
Sir, two Indian planes
have been spotted intruding.
This train is also heading
towards the border.
SHIT! TABBY, GAIN ALTITUDE!
Unbelievable! Bloody hell!
Guns, tanks!
They are planning something big.
Get out of there!
That's an order!
DAMN IT!
Taking heavy fire! Need to abort!
Sir, I'M HIT! I'M HIT!
CHECK OPERATIONS NORMAL!
All operations normal, Sir.
Stay out of firing range
and wait for my order to engage.
Tabby, engage 90 degrees west.
That was close.
That was fun!
Let's head back.
Shit, missiles! We are locked.
Split, Tabby, hard right, hard right go!
Sir, missile is closing in. I need cover.
You need to reduce the weight
of your aircraft.
Losing control of my aircraft.
Release your fuel tanks on my call.
OKAY, PULL UP!!!
Jettison tanks, now!
Welcome back, Tigers.
Runaway is clear to land.
Tigers are back.
Thank you.
Mr. Mehta,
have the camera footage
from both aircraft processed.
- On Priority, okay?
- Yes, Sir.
And also get damage report
on Tabby's aircraft.
Right away, Sir.
Thank you.
Sir.
I thought I was gone today, Sir.
Thank you for saving my life.
Damn that promise
I made to your wife Geeta!
But Sir, how did you divert that missile?
The sensor in the missile follows
the heat of the plane.
Correct, Sir! Heat-seeking.
I thought if I created
a strong enough heat source,
the missile's sensor would get confused
between the explosion's heat
and the plane's heat.
Sir, that's what happened.
Yes, that is what happened.
But Sir,
if the missile hadn't gotten confused... ?
Then you'd have lost your life,
and we'd have sent the medal
to your family.
Simple.
You're a genius, Sir.
I know!
I hope my boss thinks that way.
I will see you later, okay?
Sir.
The missile's heat sensor was tracking
the heat from the aircraft.
I managed to dodge the missile easily.
Then suddenly I saw...
What did you see?
A missile was following Ahuja Sir,
and I was following the missile.
And guess what?
I dove between his plane
and the missile to save him.
What did he say then?
He said, "Tabby, "
"you're a genius. "
I said, "I know. "
Is that what he said?
Yes, why? You don't think I am genius?
I didn't say that.
You doubt me?
- A little bit.
- A little?
- Just a little.
- Just a little?
Just a little!
Ahuja, what the hell!
Tabby's aircraft has taken a hit.
It was just a recce mission.
And I said clearly, "do not engage. "
Sir, we did not engage until they did.
We cannot afford to damage
an aircraft like this!
And why did Tabby have to fly
at such a low altitude?
I am sorry about the damage, Sir.
I was the one who ordered him to do so.
But why?
Sir, look at these photographs.
Tabby took these from his aircraft.
Have a look, Sir.
They clearly show that Pakistan
has already moved all its weapons
close to the border.
They are all ready for attack, Sir.
Sir, we should strike first.
We can't.
You know it's not that simple.
We are a peace loving country.
We believe in non-violence.
Sir, diplomacy is for diplomats,
not for us in the Force.
Sir, we don't have time.
We don't have a choice.
We need to send these photographs
and footage to Delhi first.
Obviously.
Let's wait for their orders.
Yes, Sir.
What happened?
Looks like they are planning something big.
Really?
So, why don't we take action?
Because we want peace,
and they want Kashmir.
Sorry.
But what can we do if this
is how the government thinks?
We'll to have to change their mind-set.
We'll have to show our neighbors that
we can infiltrate and strike back too.
So, what's your plan?
Sir, I have made the plan.
Can I brief you?
Ahuja, I am still waiting for orders.
Sir, their cover has been blown.
They can attack us anytime.
We'll have to wait until
the Command makes a decision.
Is that clear?
Sir, we'll need to make
a decision before 1600 hours.
Our aircraft aren't equipped
for night attacks.
Yes, I know that.
Be prepared.
Let me see what can I do.
Noted, Sir.
Connect me to Western Air Command!
Yeah.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Sir, have you reviewed the footage?
Any mission execution orders?
I have told you we need to wait
for air headquarters' orders.
When will you stop bloody
harassing me with your calls?
Noted, Sir.
Any calls?
No sir.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Sir, shall we... ?
- Mr. Mehta.
- Sir?
Inform all pilots to disperse
and take rest.
- Okay.
- And tell them to be on standby 10.
Copy, Sir.
Let's brief them.
GUYS!
- GUYS, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!
- TAKE COVER!!
- LET'S GO! LET'S GO!.
- COME ON!!
- LET'S GO! LET'S GO!
- COME ON!!
RUN! RUN!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Sir.
Go, take cover! Take cover!
Ankit... Ankit!
Ankit... Ankit!
Come on. Boys, up!
We have to attack!
- It's time, get in the air! Let's go!
- Mehta...
Mehta, don't give up.
- Mehta!
- Sir.
You go switch off the main switch.
Go!
Light.
Mehta... ?
Take care.
Light.
No.
Oh no, oh no... Panther!
Help me, guys!
HELP ME!
Panther! Panther!
What have you done?! Panther!
Panther!
Bull Sir,
I told you
the next point's mine.
NO! NO! NOO!!
PANTHER!!!
Sir.
Let's try to get airborne fast.
I'll cover you.
Move! Move!
Tabby, run.
Run.
Move, move, move!
Watch out!
Sir, watch out!
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Sir, my youngest daughter landed
a job with the railway.
So now you can retire without worry, right?
- Yes.
- What are your plans for the future?
Sir, I've spent 38 years serving my country,
now I'll spend the rest
of my life serving my children.
PARADE,
ATTENTION!
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
- PARADE, SALUTE!
- Mother, if we lose our lives,
Then it's our destiny,
Mother, we want your dignity
to remain forever free.
Mother, for you, our lives we will lay,
May no harm ever come your way.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
- One shout out from you,
- They made a mistake.
They shouldn't have left the Tigers wounded.
'Our brave soldiers' offensive
to eliminate the enemy is underway. '
'The Indian Government is yet
to fully comprehend the magnitude
of the challenge they have taken on. '
'A state of emergency
has been declared nationwide today. '
'The war has begun. '
We attempted a peaceful,
diplomatic solution,
but their actions show that they want war.
They want Kashmir, right?
Let's give them a chance to fight for it!
Air Chief Marshal Arjun Sinha!
Sir!
Let's take out most
of their airbases by first light.
Sir.
Then it's decided.
India will make history tomorrow morning!
Vande Mataram! (I praise to the, Mother)
Vande Mataram!
Tigers...
It's time to teach them a lesson.
Let's slap them right back, Ahuja.
Today with the first light,
the Indian Air Force will
strike five Pakistani airbases - Islamabad,
Noor Khan, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Rafiqui.
Tigers have been assigned -
Faisalabad.
Let's destroy their airbases
and especially...
their Starstrikers.
Sir, these are all small satellite
bases near the border.
Attacking them won't cause much damage.
What do you mean?
Sir, I strongly feeling their Starstrikers
aren't stationed at the border bases.
What makes you say that?
Sir, the President of Pakistan
himself gave it away.
What?
Listen to this, Sir.
'It took just 30 minutes'
'for our brave air force officers
to strike the enemy and return safely. '
It's a complete giveaway.
The President himself said
it took them only 30 minutes
to attack and come back.
Sir, only two of our airbases,
Amritsar and Adampur,
were attacked by 11 Starstrikers.
Sir, if the Starstrikers had taken
off from the Pakistani border,
they could have easily reached Delhi
in 10 minutes.
But they only targeted bases closer
to the border and returned.
That means
they must have come from somewhere
deeper inside Central Pakistan.
But where in Central Pakistan?
Sargodha, Sir.
Their most secure airbase.
The heart of Pakistan Air Force.
Sir, we should attack here.
It is impossible to attack Sargodha.
Exactly, Sir.
That's probably what they thought too,
which is why they parked all their
American Starstrikers at Sargodha.
Even if I accept this theory,
our planes don't have the fuel capacity
to attack Sargodha and make it back.
Sir, I have a plan to show you.
If we attach two external fuel tanks
of 100 gallons each to our aircraft,
we can make it happen, Sir.
Yes Sir, we can make it happen!
Sargodha is the best option
if we want to cripple
their Air Force's strength.
It's still too risky, Ahuja.
It would be a bigger risk
not to take this risk, Sir.
You will be consuming
every last drop of fuel.
Sargodha has natural mountain
defense cover,
their radar coverage is 200 km,
and it's equipped with the most
anti-artillery aircraft guns.
Ahuja, this is a Suicide Mission.
Sir, dying for the country
is an honorable sacrifice,
not suicide.
Be quiet, Tabby.
Sir, we can make this happen.
Trust me, Sir. Believe me.
We can do it, Sir.
Okay, let me try and get the clearance.
- Alright, Sir.
- Get your formation ready.
Sir, it's already ready.
Sir, we have 12 aircraft
in flying condition,
and this is the formation.
Boys...
excuse us.
- Sir!
- Sir!
Tabby, they've put you on standby.
May I come in, Sir?
Yeah.
Sir, it seems there's been
a mistake while making the formation.
My name is listed in the 13th position-
I've been kept as a reserve pilot.
I have only made the formation.
They crossed into our territory,
took our people's lives,
and then left, untouched.
And now, when we finally have
a chance to strike back,
you're keeping me on standby?
Please don't take away my chance
to serve the nation.
I will deliver.
I promise, Sir.
You may leave.
Did I do something wrong?
It's my final decision.
I have always looked up
to you as my mentor.
Just tell me one thing
was this your decision,
or someone else's?
I don't need to give you any kind
of explanation, Soldier.
Dismiss!
All my life,
I've prepared for this day,
trained hard day and night,
so that one day I could serve my country.
And he just snatched
that chance away from me.
He didn't do that, Tabby.
I am sure Sir must have made this decision
after due consideration.
Don't overthink it.
Boys, let's go.
I love you.
Tabby?
Tabby?
Officers,
last night,
Pakistan destroyed 28 of our aircraft,
seven runways,
and killed many soldiers
and civilians in just 30 minutes.
But you're not here to mourn.
You're here to show Pakistan,
and the world - India's strength.
The Indian Air Force
will conduct its first airstrike
on Pakistan today,
and I'm proud to tell you
that One Squadron has been chosen
for this mission,
and that's us.
And our target is...
Sargodha.
Boys, we know our planes
are no match for theirs,
and Sargodha is deep
in the heart of Pakistan.
Getting there and coming
back is a monumental challenge.
But we have one shot
at making it possible.
This is our chance to show
the enemy who we are!
- WHO ARE WE?
- THE TIGERS!
