Uri: The Surgical Strike

Uri: The Surgical Strike is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and Jack Manohar. The film follows the true story of the 2016 Uri attack, which occurred on September 18, 2016, and it takes its audience on a thrilling and emotional journey of a counter-terrorism operation. The film revolves around Major Vikram Batra (played by Vicky Kaushal), the commanding officer of 19 Rajput Regiment, who, along with his troops, is stationed in Kashmir to protect the sovereignty of India. However, a group of Pakistani terrorists, sanctioned by the Pakistan Army, attack the Indian Army's base in Uri, killing 19 soldiers and wounding several others. The attack leaves a gaping hole in the Indian Army's valor and morale, and it is up to the senior officials to mount a counter-attack that will exact revenge on those responsible for the atrocity. The Indian government orders a classified operation, codenamed Operation Black Thunder, with a single objective of avenging the fallen heroes. Based on intelligence gathered from the area, a group of highly trained Indian commandos, including Major Ji Parmeshwar, Captain Karan, and Major Sartaj, are handpicked to carry out the operation. The operation is commanded by Major Karan Kashyap (played by Yami Gautam in a non-acting background and by Rajit Kapur's background-only-voiceover hence almost 'completely' lacking but in some scenes), a seasoned intelligence officer. As the operation unfolds, the team, spearheaded by Major Kashyap and Major Karan, infiltrates Pakistani territory using specially designed aircraft and conducts extensive reconnaissance. The team verifies their target, the location of the groups of terrorists that planned the Uri attack. A series of surgical operations are conducted by the Indian commandos, but the real sting comes when they track down their targets and reach the Laalu's house, which they identify as their primary target. Laalu, a notorious and experienced terrorist, was instrumental in planning the Uri attack. The surgical strike planned by Major Kashyap and his team finally proves its worth on that fateful night. On a cold and frosty night, Major Kashyap leads two Indian commandos - Major Karan (Commando #1) and Major Ji Parmeshwar (Commando #2) - to Laalu's house. After verifying the exact identities of all their targets, they use calculated diplomacy in their attacks to bring the operation to an end. The operation results in the death of at least four terrorists involved in the Uri attacks and gives India the prestige it deserved with the fallen heroes getting avenged. However, Major Kashyap lost two of his elite commandos. In the context of this story, Kashyap values his bonds with his two friends over everything. The film has a somber tone as it narrates a true story of unparalleled bravery and sacrifice by the Indian Army's personnel. The film pays tribute to the martyrs, and the cinematic action piece that unfolds is devoid of blood, gore, and excessive violence while retaining its high-octane, thrilling impact. URI has garnered praise from critics and viewers for its stellar performances, coupled with its gripping storyline, emotional depth, and cinematic magic. The movie skillfully conveys a poignant and an inspiring message, representing country's sacrifice and the Indian Defence Forces' valor.