All about film on Operation Sindoor, makers' apology and clarification

India Today

10-05-2025

Filmmaker Uttam Maheshwari on Friday shared a long note, apologising for announcing a film titled 'Operation Sindoor', based on India's precision strikes on terrorist centres in Pakistan and the PoK. The producer took down the poster of the film, which featured a woman soldier in the backdrop of a war with aircraft flying and bombs exploding. As part of his apology, Maheshwari wrote that his intention was not to 'hurt or provoke anyone's sentiments' but to show his 'deep respect' for India and its leadership. He said he was 'moved' by the courage of the Indian armed forces, which continue to defend the country as tension escalated between India and Pakistan.advertisementHe wrote, "My sincere apologies for recently announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor, inspired by the recent heroic efforts of our Indian Armed Forces. The intent was never to hurt or provoke anyone's sentiments (sic)."
The filmmaker shared, "As a filmmaker, I was moved by the courage, sacrifice, and strength of our soldiers and leadership, and simply wished to bring this powerful story to light. This project was born out of deep respect and love for our nation and not for fame and monetisation."The post further read, "However, I understand the timing and sensitivity may have caused discomfort or pain to some. For that, I deeply regret." He went on, "This is not just a film, it's a an emotion of the entire nation and a social image of the country globally. Thanks to our army and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji who make us proud by working day and night for the country with the motto of Always Nation First."advertisement"Our love and prayers will always be with the families of the martyrs as well as the Bravo warriors who are fighting on the border day and night to give us a new morning. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat (sic)," the producer concluded his apology. His apology came after receiving a lot of backlash. A section of social media criticised the filmmaker and all those associated with the film, for taking advantage of the opportunity, and making money out of people's misery and India's defence forces. The poster also mentioned 'Bhagnani' and that made Puja Films' owners - Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani - clarify that they had got nothing to do with the film. In a statement released online, Puja Films said, "We would like to address the recent news reports and social media chatter regarding a film titled 'Operation Sindoor'. Mr Vashu Bhagnani & Mr Jackky Bhagnani are not associated with this project in any capacity, whatsoever. Our hearts and minds stand family with the Indian Armed Forces during this sensitive time. We are praying for each and every one of our soldiers fighting to keep India safe. Jai Hind! Puja Films (sic)."
India continues to defend its sovereignty against Pakistan's missile and drone attacks on its military structures, religious places and civilians under Operation Sindoor, launched as a response to the ghastly Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in Baisaran meadow of Kashmir. Tune InMust Watch