- Who are we?
- The Tigers!!!
When a tiger attacks,
it breaks the neck of its prey
and tears it apart.
We will do the same.
We will go in there and rip them apart!
Boys, the fire that burns inside us all -
today, we'll unleash it on Sargodha,
and destroy those Pakistanis!
Remember,
the objective of Tigers is not
to die for your country,
but to KILL.
Today, we all are going to create history.
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
And, the MISSION is called,
SKYFORCE.
Any questions?
No, Sir!
So you were "The Tigers" from Adampur.
I must commend your bravery, Mr. Ahuja.
You flew all the way to Sargodha,
and that too in an ordinary
Mystere aircraft.
Tell me, why were you awarded
the Sitara-e-Jurrat?
For shooting down one
of your Indian Mysteres.
We will complete this mission in one hour
and three minutes with 12 aircraft.
We will take off at sharp 0528 hours.
First 4 aircrafts of Red formation
will go in pairs of two.
The Green and Blue waves will follow.
Let's just hope our pilots don't overshoot.
To avoid detection by Pakistani radar,
we will fly below 300 feet
at 120 knots slower than tactical speed.
This mission will be radio silent,
Zero Communication.
As soon as I reach the target,
I will signal with the navigation light
to start the radio and go for the attack.
Green check.
Green formation confirm.
Blue formation check.
Blue check?
Sir, no visual
on the Blue formation behind us.
DAMN IT!
Initiate attack formation.
Sir!
We now have to complete this mission
with 8 aircrafts instead of 12.
Let's cover up for blue formation.
Copy that.
Who is this?
Who is this?
Who is this?
Your big daddy -
HINDUSTAN!!!
Go, go, go!
Rhino, get their Radar
and their missile launchers.
Going for it.
Team Green,
let's go around south and attack.
Roget that.
Formation moving forward.
FIRE!
I have taken a hit! I have taken a hit!
Cover me!
About. I will cover you.
One Starstriker rolling
on the runway.
Going for it.
You get the runway intersection.
Cockroach, bomb the runway.
Approaching pilot complex.
Fox, in the hanger near the ATC -
Last two Starstrikers spotted.
Approaching target.
Shit! Negative impact!
It's a bomb proof shelter.
Going for it, cover me.
I have taken a hit, neutralize the guns!
Roger, drawing fires. Stay on the run.
Tigers...
Mission Accomplished!
We have destroyed
all 11 of their Starstrikers.
Lose all your weight on the aircraft.
- Yes!
- Head back to India.
Well done, boys.
Ankit, this one's for you.
Sir.
Welcome back, Tigers!
Yes. We won, sir.
Yes.
Why join the Air Force
if you fear for your life?
I need a damn explanation -
WHAT HAPPENED!
Sir, as soon as the first
and second waves took off,
a dust cloud formed on the runway.
Sir, a dust cloud is forming
on the runway.
Let's just hope our pilots
don't overshoot.
Who is this idiot on the runway?
Sir, I'll just check!
Sir, it's Tabby.
Once the second wave left,
the dust cloud grew so large
that we couldn't see
the damaged section of the runway.
There were chances that
we could have overshot.
We managed to take-off safely,
with Tabby's help.
Sir.
We had no visual
on the aircraft formation ahead.
The navigation lights were off,
and the radio was silent.
We did try to catch up, Sir,
but by then we had already lost
a lot of fuel and time.
Sir, Spider could not fly due
to technical errors.
Sir, there's a technical failure;
the 12th aircraft won't be able to fly.
Status, Manjot?
Sir, it'll take at least 20-25 minutes.
I'll have to repeat the final tech check.
Who will do the battle damage assessment?
Shit.
How will they know
if there's any danger approaching
from behind?
There's no way to warn them!
Sir, there is an aircraft lining
on the runway.
Sir, that's IA 1307 aircraft.
Tabby's aircraft.
Sir, this aircraft was damaged
during the recce.
Stop him.
Ask him to abort immediately.
Yes, Sir.
Tabby, abort take off!
Tabby, abort take off! Acknowledge!
Sir, looks like his radio is on silent.
Damn it!
His orders were to replace the pilot,
not the aircraft.
Damn it, he was a reserve pilot.
- Where is Lawrence Sir?
- Sir, he's in the cabin.
Ahuja, why even keep him as a standby?
He has always broken protocols,
whether it was during
the recce mission or training.
And today, once again,
he did the same thing.
Why did you keep him as a standby,
I just don't understand that!
Omi, are you guys alright?
I'm alright. What happened?
Where's Tabby?
Why? What's wrong?
Send him quickly,
Geeta is in labor.
We need to get her to the hospital.
Here.
Hello, Sir.
Geeta.
Sir, can I please talk to Tabby?
You go to the hospital with Preeti.
I'll send him there, okay?
Amol!
Yes, Sir.
Call all the surrounding
air bases and check
if any of our planes
have landed there. Go find out.
Okay, Sir.
Sir, I need to know if any aircraft
from Squadron One has landed at your base.
Sir, in case if you have any information,
please let us know immediately.
Any news on Tabby?
No, Sir.
One Mystere aircraft
has crashed over Sargodha.
Sir, pilot is missing in action.
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- Jai Hind.
Sir.
- Hello?
- Omi,
where is the lucky father?
Let Tabby know that his much awaited
first female fighter pilot is here.
Send him quickly.
What response could I offer her, after all?
I had promised Geeta that I wouldn't let
any harm come to Tabby.
My fellow citizens, today at 03:30 am,
a ceasefire has been declared
between India and Pakistan.
Our army and air force heroes
worked together in unison.
Our officers led our soldiers
both on the battlefield
and in aerial combat,
I had already lost my younger brother
Monu in the war.
I couldn't afford to lose Tabby now.
For me, when one mission ended,
another began.
On 7th September 1965,
the Indian Air Force's Squadron One
conducted an aerial counterstrike
over Pakistan's Sargodha Airbase.
For devising a war strategy
with his comrades
and securing India's victory,
the government awards
Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja
with the Vir Chakra.
Congratulations,
all the pilots from your Tiger Squadron
have been awarded medals.
All except one -
T. K. Vijaya.
Sir, he's still missing in action.
In Air Force,
we pledge to never leave one
of us behind.
Sir, I request that we put pressure
on the Pakistani government to locate him.
I do understand your sentiments, Ahuja.
But as per Station Commander
Lawrence's report,
Vijaya was extremely rebellious.
He took irrational decisions,
he broke rules.
Yes, he did take some certain calls
on his own, but...
I know he was close to you,
but friendship
and duty must be kept separate.
If you need help with anything else,
just give me a call.
Congratulations, Sir.
You have all been awarded honors.
Thank you.
And... Tabby?
He went to fight for his country too.
It feels like you've forgotten about him.
- No, Geeta, that's not it.
- Then what is it, Sir?
Why isn't anyone doing anything
to find him?
- I will soon--
- Sir, it's been months.
There have been no search operations.
We haven't heard anything about him.
You once said
he was like a brother to you.
You'd never let anything happen to him.
You promised me, didn't you, sir?
I trusted you.
I... I'm...
Please,
don't tell me "I'm trying my best. "
I just don't trust...
Sir, please leave.
You both show up here, call me daily,
and offer empty promises.
I can't keep living
with false hope anymore.
From now on, come to me only
when you have an update on Tabby.
Sorry, Sir, please leave.
I'm scattered in the wind,
you won't see me,
But I'll turn to fragrance,
and around you sometimes I'll be.
If I get the chance,
If this distance ends,
I'll bring it up when we talk again.
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Tell me about your family.
I have a mother, a father, a wife,
and two children.
They must be worried about you.
You mentioned you shot down
an Indian Mystere.
Do you remember the date
and time it happened?
If you don't want to answer,
that's fine, no pressure.
It was 7th September 1965,
twelve minutes past six, in the morning.
How could I ever forget that moment!
What went down?
Eight Indian planes infiltrated,
attacked, and were headed
towards the border.
I had orders from the General
to pursue and destroy them!
Which aircraft were you flying?
F-104, Starstriker.
But we destroyed
all 11 of your Starstrikers!
So you were unaware
of the 12th aircraft we had.
Carry on.
While I was in pursuit,
I saw an Indian aircraft heading my way.
Our American Starstriker could detect
the signal on radar from 15 km,
while your aircraft had barely
a radar detection range of about 2 km.
That stupid pilot
didn't even sense my presence
and ended up
in my target range all on his own.
Sir.
Five seconds.
That's all it took for me to blow
his aircraft to smithereens.
The aircraft went down
like untethered kite.
And the pilot?
Surprisingly,
we never found him.
He somehow managed slip away.
If that was the case, why didn't you
follow the other eight aircraft?
If the other pilot hadn't deceitful
fired from behind...
Hang on a second, what other pilot?
Look,
I've already shared enough.
I don't think I need to share
anything else with you.
Do you know what happens
if we declare you missing in action?
Your family will spend the rest
of their lives searching for you.
But we won't do that,
because we believe there
is honor amongst enemies.
The uniforms we wear
may fly different flags,
but the values remain the same.
I hope
someday you'll understand that.
Goodbye.
Congratulations.
It's such a proud movement for all of us.
We defeated the Pakistanis again
and showed them their place.
So tell me,
Group Captain,
how is Amritsar treating you?
Fine, Sir.
What brings you here?
Tabby.
What about him?
Sir, Ahmed said
he had a face-off
with an Indian Mystere
on September 7th.
So?
Sir, I'm pretty sure
he's talking about Vijaya.
With Ahmed's statement,
we can reopen Tabby's case,
but only if you change your report, Sir.
You are doubting my report?
No, Sir.
- But according to Ahmed--
- Ahuja,
Ahmed...
is just making up stories.
Do you really believe him?
If there's even a 1% chance
of Vijaya coming back,
I'd like to believe him, Sir.
This is exactly what he wants.
He wants us to believe Vijaya
is with them,
to force our government to beg
for his return.
Ahmed is just saying
what you want to hear.
Sir, it's also possible
he's telling the truth.
Until I don't get some concrete proof,
I cannot change
a single word in my report.
You know how the diplomatic channels work.
'Sitara-e-Jurrat in 1965!'
'I got it for shooting down one
of your Indian Mysteres. '
'Five seconds, that's all it took for me
to blow his aircraft to smithereens. '
'The aircraft went down
like an untethered kite. '
'We couldn't see the damaged section
of the runway. '
'Still, we managed to take-off
with Tabby's help. '
'Spider could not fly due
to technical errors. '
'Who will do the battle damage assessment?'
'That's IA 1307 aircraft. '
'Tabby's aircraft. '
'Surprisingly,
we never found him. '
'He somehow managed to slip away. '
Sir, the way Ahmed is putting it -
It's not that easy
to take down Tabby.
