A day after releasing Operation Sindoor’s announcement, a movie based on a recent military operation carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, the producers have withdrawn the promotional poster of the film and released a public apology. The film, directed by Uttam Maheshwari, was announced on May 9 and promptly faced criticism owing to its timing, released as tensions between India and Pakistan remain.
Director Apologises for Insensitive Timing
Attracting widespread criticism, Maheshwari made an appearance on Instagram to clear the air and apologize for the announcement of the film. In his apology, he stated, “My heartfelt apologies for recently announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor. The intention was never to hurt or offend anyone’s feelings.” He further stated that the project was intended as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers rather than as a means of gaining popularity or financial gains.
Maheshwari also admitted that the political and emotional weather of the sensitive nature might have made the statement look out of place. “I realize that the timing and sensitivity might have given rise to pain or discomfort to some. For that, I deeply regret,” he stated.
Tribute to Indian Armed Forces
The director asserted that the film was thought up out of a sense of profound respect for the Indian Army and national pride. “This is not a movie, it’s a feeling of the whole nation and a social picture of the country in the world,” he wrote. He also thanked the Indian Armed Forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership during difficult times.
Controversial Poster Removed
The since-deleted poster showed a woman soldier in uniform with sindoor applied in her hair and a rifle in hand, depicting the union of patriotism and femininity. Against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape with tanks and fighter jets, the image hoped to impart ideas of courage, sacrifice, and national obligation. Social media users, though, panned the depiction as being tone-deaf in the context of the war that was still raging on and the delicate nature of military missions.
Operation Sindoor: The Real Mission
The film was said to be based on a real-life military mission by the Indian Armed Forces that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists.
Also Read: Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s Operation Sindoor Remarks Backfire! Netizens Label Them Hypocrites
While the project remains shelved for now, Maheshwari’s statement underscores the importance of responsible storytelling, especially in times of geopolitical tension.