Spider.
Sir.
You mentioned in your debrief
that Tabby took off at 0540 hours.
Yes, Sir.
So, about 30 minutes later,
at around 0610 hours,
he would have reached Sargodha.
And that Pakistani pilot said that...
At 0612 hours, he shot down
a Mystere over Sargodha.
That's right.
Sir, we were heading back
after the attack, at 0603 hours,
and by 0612 hours, we were already
about 100 km away from Sargodha.
It can't be done by any other pilot, Sir.
It has to be him.
We finally have a lead.
Let's keep at it.
- Sir.
- Yes, Sir.
- Thank you for coming.
- Sir.
Hello, Geeta.
How are you?
Fine.
Please, come in.
Sir, any update on Tabby... ?
Sit.
Sir, please, tell me.
We've found an eyewitness
who was the last person to have seen Tabby.
Tabby...
Sir, can I meet him, the eyewitness?
Who is this eyewitness?
He is a Pakistani pilot,
a prisoner of war.
Sir, is...
is Tabby alive?
From what he said,
it seems like he might be.
Is he in their custody?
Mamma!
Hey, angel!
Oh my God, look how big she's gotten!
Look what we brought for you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I've seen you in the photo.
Hmm?
You are Dad's friend, right?
Yes, of course, I'm your dad's friend.
I want to become a pilot like Dad too.
You're wearing it wrong.
- Wear it like this, perfect.
- Rohini,
I've told you not to wear that.
Go inside right now!
Sorry, Mamma!
Sir, please, tell me...
is he in their custody?
And how can we find out more about him?
Geeta, this is the first time
we've got a lead.
I'll try to apply pressure
on their government through
that Pakistani pilot,
and as soon as I know something,
I promise I'll let you know.
Please, Sir.
Let's not leave hope, Geeta.
After six years,
I finally received a lead about
Tabby through Ahmed.
I had to find a way to pursue that lead.
I had to find Tabby.
Sir, the location and time of Ahmed
attacking the plane matches
with Tabby's plane.
And Sir, he says the Indian pilot
was never caught,
so there may be a possibility
he might be alive.
But Sir, Lawrence Sir
is not agreeing with it.
Only you can help us.
Let me try this for one last time.
I'll talk to Air Vice Marshal Narang.
Thank you very much.
I really appreciate it, Sir.
Have a seat.
Thank you for your time, Sir.
Well,
Sinha Sir requested me.
I couldn't have refused him.
Tell me.
- Oh, tea, coffee?
- No, I'm fine, Sir.
- Go ahead then.
- Yes, Sir.
These are the official statements
from all the pilots in our Tiger Squadron.
Yes, I've read their debriefs.
None of them had any encounter
with Ahmed's Starstriker.
It has to be T. K. Vijaya.
Ahuja, sit down.
Tell me,
how do these pilots' statements
and Ahmed's story prove it was Vijaya?
It's just your assumption.
I've studied the entire case
in great detail,
and I'll tell you one thing:
if you present this to the Ministry,
it'll be rejected within a day.
I will tell you one more thing:
I have got nothing against you.
But if Sinha Sir hadn't requested,
I wouldn't have even entertained this case
because it does not have any merit.
Let me give you an advice:
Don't trap yourself in this.
It's been over six years, move on.
What happened?
They want me to move on.
They are sending Ahmed Hussain
back to Pakistan tomorrow.
He was my last hope.
Omi, what do you always tell your pilots?
You don't lose until you quit.
Ahmed Hussain is leaving tomorrow.
He hasn't left yet.
I've already signed your release,
but you still haven't finished
telling me your side of the story.
Is there anything you'd like
to add before you leave?
I've shared everything I could,
while staying true to my duty
and my country.
Goodbye.
Sir,
Pakistani prisoners of war
are being sent back today.
What would be your comment on the same?
Ma'am, the war is over now.
There are many mothers, kids
and families in Pakistan
whose search for their loved ones
will finally end today.
They will all be very happy
to see their families.
That's all I have to say.
The cupboard in our room that's not vast,
Holds mementos of the past,
A photo of me that you'll find fast,
It'll whispers softly
to you through the glass,
And tell you where I am, at last.
Now, I'm away from you, it's true,
Now, I am a little helpless too.
Do these thoughts come to you?
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Do you think about me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
The house decorated by me and you,
Where our little family
flourished and grew,
I didn't know it came with me too.
Your eyes reveal,
You think of me too.
Your eyes reveal,
You think of me too.
Do you think of me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I still want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Morning, Sir.
- Good morning.
- Parcel.
Oh.
Thank you.
Mummy, moving to London forever
isn't something that can happen overnight.
Anyway, this is a trunk call,
so let's keep it short.
Hang up now.
Bye-bye.
I'm going to the golf club to meet Bindu.
I'll be back in the evening.
In 19 years, I had never lost hope
for even a moment,
and perhaps that's why fate gave me
another chance to find Tabby.
What's this?
Read this page.
It's like...
'Honorable President, '
'During the 1965 Skyforce Mission, '
'our Tiger Squadron pilot, T. K. Vijaya,
went missing in action. '
'Despite our best efforts, '
'we were unable to gather any information
about his whereabouts. '
'I am sending you
all the documents, '
'and a crucial book related
to the entire incident and T. K. Vijaya. '
'I kindly request you'
'to look into this matter
and take the necessary action. '
'Kumar Om Ahuja, '
'Retired Group Captain, Indian Air Force. '
'Jai Hind. '
Tell me,
you were in Adampur in '65, right?
Yes, Sir, I was part of Tiger Squadron.
Hmm.
So, tell me, how was Vijaya?
Yes, he was good.
How was he good, huh?
He flew against orders,
never came back,
and left us to deal with the consequences.
So, we've received a letter
from the Ministry.
The President has given the order.
We'll have to conduct a small inquiry.
Can you please handle that for me?
- Sure, Sir.
- You can?
- Absolutely.
- Thank you.
Sir,
can't we get
Group Captain Ahuja on this?
Om Ahuja?
- Yes, Sir.
- No, no, no.
Sir, he has invested his entire life
into this case.
His research will be invaluable
and will help us close the file sooner.
We'll save us a lot of time, Sir.
Your call.
Do whatever it takes. Just get it done.
Sure, Sir.
- Hello, Cockroach.
- Sir.
How have you been?
Very good, Sir. How are you?
Absolutely fine.
Sir, I need your help, Sir.
Come.
Sir, the thing you've been waiting
for all these years...
It is finally reopening,
only because of you,
and now only you can solve it, Sir.
So whatever you need me for,
I am here for you.
Chatterjee,
I'll give you a list of places...
Okay.
I'll need to visit them personally.
Can I say something, Sir?
Go ahead.
I always felt jealous of Tabby
because he was better than me.
But now that he's not here, I..
I feel as if a part of us is missing.
Let's please find him, Sir.
Gentlemen, shall we start?
Lawrence Sir,
you recommended every pilot
from the Sargodha Mission
for a Vayu Sena Medal and Vir Chakra,
except for T. K. Vijaya.
Was there a specific reason behind it?
That day, Vijaya took off solo,
going against all protocols
and clear orders
from his Commanding Officer,
and entered enemy territory.
Such irresponsible and reckless behavior!
He was so overconfident
that he behaved like a madman.
Honoring a pilot like him
would have set a bad example
for future generations
of our fighter pilots.
Ahuja Sir, how are you?
Fine, Sir.
So,
London,
America,
and France?
It seems you went on a world tour!
What did you achieve by doing so?
Yes, Sir,
I went on a world tour,
and it was a hit.
During my world tour,
I met the author of this book -
John Peterson.
I admire this pilot.
I had written more about him,
but due to the restrictions
from the Pakistani Government,
unfortunately,
I couldn't publish it all in my book.
Sir, will it be possible for you to share
the original manuscript with me?
That's a big ask.
I know,
but it'll be of a really good help.
He mentions an Indian Mystere
in Chapter 13, Page 112, Line 23.
And the copy of the same page
is in your respected files.
By the way,
your friend helped change
the world's aviation industry.
As we're conducting the inquiry
here in India,
there was an investigation held
in America back in 1975.
The Americans were puzzled
by how an old subsonic aircraft
managed to shoot down their
next-generation supersonic Starstriker,
and they started investigating.
But Mr. Ben,
were you able to figure out how our
Indian Pilot managed
to shoot down the Starstriker?
Well, of course, we were.
It was the superior flying skills
and undaunted determination
of that Indian Pilot.
It was because
of that unidentified pilot...
It was because of Vijaya
that they discovered the Starstriker's
heat-seeking missiles could be misguided.
That's why, they discovered
infrared advance technology
and modified their Starstrikers.
Mr. Ben,
that Unidentified Pilot
was none other than...
T. K. Vijaya.
The Dassault company
also began marketing the Mystere aircraft
as the "Starstriker Killer"
and sold their old technology
to countries like
Israel, Iran, and Jordan for many years.
Impossible.
But...
but how was Vijaya able to pull this off?
Sir, Vijaya himself give me the answer.
Wait...
Did you meet Vijaya?
Hi.
Yes?
Ahmed... ?
Thank you for the book.
Brother, I couldn't tell you everything
back then because we were at war,
but you were right.
There has to be honor amongst enemies.
That morning, when you all were returning
after the attack on Sargodha
and I was pursuing you,
I saw an Indian aircraft
heading towards me.
I fired my first missile,
sensing its heat.
Our Starstriker's missiles had
a 100% hit-and-kill record.
I thought I'd killed the pilot,
so I turned towards the Indian Border
to go after his comrades.
The other pilot I mentioned to you
was in fact the same pilot,
and this time, he was on my tail.
I leveraged the speed of my Starstriker
to outmaneuver him,
then swiftly reversed course,
positioned myself behind him,
and initiated my attack.
An ordinary Mystere was outmanoeuvring
our advanced Starstriker
like it was just a video game,
not a real war.
As soon as I got the opportunity,
I fired my second Sidewinder missile.
I thought that blast had killed the pilot,
but then that aircraft came charging
through the fire clouds.
I'd never seen anything like that before.
Your friend was an exceptional pilot.
If he hadn't been from the enemy side,
I'd definitely have wanted
to learn from his expertise.
Speed is your strength, right?
Now, experience my power.
I was so proud of the speed
of my Starstriker,
but he turned it into a weakness.
Shit!
The moment I saw an opening,
I unleashed everything I had and fired at him.
It was the toughest
and most intense fight of my life.
Yet he refused to back down.
JAI HIND!
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Mother, remember us,
with joyful music every time.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
Vijaya survived
the Pakistani pilot's attack
and could have returned safely,
but instead,
he chose to stand between us
and certain death.
This is Ahmed Hussain's statement.
Sir, if Vijaya hadn't acted so recklessly
and irresponsibly that day,
if he hadn't disobeyed every order
and protocol,
then my pilots and I,
who were honored
with the Vir Chakra for this mission,
would never have made it back.
Sir, that reads - Service before Self.
He put his squadron,
his duty, and his nation
before his own life
and he sacrificed himself.
Sir, you said
he behaved like a madman.
Yes, he was indeed a madman, Sir.
But this kind of madness
is necessary to die for one's country.
It's this madness that drives a soldier
to leave behind their parents,
spouse, and children
to serve their nation.
Vijaya was madly in love
with his country -
like all of us!
And this madness is what
we call patriotism.
Nationalism.
Thank you, sir.
Ahuja,
I couldn't recommend Vijaya
for the Vir Chakra.
However, today,
we are recommending him
for the Maha Vir Chakra.
Soldiers like him aren't born every day.
Thank you.
Slowly sing lullabies,
Mother, as in your arms we lie,
Where else can we find
such peaceful sleep?
At your feet, our lives we keep,
It's your blessing that you chose us,
Not every uniform knows
a sacrifice as such.
Mother, this is the prayer
every soldier prays,
Who else gets to die for the country
in such noble ways?
Mother, I feel blessed and it's true,
As the wind scatters
my ashes to you.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
On 7th September 1965,
during the Skyforce Mission,
he displayed exceptional bravery
by shooting down
a Pakistani aircraft
that was pursuing his comrades
which not only led
to the success of the mission
but also resulted in the ultimate
sacrifice of his life for the nation.
Today, the government seeks forgiveness
from his family for the 23-year delay,
and posthumously awards Squadron Leader
T. Krishnan Vijaya with the Maha Vir Chakra.
Tabby, I told you we'd open
this bottle when you proved
that you were better than the best.
And today, you've done that -
not just in front of me,
but in front of the whole world.
I'm so damn proud of you today.
Cheers.
I really, really miss you, Tiger.
Dying for the country
is an honorable sacrifice,
not suicide.
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Mother, remember us,
with joyful music every time.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
Mother, if we lose our lives,
Then it's our destiny,
Mother, we want your dignity
to remain forever free.
Mother, for you, our lives we will lay,
May no harm ever come your way.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Slowly sing lullabies,
Mother, as in your arms we lie,
Where else can we find
such peaceful sleep?
At your feet, our lives we keep,
It's your blessing that you chose us,
Not every uniform knows
a sacrifice as such.
Mother, this is the prayer
every soldier prays,
Who else gets to die for the country
in such noble ways?
Mother, I feel blessed and it's true,
As the wind scatters
my ashes to you.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
I'm scattered in the wind,
you won't see me,
But I'll turn to fragrance,
and around you sometimes I'll be.
If I get the chance,
If this distance ends,
I'll bring it up when we talk again.
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Do you think about me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
My life is yours, I bow to you,
O Lord, this prayer from my heart is true.
Where my friend is,
there my heart will stay,
Take me to my friend,
or guide me on my way.
O Lord, this prayer from my heart is true,
Take me to where love waits, too,
Where you, my friend are,
my life is there too
Now, how can I live without my...
In 1947, with the end of British rule,
India was partitioned.
After the partition, Pakistan made
continuous attempts to infiltrate Kashmir,
to which Indian forces responded
with a fierce counterattack.
In 1965, a war erupted between
the two countries over this issue.
Pakistan's President,
Ayub Khan believed that
with advanced weapons provided
by the United States,
Pakistan could defeat India in this war.
To send a strong message,
India deployed the Indian Air Force.
The Air Force disrupted
all of Pakistan's strategies.
Having already lost many sectors to India,
Ayub Khan agreed to a ceasefire.
However, despite the ceasefire,
tensions flared up again in 1971
over the issue of Bangladesh,
and Pakistan began
attacking Indian airbases.
Go get him.
Hurry up!
Sir, we have downed
a Pakistani aircraft
and have the pilot in custody.
We have held him
in the East Wing bunker, Sir.
We have also informed the Indian army.
They are on their way, Sir.
I'll be there.
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- Jai Hind.
File.
He's a soldier before being
a prisoner of war.
Untie him.
Group Captain K. O. Ahuja.
Wing Commander Ahmed Hussain.
Should you have any complaints
regarding your treatment here,
you may submit them using this form
from the Geneva Convention.
No need. Thank you.
Can I borrow a cigarette, please?
Sure.
Thank you.
Would you like some whiskey as well?
No, thank you.
I'll have tea, please.
Eagle, Peshawar, Squadron No. 9!
You were piloting a Starstriker,
weren't you?
Yes.
Are there any other attacks planned,
apart from this one?
Perhaps you've forgotten
the rules of warfare.
I can't tell you that.
This isn't good for your health.
So, you received a Gallantry Award?
Yes, the Pakistani Gallantry Award.
Sitara-e-Jurrat in 1965!
But you lost the war in '65.
Does your country give medals for losing?
Do you remember the Sargodha
attack on September 7th?
How can I forget?
I was posted there.
But it seems you've forgotten
the night of September 6th.
Where were you posted?
Adampur, Jalandhar.
Oh,
so you were "The Tigers" from Adampur.
I must commend your bravery, Mr. Ahuja.
You flew all the way to Sargodha!
Tell me,
why were you awarded the Sitara-e-Jurrat?
I had got this to eliminate
one of your Indian Mystere.
Adampur,
It was here that I first met
Squadron Leader T. K. Vijaya.
Filled with patriotism in his heart
and the spirit of the Indian Air Force
in his veins,
he was the soldier who,
with his bravery
and exceptional flying skills,
transformed both the 1965 war
and the world of aviation.
- Tigers.
- Yes, Sir.
At ease.
Reaching the skies with pride
is our goal,
and defending the nation is our duty.
In this training,
you will showcase your flying skills,
along with your core values: -
Courage,
Respect,
Loyalty,
and Valor.
This is the standard expected
from each of you.
Will you rise to meet this challenge?
Yes, Sir.
Good.
Today, let's check your skills
against one another.
I will personally oversee this training.
All pilots in air at 0900 hours.
And remember,
your aircraft is an extension of you.
Keep a sharp look out.
Expect the unexpected.
Good hunting and safe flying.
Let's begin the dogfight.
Bull, Duck, high speed chase,
lock your target in 60 seconds.
Tigers, tonight's special...
TANDOORI DUCK!
Sir, you're a bull. You're a vegetarian.
In the heat of battle,
this Bull becomes a Tiger!
Get off my tail,
Sir and the beer's on me.
Bribing a soldier, huh?
Got you, Duck.
Damn it! I'm locked.
Returning to the base.
Panther, you're next.
Your time starts now, Panther.
Bull Sir, today you'll get
to witness the Panther's speed.
Give it a shot, kiddo.
And see the Bull's power.
You're on!
The Panther is closing
in on Bull at high speed.
Wrong move, he'll lose.
Trying to be the Flying Sikh, huh?
You're on!
Whoa!
No way! No, no!
What was that, sir?
What the hell?
What happened?
Got scared?
I was just joking! Who does that!
Now save your tail if you can.
Bull won't let Panther go now.
Tabby cover Panther,
Cockroach cover Bull.
Two versus two.
Come on, you...
What the hell!
On your left, Bull.
In the heat of the battle,
when the enemy is right in front of you,
don't waste time talking.
Where's Roach?
Disaster strikes,
when your caution shakes.
Look behind you!
Tabby Sir!
Tabby Sir, he's here!
Tabby Sir, he's here!
Cockroach on my tail, need cover!
Contact with both.
On my call, turn hard left.
Roger.
You saved him from the Bull,
but lost him to the Cockroach.
No, no, no, not again.
And lock.
Hard left, hard left now!
But sir, I'm already locked in!
What are you doing?
What are you doing, Sir?
Try.
Cockroach, Tabby,
you have 60 seconds to lock each other.
45 seconds to go.
This is too risky.
Chickening out, Cockroach?
The game isn't over yet.
I'm... I'm not risking my aircraft, buddy.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, stay with me.
Get working. No, no, no.
This is not the time to throw tantrums.
Get to work.
Come on, come on, come on.
Come on!
Sir, Tabby locked him in.
Run, run, run!
Don't laugh, please.
- Hey, Cockroach?
- What?
Chickened out again, huh?
Hey, cheater!
Anyone can win by cheating.
Meet me in the cafeteria in five minutes,
and we'll see who's better.
Yeah, yeah, we'll see, we'll see.
Sir, why is Cockroach Sir
running like this?
Because when he goes up, the pressure down
here becomes too much to handle.
And then, it starts raining down.
You won't stop taking risks,
Tabby, will you?
In battle, there are no boundaries,
so why should we set any in training?
Tabby Sir,
everything I'd heard about you
makes sense now.
He saved you today, kid.
Let's see what happens next time.
Come on, Sir,
if it weren't for Tabby Sir,
I would've had you locked in.
Is that a challenge?
The point will be mine next time, Sir.
It's not a piece of cake, darling.
Come on, let's arm wrestle.
- Come on, come on, come on!
- Go, go, go!
Come on, come on, come on!
Bull Sir,
why do they keep going
against each other?
These two are like Arjuna and Karana
from the Mahabharata.
Karana was a skilled archer,
but it was Arjun who remained
Lord Krishna's favorite.
Ah!
Come on, come on, come on!
Go, go, go!
Boys.
Will you two ever play
together as one team?
30 minutes, all pilots report
to the Squadron Briefing Room.
- 30 minutes, move it.
- Hurry up, hurry up.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Come.
How's the training going?
It's going good, Sir.
Our boys are getting better with time.
Thank you.
Time is something we don't have.
Intelligence report:
Pakistan is getting aggressive.
They've acquired the latest
Starstriker aircraft
and they are training day and night.
Sir, like them,
we should also invest in better aircraft.
Those aircraft were a gift from America.
We don't have the budget
to invest in new machines right now.
Don't worry, Sir.
When the time comes,
squadron pilots and I will be ready.
Jai Hind, Sir!
Pilots,
tell me, if your fuel is running low
during a dogfight
and the enemy is on your target -
what will you do?
Go ahead.
Sir, we will chase him and eliminate him.
Absolutely NOT!
You could chase the enemy
and shoot him down,
but if you run out of fuel,
you risk losing both your aircraft
and your life.
BUT,
if you disengage,
you live to fight another day.
We must protect each
of our planes and pilots,
because they are our country's
most valuable assets.
And also one more thing,
this time we'll be facing
the American Starstriker.
The Starstriker
is the fastest and most dangerous
fighter plane in existence today.
It has twice the speed
of our Mystere aircraft
and four times the climb rate.
Instead of our single-barrel cannon,
it's equipped with a multi-barrel cannon
and air-to-air missiles,
which our Mystere plane lacks.
In short,
it's a missile with a man in it.
Any questions?
Sir.
Yeah, go ahead.
Do we even stand a chance against
them with our old aircraft?
The pilot, not the plane,
wins the battle, Bull.
It's not the machine,
it's about the man inside the machine.
Sir, their plane is twice as fast
and powerful as ours.
What should our strategy be?
Come up.
I want you to attack me.
Hit me with lot of power and strength.
Punch me.
Sorry, Sir?
Hit me with full speed and power, Tiger.
Sir, I can't do that.
PUNCH ME!!
What did you learn?
Sir, you used my strength
and speed against me,
turning it into my weakness.
Yes, and that will be our strategy
to defeat the Starstrikers.
Any questions?
No, Sir.
Dismissed.
Sir, I apologize for what happened
during the training.
You pushed your limits too far.
Sorry, Sir.
You should be responsible now.
You're about to become a father.
I think you'll have a daughter,
because you are a good pilot.
Sir, I also want a daughter -
India's first female fighter pilot.
How's Geeta?
She's fine, Sir,
but she takes on unnecessary stress.
You know her nature well.
Let's do this:
before the party, come to my house.
- Sir.
- I'll talk to Preeti,
and she'll have a word with her. Okay?
Very well, Sir.
Preeti... ?
- Are you ready?
- Yeah.
Be quick, Monu is on his way.
Monu?
Um, Tabby.
You see Monu in Tabby, don't you?
Same attitude, same energy...
Always pushing the limits.
He is a madman like him.
If Monu were alive today,
he would've been a better pilot than me.
Would've been?
Your brother WAS a better pilot than you.
Yes, ma'am.
Indeed he was.
Listen, Geeta is coming with him as well.
Please have a word with her.
- Yeah.
- Okay?
Come. Let's go.
I'll be there, just a final touch up.
- Please.
- Oh yes, that's important.
- Hi!
- Welcome, welcome, welcome.
- Hello, Sir.
- How are you?
- Hello, Sir.
- I'm good.
- How about you?
- Very well.
- All good?
- All good, Sir.
- Good evening. How are you, Tabby?
- Come.
Hello. Very well. How are you?
Guys, you all sit,
we'll get you all a drink.
Come. Come on.
What will you have?
Sir,
this is for you.
It's a very rare single malt.
One of the smoothest and finest.
Why, what's the occasion?
Sir, I always wanted to give this one
to my father.
After my father,
you have been my greatest mentor.
I've always looked up to you.
You are the best!
Sir, please do us the honor.
No.
I'll open this bottle the day
you prove you're better than the best.
I will not let you down, Sir.
I'm sure.
But thank you for this.
I'm constantly worried.
About what?
About Tabby.
He could be sent to the front
at any time.
Geeta, a soldier's wife
must be stronger than he is.
Only then can he go to the front
and serve the country fearlessly.
And what if something happens to him... ?
Nothing will happen to him
as long as I'm there.
I promise.
Geeta.
Let's raise a toast
to India's first female fighter pilot.
Come on.
You told him that as well?
Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I hold your hand
and it's all I desire, I confide.
I long to see the dawn with you
by my side,
For that I'll wait through the night.
You are my ground and my sky,
In your eyes, I see the reason why.
Apart from you, no one else is mine,
I'm wrapped in your hues,
my crazy lover it's true.
I'm ready to give all that I have too,
I dance and sing just for you.
I dance and sing just for you.
I want you
I'm scared to loose
I've forgotten the world
to belong to you,
I'd give up everything
to make your love true.
My beloved, in joy,
she shines so bright,
Her shirt turned pink,
it's a beautiful sight,
I keep warding off
the evil all the time.
I've forgotten the world
to belong to you,
I'd give up everything
to make your love true.
My beloved, in joy,
she shines so bright,
Her shirt turned pink,
it's a beautiful sight,
I keep warding off
the evil all the time.
I'm wrapped in your hues,
my crazy lover it's true.
I'm ready to give all that I have too,
I dance and sing just for you.
Boys...
I'll be back soon.
Take care.
'Pakistan conducted an airstrike
over the Akhnoor sector today, '
'shooting down four
Indian Air Force aircraft. '
'Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri
condemned the attack'
'and promised swift action from India. '
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- As you all know what the situation is -
- Are you ready?
- Yes, Sir!
Okay. Good.
Sir. We are ready to strike back, Sir.
Not yet.
If the enemy strikes again,
we will retaliate.
Right, Sir,
we always wait until we've lost more men.
Ahuja, you know our government
advocates for peace.
Sir, even after losing three
of our pilots,
our government is advocating peace?
Behave.
Sorry.
Tomorrow, you and one of your squadron
pilots will go to monitor the border.
Observe their activities and report back.
Are we allowed to cross the border?
You know what you have to do,
don't engage.
Got it.
Jai Hind, Sir.
- Sir.
- Tomorrow morning,
we'll go to the border for a recce.
Sandhu, Chatterjee,
you'll be on standby.
- Sure, Sir!
- You will be my No.2.
Yes, Sir!
0800, briefing.
0900, take-off.
Any questions?
- No, Sir!
- Perfect.
Same favoritism, as always!
Did you say something?
Sir, may I go to the toilet?
Sir, as discussed,
I've attached two extra fuel tanks
along with the two rocket pods.
We can now easily recce
beyond the Sutlej River,
all the way to the Darbar Sahib
railway station.
By the way, good suggestion.
Thank you, Sir.
Tiger check.
Tiger two.
Tiger to ATC, requesting start.
Runway 3-1, QNH 1013.
Tiger to ATC, requesting take-off.
Tiger, Tower, clear take off.
Tiger airborne as planned, 2000ft.
Tiger on RT channel 4, 4 go.
Approaching border,
stay alert and keep looking out.
Visual contact 11 o' clock.
Climbing up for better visuals.
This is strange, Sir.
The trains are all stationed
on the border, with no movement.
It is indeed strange.
We need a closer look.
We'll need to cross the border to do so,
and we don't have permission for that.
We have permission, but at our own risk!
Tiger.
Let's maintain altitude at 1000ft AGL
and record the activity.
Roger that.
Sir, these trains are loaded
with weapons. Should we... ?
Negative!
We don't engage until they do.
Here comes another train.
Looks like they are stockpiling.
We need to check further,
there might be an arms
and ammunition depot there.
Sparrow flies.
Mynah flies.
Owl flies.
Tiger flies.
Where have you seen a Tiger fly,
you idiot?
Sir,
Indian fighter jets!
Sir, two Indian planes
have been spotted intruding.
This train is also heading
towards the border.
SHIT! TABBY, GAIN ALTITUDE!
Unbelievable! Bloody hell!
Guns, tanks!
They are planning something big.
Get out of there!
That's an order!
DAMN IT!
Taking heavy fire! Need to abort!
Sir, I'M HIT! I'M HIT!
CHECK OPERATIONS NORMAL!
All operations normal, Sir.
Stay out of firing range
and wait for my order to engage.
Tabby, engage 90 degrees west.
That was close.
That was fun!
Let's head back.
Shit, missiles! We are locked.
Split, Tabby, hard right, hard right go!
Sir, missile is closing in. I need cover.
You need to reduce the weight
of your aircraft.
Losing control of my aircraft.
Release your fuel tanks on my call.
OKAY, PULL UP!!!
Jettison tanks, now!
Welcome back, Tigers.
Runaway is clear to land.
Tigers are back.
Thank you.
Mr. Mehta,
have the camera footage
from both aircraft processed.
- On Priority, okay?
- Yes, Sir.
And also get damage report
on Tabby's aircraft.
Right away, Sir.
Thank you.
Sir.
I thought I was gone today, Sir.
Thank you for saving my life.
Damn that promise
I made to your wife Geeta!
But Sir, how did you divert that missile?
The sensor in the missile follows
the heat of the plane.
Correct, Sir! Heat-seeking.
I thought if I created
a strong enough heat source,
the missile's sensor would get confused
between the explosion's heat
and the plane's heat.
Sir, that's what happened.
Yes, that is what happened.
But Sir,
if the missile hadn't gotten confused... ?
Then you'd have lost your life,
and we'd have sent the medal
to your family.
Simple.
You're a genius, Sir.
I know!
I hope my boss thinks that way.
I will see you later, okay?
Sir.
The missile's heat sensor was tracking
the heat from the aircraft.
I managed to dodge the missile easily.
Then suddenly I saw...
What did you see?
A missile was following Ahuja Sir,
and I was following the missile.
And guess what?
I dove between his plane
and the missile to save him.
What did he say then?
He said, "Tabby, "
"you're a genius. "
I said, "I know. "
Is that what he said?
Yes, why? You don't think I am genius?
I didn't say that.
You doubt me?
- A little bit.
- A little?
- Just a little.
- Just a little?
Just a little!
Ahuja, what the hell!
Tabby's aircraft has taken a hit.
It was just a recce mission.
And I said clearly, "do not engage. "
Sir, we did not engage until they did.
We cannot afford to damage
an aircraft like this!
And why did Tabby have to fly
at such a low altitude?
I am sorry about the damage, Sir.
I was the one who ordered him to do so.
But why?
Sir, look at these photographs.
Tabby took these from his aircraft.
Have a look, Sir.
They clearly show that Pakistan
has already moved all its weapons
close to the border.
They are all ready for attack, Sir.
Sir, we should strike first.
We can't.
You know it's not that simple.
We are a peace loving country.
We believe in non-violence.
Sir, diplomacy is for diplomats,
not for us in the Force.
Sir, we don't have time.
We don't have a choice.
We need to send these photographs
and footage to Delhi first.
Obviously.
Let's wait for their orders.
Yes, Sir.
What happened?
Looks like they are planning something big.
Really?
So, why don't we take action?
Because we want peace,
and they want Kashmir.
Sorry.
But what can we do if this
is how the government thinks?
We'll to have to change their mind-set.
We'll have to show our neighbors that
we can infiltrate and strike back too.
So, what's your plan?
Sir, I have made the plan.
Can I brief you?
Ahuja, I am still waiting for orders.
Sir, their cover has been blown.
They can attack us anytime.
We'll have to wait until
the Command makes a decision.
Is that clear?
Sir, we'll need to make
a decision before 1600 hours.
Our aircraft aren't equipped
for night attacks.
Yes, I know that.
Be prepared.
Let me see what can I do.
Noted, Sir.
Connect me to Western Air Command!
Yeah.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Sir, have you reviewed the footage?
Any mission execution orders?
I have told you we need to wait
for air headquarters' orders.
When will you stop bloody
harassing me with your calls?
Noted, Sir.
Any calls?
No sir.
Jai Hind, Sir.
Sir, shall we... ?
- Mr. Mehta.
- Sir?
Inform all pilots to disperse
and take rest.
- Okay.
- And tell them to be on standby 10.
Copy, Sir.
Let's brief them.
GUYS!
- GUYS, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!
- TAKE COVER!!
- LET'S GO! LET'S GO!.
- COME ON!!
- LET'S GO! LET'S GO!
- COME ON!!
RUN! RUN!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Mehta!
Sir.
Go, take cover! Take cover!
Ankit... Ankit!
Ankit... Ankit!
Come on. Boys, up!
We have to attack!
- It's time, get in the air! Let's go!
- Mehta...
Mehta, don't give up.
- Mehta!
- Sir.
You go switch off the main switch.
Go!
Light.
Mehta... ?
Take care.
Light.
No.
Oh no, oh no... Panther!
Help me, guys!
HELP ME!
Panther! Panther!
What have you done?! Panther!
Panther!
Bull Sir,
I told you
the next point's mine.
NO! NO! NOO!!
PANTHER!!!
Sir.
Let's try to get airborne fast.
I'll cover you.
Move! Move!
Tabby, run.
Run.
Move, move, move!
Watch out!
Sir, watch out!
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Sir, my youngest daughter landed
a job with the railway.
So now you can retire without worry, right?
- Yes.
- What are your plans for the future?
Sir, I've spent 38 years serving my country,
now I'll spend the rest
of my life serving my children.
PARADE,
ATTENTION!
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
- PARADE, SALUTE!
- Mother, if we lose our lives,
Then it's our destiny,
Mother, we want your dignity
to remain forever free.
Mother, for you, our lives we will lay,
May no harm ever come your way.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
- One shout out from you,
- They made a mistake.
They shouldn't have left the Tigers wounded.
'Our brave soldiers' offensive
to eliminate the enemy is underway. '
'The Indian Government is yet
to fully comprehend the magnitude
of the challenge they have taken on. '
'A state of emergency
has been declared nationwide today. '
'The war has begun. '
We attempted a peaceful,
diplomatic solution,
but their actions show that they want war.
They want Kashmir, right?
Let's give them a chance to fight for it!
Air Chief Marshal Arjun Sinha!
Sir!
Let's take out most
of their airbases by first light.
Sir.
Then it's decided.
India will make history tomorrow morning!
Vande Mataram! (I praise to the, Mother)
Vande Mataram!
Tigers...
It's time to teach them a lesson.
Let's slap them right back, Ahuja.
Today with the first light,
the Indian Air Force will
strike five Pakistani airbases - Islamabad,
Noor Khan, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Rafiqui.
Tigers have been assigned -
Faisalabad.
Let's destroy their airbases
and especially...
their Starstrikers.
Sir, these are all small satellite
bases near the border.
Attacking them won't cause much damage.
What do you mean?
Sir, I strongly feeling their Starstrikers
aren't stationed at the border bases.
What makes you say that?
Sir, the President of Pakistan
himself gave it away.
What?
Listen to this, Sir.
'It took just 30 minutes'
'for our brave air force officers
to strike the enemy and return safely. '
It's a complete giveaway.
The President himself said
it took them only 30 minutes
to attack and come back.
Sir, only two of our airbases,
Amritsar and Adampur,
were attacked by 11 Starstrikers.
Sir, if the Starstrikers had taken
off from the Pakistani border,
they could have easily reached Delhi
in 10 minutes.
But they only targeted bases closer
to the border and returned.
That means
they must have come from somewhere
deeper inside Central Pakistan.
But where in Central Pakistan?
Sargodha, Sir.
Their most secure airbase.
The heart of Pakistan Air Force.
Sir, we should attack here.
It is impossible to attack Sargodha.
Exactly, Sir.
That's probably what they thought too,
which is why they parked all their
American Starstrikers at Sargodha.
Even if I accept this theory,
our planes don't have the fuel capacity
to attack Sargodha and make it back.
Sir, I have a plan to show you.
If we attach two external fuel tanks
of 100 gallons each to our aircraft,
we can make it happen, Sir.
Yes Sir, we can make it happen!
Sargodha is the best option
if we want to cripple
their Air Force's strength.
It's still too risky, Ahuja.
It would be a bigger risk
not to take this risk, Sir.
You will be consuming
every last drop of fuel.
Sargodha has natural mountain
defense cover,
their radar coverage is 200 km,
and it's equipped with the most
anti-artillery aircraft guns.
Ahuja, this is a Suicide Mission.
Sir, dying for the country
is an honorable sacrifice,
not suicide.
Be quiet, Tabby.
Sir, we can make this happen.
Trust me, Sir. Believe me.
We can do it, Sir.
Okay, let me try and get the clearance.
- Alright, Sir.
- Get your formation ready.
Sir, it's already ready.
Sir, we have 12 aircraft
in flying condition,
and this is the formation.
Boys...
excuse us.
- Sir!
- Sir!
Tabby, they've put you on standby.
May I come in, Sir?
Yeah.
Sir, it seems there's been
a mistake while making the formation.
My name is listed in the 13th position-
I've been kept as a reserve pilot.
I have only made the formation.
They crossed into our territory,
took our people's lives,
and then left, untouched.
And now, when we finally have
a chance to strike back,
you're keeping me on standby?
Please don't take away my chance
to serve the nation.
I will deliver.
I promise, Sir.
You may leave.
Did I do something wrong?
It's my final decision.
I have always looked up
to you as my mentor.
Just tell me one thing
was this your decision,
or someone else's?
I don't need to give you any kind
of explanation, Soldier.
Dismiss!
All my life,
I've prepared for this day,
trained hard day and night,
so that one day I could serve my country.
And he just snatched
that chance away from me.
He didn't do that, Tabby.
I am sure Sir must have made this decision
after due consideration.
Don't overthink it.
Boys, let's go.
I love you.
Tabby?
Tabby?
Officers,
last night,
Pakistan destroyed 28 of our aircraft,
seven runways,
and killed many soldiers
and civilians in just 30 minutes.
But you're not here to mourn.
You're here to show Pakistan,
and the world - India's strength.
The Indian Air Force
will conduct its first airstrike
on Pakistan today,
and I'm proud to tell you
that One Squadron has been chosen
for this mission,
and that's us.
And our target is...
Sargodha.
Boys, we know our planes
are no match for theirs,
and Sargodha is deep
in the heart of Pakistan.
Getting there and coming
back is a monumental challenge.
But we have one shot
at making it possible.
This is our chance to show
the enemy who we are!
- WHO ARE WE?
- THE TIGERS!
- Who are we?
- The Tigers!!!
When a tiger attacks,
it breaks the neck of its prey
and tears it apart.
We will do the same.
We will go in there and rip them apart!
Boys, the fire that burns inside us all -
today, we'll unleash it on Sargodha,
and destroy those Pakistanis!
Remember,
the objective of Tigers is not
to die for your country,
but to KILL.
Today, we all are going to create history.
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
- Are you ready?
- YES, SIR!
And, the MISSION is called,
SKYFORCE.
Any questions?
No, Sir!
So you were "The Tigers" from Adampur.
I must commend your bravery, Mr. Ahuja.
You flew all the way to Sargodha,
and that too in an ordinary
Mystere aircraft.
Tell me, why were you awarded
the Sitara-e-Jurrat?
For shooting down one
of your Indian Mysteres.
We will complete this mission in one hour
and three minutes with 12 aircraft.
We will take off at sharp 0528 hours.
First 4 aircrafts of Red formation
will go in pairs of two.
The Green and Blue waves will follow.
Let's just hope our pilots don't overshoot.
To avoid detection by Pakistani radar,
we will fly below 300 feet
at 120 knots slower than tactical speed.
This mission will be radio silent,
Zero Communication.
As soon as I reach the target,
I will signal with the navigation light
to start the radio and go for the attack.
Green check.
Green formation confirm.
Blue formation check.
Blue check?
Sir, no visual
on the Blue formation behind us.
DAMN IT!
Initiate attack formation.
Sir!
We now have to complete this mission
with 8 aircrafts instead of 12.
Let's cover up for blue formation.
Copy that.
Who is this?
Who is this?
Who is this?
Your big daddy -
HINDUSTAN!!!
Go, go, go!
Rhino, get their Radar
and their missile launchers.
Going for it.
Team Green,
let's go around south and attack.
Roget that.
Formation moving forward.
FIRE!
I have taken a hit! I have taken a hit!
Cover me!
About. I will cover you.
One Starstriker rolling
on the runway.
Going for it.
You get the runway intersection.
Cockroach, bomb the runway.
Approaching pilot complex.
Fox, in the hanger near the ATC -
Last two Starstrikers spotted.
Approaching target.
Shit! Negative impact!
It's a bomb proof shelter.
Going for it, cover me.
I have taken a hit, neutralize the guns!
Roger, drawing fires. Stay on the run.
Tigers...
Mission Accomplished!
We have destroyed
all 11 of their Starstrikers.
Lose all your weight on the aircraft.
- Yes!
- Head back to India.
Well done, boys.
Ankit, this one's for you.
Sir.
Welcome back, Tigers!
Yes. We won, sir.
Yes.
Why join the Air Force
if you fear for your life?
I need a damn explanation -
WHAT HAPPENED!
Sir, as soon as the first
and second waves took off,
a dust cloud formed on the runway.
Sir, a dust cloud is forming
on the runway.
Let's just hope our pilots
don't overshoot.
Who is this idiot on the runway?
Sir, I'll just check!
Sir, it's Tabby.
Once the second wave left,
the dust cloud grew so large
that we couldn't see
the damaged section of the runway.
There were chances that
we could have overshot.
We managed to take-off safely,
with Tabby's help.
Sir.
We had no visual
on the aircraft formation ahead.
The navigation lights were off,
and the radio was silent.
We did try to catch up, Sir,
but by then we had already lost
a lot of fuel and time.
Sir, Spider could not fly due
to technical errors.
Sir, there's a technical failure;
the 12th aircraft won't be able to fly.
Status, Manjot?
Sir, it'll take at least 20-25 minutes.
I'll have to repeat the final tech check.
Who will do the battle damage assessment?
Shit.
How will they know
if there's any danger approaching
from behind?
There's no way to warn them!
Sir, there is an aircraft lining
on the runway.
Sir, that's IA 1307 aircraft.
Tabby's aircraft.
Sir, this aircraft was damaged
during the recce.
Stop him.
Ask him to abort immediately.
Yes, Sir.
Tabby, abort take off!
Tabby, abort take off! Acknowledge!
Sir, looks like his radio is on silent.
Damn it!
His orders were to replace the pilot,
not the aircraft.
Damn it, he was a reserve pilot.
- Where is Lawrence Sir?
- Sir, he's in the cabin.
Ahuja, why even keep him as a standby?
He has always broken protocols,
whether it was during
the recce mission or training.
And today, once again,
he did the same thing.
Why did you keep him as a standby,
I just don't understand that!
Omi, are you guys alright?
I'm alright. What happened?
Where's Tabby?
Why? What's wrong?
Send him quickly,
Geeta is in labor.
We need to get her to the hospital.
Here.
Hello, Sir.
Geeta.
Sir, can I please talk to Tabby?
You go to the hospital with Preeti.
I'll send him there, okay?
Amol!
Yes, Sir.
Call all the surrounding
air bases and check
if any of our planes
have landed there. Go find out.
Okay, Sir.
Sir, I need to know if any aircraft
from Squadron One has landed at your base.
Sir, in case if you have any information,
please let us know immediately.
Any news on Tabby?
No, Sir.
One Mystere aircraft
has crashed over Sargodha.
Sir, pilot is missing in action.
- Jai Hind, Sir.
- Jai Hind.
Sir.
- Hello?
- Omi,
where is the lucky father?
Let Tabby know that his much awaited
first female fighter pilot is here.
Send him quickly.
What response could I offer her, after all?
I had promised Geeta that I wouldn't let
any harm come to Tabby.
My fellow citizens, today at 03:30 am,
a ceasefire has been declared
between India and Pakistan.
Our army and air force heroes
worked together in unison.
Our officers led our soldiers
both on the battlefield
and in aerial combat,
I had already lost my younger brother
Monu in the war.
I couldn't afford to lose Tabby now.
For me, when one mission ended,
another began.
On 7th September 1965,
the Indian Air Force's Squadron One
conducted an aerial counterstrike
over Pakistan's Sargodha Airbase.
For devising a war strategy
with his comrades
and securing India's victory,
the government awards
Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja
with the Vir Chakra.
Congratulations,
all the pilots from your Tiger Squadron
have been awarded medals.
All except one -
T. K. Vijaya.
Sir, he's still missing in action.
In Air Force,
we pledge to never leave one
of us behind.
Sir, I request that we put pressure
on the Pakistani government to locate him.
I do understand your sentiments, Ahuja.
But as per Station Commander
Lawrence's report,
Vijaya was extremely rebellious.
He took irrational decisions,
he broke rules.
Yes, he did take some certain calls
on his own, but...
I know he was close to you,
but friendship
and duty must be kept separate.
If you need help with anything else,
just give me a call.
Congratulations, Sir.
You have all been awarded honors.
Thank you.
And... Tabby?
He went to fight for his country too.
It feels like you've forgotten about him.
- No, Geeta, that's not it.
- Then what is it, Sir?
Why isn't anyone doing anything
to find him?
- I will soon--
- Sir, it's been months.
There have been no search operations.
We haven't heard anything about him.
You once said
he was like a brother to you.
You'd never let anything happen to him.
You promised me, didn't you, sir?
I trusted you.
I... I'm...
Please,
don't tell me "I'm trying my best. "
I just don't trust...
Sir, please leave.
You both show up here, call me daily,
and offer empty promises.
I can't keep living
with false hope anymore.
From now on, come to me only
when you have an update on Tabby.
Sorry, Sir, please leave.
I'm scattered in the wind,
you won't see me,
But I'll turn to fragrance,
and around you sometimes I'll be.
If I get the chance,
If this distance ends,
I'll bring it up when we talk again.
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Tell me about your family.
I have a mother, a father, a wife,
and two children.
They must be worried about you.
You mentioned you shot down
an Indian Mystere.
Do you remember the date
and time it happened?
If you don't want to answer,
that's fine, no pressure.
It was 7th September 1965,
twelve minutes past six, in the morning.
How could I ever forget that moment!
What went down?
Eight Indian planes infiltrated,
attacked, and were headed
towards the border.
I had orders from the General
to pursue and destroy them!
Which aircraft were you flying?
F-104, Starstriker.
But we destroyed
all 11 of your Starstrikers!
So you were unaware
of the 12th aircraft we had.
Carry on.
While I was in pursuit,
I saw an Indian aircraft heading my way.
Our American Starstriker could detect
the signal on radar from 15 km,
while your aircraft had barely
a radar detection range of about 2 km.
That stupid pilot
didn't even sense my presence
and ended up
in my target range all on his own.
Sir.
Five seconds.
That's all it took for me to blow
his aircraft to smithereens.
The aircraft went down
like untethered kite.
And the pilot?
Surprisingly,
we never found him.
He somehow managed slip away.
If that was the case, why didn't you
follow the other eight aircraft?
If the other pilot hadn't deceitful
fired from behind...
Hang on a second, what other pilot?
Look,
I've already shared enough.
I don't think I need to share
anything else with you.
Do you know what happens
if we declare you missing in action?
Your family will spend the rest
of their lives searching for you.
But we won't do that,
because we believe there
is honor amongst enemies.
The uniforms we wear
may fly different flags,
but the values remain the same.
I hope
someday you'll understand that.
Goodbye.
Congratulations.
It's such a proud movement for all of us.
We defeated the Pakistanis again
and showed them their place.
So tell me,
Group Captain,
how is Amritsar treating you?
Fine, Sir.
What brings you here?
Tabby.
What about him?
Sir, Ahmed said
he had a face-off
with an Indian Mystere
on September 7th.
So?
Sir, I'm pretty sure
he's talking about Vijaya.
With Ahmed's statement,
we can reopen Tabby's case,
but only if you change your report, Sir.
You are doubting my report?
No, Sir.
- But according to Ahmed--
- Ahuja,
Ahmed...
is just making up stories.
Do you really believe him?
If there's even a 1% chance
of Vijaya coming back,
I'd like to believe him, Sir.
This is exactly what he wants.
He wants us to believe Vijaya
is with them,
to force our government to beg
for his return.
Ahmed is just saying
what you want to hear.
Sir, it's also possible
he's telling the truth.
Until I don't get some concrete proof,
I cannot change
a single word in my report.
You know how the diplomatic channels work.
'Sitara-e-Jurrat in 1965!'
'I got it for shooting down one
of your Indian Mysteres. '
'Five seconds, that's all it took for me
to blow his aircraft to smithereens. '
'The aircraft went down
like an untethered kite. '
'We couldn't see the damaged section
of the runway. '
'Still, we managed to take-off
with Tabby's help. '
'Spider could not fly due
to technical errors. '
'Who will do the battle damage assessment?'
'That's IA 1307 aircraft. '
'Tabby's aircraft. '
'Surprisingly,
we never found him. '
'He somehow managed to slip away. '
Sir, the way Ahmed is putting it -
It's not that easy
to take down Tabby.
Spider.
Sir.
You mentioned in your debrief
that Tabby took off at 0540 hours.
Yes, Sir.
So, about 30 minutes later,
at around 0610 hours,
he would have reached Sargodha.
And that Pakistani pilot said that...
At 0612 hours, he shot down
a Mystere over Sargodha.
That's right.
Sir, we were heading back
after the attack, at 0603 hours,
and by 0612 hours, we were already
about 100 km away from Sargodha.
It can't be done by any other pilot, Sir.
It has to be him.
We finally have a lead.
Let's keep at it.
- Sir.
- Yes, Sir.
- Thank you for coming.
- Sir.
Hello, Geeta.
How are you?
Fine.
Please, come in.
Sir, any update on Tabby... ?
Sit.
Sir, please, tell me.
We've found an eyewitness
who was the last person to have seen Tabby.
Tabby...
Sir, can I meet him, the eyewitness?
Who is this eyewitness?
He is a Pakistani pilot,
a prisoner of war.
Sir, is...
is Tabby alive?
From what he said,
it seems like he might be.
Is he in their custody?
Mamma!
Hey, angel!
Oh my God, look how big she's gotten!
Look what we brought for you.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I've seen you in the photo.
Hmm?
You are Dad's friend, right?
Yes, of course, I'm your dad's friend.
I want to become a pilot like Dad too.
You're wearing it wrong.
- Wear it like this, perfect.
- Rohini,
I've told you not to wear that.
Go inside right now!
Sorry, Mamma!
Sir, please, tell me...
is he in their custody?
And how can we find out more about him?
Geeta, this is the first time
we've got a lead.
I'll try to apply pressure
on their government through
that Pakistani pilot,
and as soon as I know something,
I promise I'll let you know.
Please, Sir.
Let's not leave hope, Geeta.
After six years,
I finally received a lead about
Tabby through Ahmed.
I had to find a way to pursue that lead.
I had to find Tabby.
Sir, the location and time of Ahmed
attacking the plane matches
with Tabby's plane.
And Sir, he says the Indian pilot
was never caught,
so there may be a possibility
he might be alive.
But Sir, Lawrence Sir
is not agreeing with it.
Only you can help us.
Let me try this for one last time.
I'll talk to Air Vice Marshal Narang.
Thank you very much.
I really appreciate it, Sir.
Have a seat.
Thank you for your time, Sir.
Well,
Sinha Sir requested me.
I couldn't have refused him.
Tell me.
- Oh, tea, coffee?
- No, I'm fine, Sir.
- Go ahead then.
- Yes, Sir.
These are the official statements
from all the pilots in our Tiger Squadron.
Yes, I've read their debriefs.
None of them had any encounter
with Ahmed's Starstriker.
It has to be T. K. Vijaya.
Ahuja, sit down.
Tell me,
how do these pilots' statements
and Ahmed's story prove it was Vijaya?
It's just your assumption.
I've studied the entire case
in great detail,
and I'll tell you one thing:
if you present this to the Ministry,
it'll be rejected within a day.
I will tell you one more thing:
I have got nothing against you.
But if Sinha Sir hadn't requested,
I wouldn't have even entertained this case
because it does not have any merit.
Let me give you an advice:
Don't trap yourself in this.
It's been over six years, move on.
What happened?
They want me to move on.
They are sending Ahmed Hussain
back to Pakistan tomorrow.
He was my last hope.
Omi, what do you always tell your pilots?
You don't lose until you quit.
Ahmed Hussain is leaving tomorrow.
He hasn't left yet.
I've already signed your release,
but you still haven't finished
telling me your side of the story.
Is there anything you'd like
to add before you leave?
I've shared everything I could,
while staying true to my duty
and my country.
Goodbye.
Sir,
Pakistani prisoners of war
are being sent back today.
What would be your comment on the same?
Ma'am, the war is over now.
There are many mothers, kids
and families in Pakistan
whose search for their loved ones
will finally end today.
They will all be very happy
to see their families.
That's all I have to say.
The cupboard in our room that's not vast,
Holds mementos of the past,
A photo of me that you'll find fast,
It'll whispers softly
to you through the glass,
And tell you where I am, at last.
Now, I'm away from you, it's true,
Now, I am a little helpless too.
Do these thoughts come to you?
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Do you think about me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
The house decorated by me and you,
Where our little family
flourished and grew,
I didn't know it came with me too.
Your eyes reveal,
You think of me too.
Your eyes reveal,
You think of me too.
Do you think of me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I still want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Morning, Sir.
- Good morning.
- Parcel.
Oh.
Thank you.
Mummy, moving to London forever
isn't something that can happen overnight.
Anyway, this is a trunk call,
so let's keep it short.
Hang up now.
Bye-bye.
I'm going to the golf club to meet Bindu.
I'll be back in the evening.
In 19 years, I had never lost hope
for even a moment,
and perhaps that's why fate gave me
another chance to find Tabby.
What's this?
Read this page.
It's like...
'Honorable President, '
'During the 1965 Skyforce Mission, '
'our Tiger Squadron pilot, T. K. Vijaya,
went missing in action. '
'Despite our best efforts, '
'we were unable to gather any information
about his whereabouts. '
'I am sending you
all the documents, '
'and a crucial book related
to the entire incident and T. K. Vijaya. '
'I kindly request you'
'to look into this matter
and take the necessary action. '
'Kumar Om Ahuja, '
'Retired Group Captain, Indian Air Force. '
'Jai Hind. '
Tell me,
you were in Adampur in '65, right?
Yes, Sir, I was part of Tiger Squadron.
Hmm.
So, tell me, how was Vijaya?
Yes, he was good.
How was he good, huh?
He flew against orders,
never came back,
and left us to deal with the consequences.
So, we've received a letter
from the Ministry.
The President has given the order.
We'll have to conduct a small inquiry.
Can you please handle that for me?
- Sure, Sir.
- You can?
- Absolutely.
- Thank you.
Sir,
can't we get
Group Captain Ahuja on this?
Om Ahuja?
- Yes, Sir.
- No, no, no.
Sir, he has invested his entire life
into this case.
His research will be invaluable
and will help us close the file sooner.
We'll save us a lot of time, Sir.
Your call.
Do whatever it takes. Just get it done.
Sure, Sir.
- Hello, Cockroach.
- Sir.
How have you been?
Very good, Sir. How are you?
Absolutely fine.
Sir, I need your help, Sir.
Come.
Sir, the thing you've been waiting
for all these years...
It is finally reopening,
only because of you,
and now only you can solve it, Sir.
So whatever you need me for,
I am here for you.
Chatterjee,
I'll give you a list of places...
Okay.
I'll need to visit them personally.
Can I say something, Sir?
Go ahead.
I always felt jealous of Tabby
because he was better than me.
But now that he's not here, I..
I feel as if a part of us is missing.
Let's please find him, Sir.
Gentlemen, shall we start?
Lawrence Sir,
you recommended every pilot
from the Sargodha Mission
for a Vayu Sena Medal and Vir Chakra,
except for T. K. Vijaya.
Was there a specific reason behind it?
That day, Vijaya took off solo,
going against all protocols
and clear orders
from his Commanding Officer,
and entered enemy territory.
Such irresponsible and reckless behavior!
He was so overconfident
that he behaved like a madman.
Honoring a pilot like him
would have set a bad example
for future generations
of our fighter pilots.
Ahuja Sir, how are you?
Fine, Sir.
So,
London,
America,
and France?
It seems you went on a world tour!
What did you achieve by doing so?
Yes, Sir,
I went on a world tour,
and it was a hit.
During my world tour,
I met the author of this book -
John Peterson.
I admire this pilot.
I had written more about him,
but due to the restrictions
from the Pakistani Government,
unfortunately,
I couldn't publish it all in my book.
Sir, will it be possible for you to share
the original manuscript with me?
That's a big ask.
I know,
but it'll be of a really good help.
He mentions an Indian Mystere
in Chapter 13, Page 112, Line 23.
And the copy of the same page
is in your respected files.
By the way,
your friend helped change
the world's aviation industry.
As we're conducting the inquiry
here in India,
there was an investigation held
in America back in 1975.
The Americans were puzzled
by how an old subsonic aircraft
managed to shoot down their
next-generation supersonic Starstriker,
and they started investigating.
But Mr. Ben,
were you able to figure out how our
Indian Pilot managed
to shoot down the Starstriker?
Well, of course, we were.
It was the superior flying skills
and undaunted determination
of that Indian Pilot.
It was because
of that unidentified pilot...
It was because of Vijaya
that they discovered the Starstriker's
heat-seeking missiles could be misguided.
That's why, they discovered
infrared advance technology
and modified their Starstrikers.
Mr. Ben,
that Unidentified Pilot
was none other than...
T. K. Vijaya.
The Dassault company
also began marketing the Mystere aircraft
as the "Starstriker Killer"
and sold their old technology
to countries like
Israel, Iran, and Jordan for many years.
Impossible.
But...
but how was Vijaya able to pull this off?
Sir, Vijaya himself give me the answer.
Wait...
Did you meet Vijaya?
Hi.
Yes?
Ahmed... ?
Thank you for the book.
Brother, I couldn't tell you everything
back then because we were at war,
but you were right.
There has to be honor amongst enemies.
That morning, when you all were returning
after the attack on Sargodha
and I was pursuing you,
I saw an Indian aircraft
heading towards me.
I fired my first missile,
sensing its heat.
Our Starstriker's missiles had
a 100% hit-and-kill record.
I thought I'd killed the pilot,
so I turned towards the Indian Border
to go after his comrades.
The other pilot I mentioned to you
was in fact the same pilot,
and this time, he was on my tail.
I leveraged the speed of my Starstriker
to outmaneuver him,
then swiftly reversed course,
positioned myself behind him,
and initiated my attack.
An ordinary Mystere was outmanoeuvring
our advanced Starstriker
like it was just a video game,
not a real war.
As soon as I got the opportunity,
I fired my second Sidewinder missile.
I thought that blast had killed the pilot,
but then that aircraft came charging
through the fire clouds.
I'd never seen anything like that before.
Your friend was an exceptional pilot.
If he hadn't been from the enemy side,
I'd definitely have wanted
to learn from his expertise.
Speed is your strength, right?
Now, experience my power.
I was so proud of the speed
of my Starstriker,
but he turned it into a weakness.
Shit!
The moment I saw an opening,
I unleashed everything I had and fired at him.
It was the toughest
and most intense fight of my life.
Yet he refused to back down.
JAI HIND!
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Mother, remember us,
with joyful music every time.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
Vijaya survived
the Pakistani pilot's attack
and could have returned safely,
but instead,
he chose to stand between us
and certain death.
This is Ahmed Hussain's statement.
Sir, if Vijaya hadn't acted so recklessly
and irresponsibly that day,
if he hadn't disobeyed every order
and protocol,
then my pilots and I,
who were honored
with the Vir Chakra for this mission,
would never have made it back.
Sir, that reads - Service before Self.
He put his squadron,
his duty, and his nation
before his own life
and he sacrificed himself.
Sir, you said
he behaved like a madman.
Yes, he was indeed a madman, Sir.
But this kind of madness
is necessary to die for one's country.
It's this madness that drives a soldier
to leave behind their parents,
spouse, and children
to serve their nation.
Vijaya was madly in love
with his country -
like all of us!
And this madness is what
we call patriotism.
Nationalism.
Thank you, sir.
Ahuja,
I couldn't recommend Vijaya
for the Vir Chakra.
However, today,
we are recommending him
for the Maha Vir Chakra.
Soldiers like him aren't born every day.
Thank you.
Slowly sing lullabies,
Mother, as in your arms we lie,
Where else can we find
such peaceful sleep?
At your feet, our lives we keep,
It's your blessing that you chose us,
Not every uniform knows
a sacrifice as such.
Mother, this is the prayer
every soldier prays,
Who else gets to die for the country
in such noble ways?
Mother, I feel blessed and it's true,
As the wind scatters
my ashes to you.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
On 7th September 1965,
during the Skyforce Mission,
he displayed exceptional bravery
by shooting down
a Pakistani aircraft
that was pursuing his comrades
which not only led
to the success of the mission
but also resulted in the ultimate
sacrifice of his life for the nation.
Today, the government seeks forgiveness
from his family for the 23-year delay,
and posthumously awards Squadron Leader
T. Krishnan Vijaya with the Maha Vir Chakra.
Tabby, I told you we'd open
this bottle when you proved
that you were better than the best.
And today, you've done that -
not just in front of me,
but in front of the whole world.
I'm so damn proud of you today.
Cheers.
I really, really miss you, Tiger.
Dying for the country
is an honorable sacrifice,
not suicide.
From your land,
We leave with pride,
Mother, smile as you bid goodbye,
We are your sons,
Mother, remember us,
with joyful music every time.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
Mother, if we lose our lives,
Then it's our destiny,
Mother, we want your dignity
to remain forever free.
Mother, for you, our lives we will lay,
May no harm ever come your way.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Slowly sing lullabies,
Mother, as in your arms we lie,
Where else can we find
such peaceful sleep?
At your feet, our lives we keep,
It's your blessing that you chose us,
Not every uniform knows
a sacrifice as such.
Mother, this is the prayer
every soldier prays,
Who else gets to die for the country
in such noble ways?
Mother, I feel blessed and it's true,
As the wind scatters
my ashes to you.
You are mine, and I am yours,
Dead or alive, to you I belong.
We sing your praise,
Mother, even when we part ways.
Mother, if your soil calls out in need,
We'll leave this world
and to you we'll speed.
One shout out from you,
Dressed in tri-color, we'll come through.
Mother, if we're of no use to you,
Then our youth is of no worth too.
Ready to shed our blood, we stand,
Like the Ganges water, across the land.
I'm scattered in the wind,
you won't see me,
But I'll turn to fragrance,
and around you sometimes I'll be.
If I get the chance,
If this distance ends,
I'll bring it up when we talk again.
Do you think of me?
Do my thoughts keep you from sleep?
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
Do you think about me?
It makes me smile,
it makes me weep.
I want to ask you,
Do you think about me too?
My life is yours, I bow to you,
O Lord, this prayer from my heart is true.
Where my friend is,
there my heart will stay,
Take me to my friend,
or guide me on my way.
O Lord, this prayer from my heart is true,
Take me to where love waits, too,
Where you, my friend are,
my life is there too
Now, how can I live without my...