Netflix India is set to delve into another gripping true story. Peepingmoon.com has exclusively learned that the streaming giant is developing a web series based on “Operation Safed Sagar,” a crucial mission carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan.
Renowned director Oni Sen, known for his work on the popular web series “Asur,” has been chosen to helm this project. The series will be produced by Sanjay Routray, Sarita Patil, and Dikssha Jyoti Routray under the Matchbox Shots banner. The show will depict the IAF’s historic 47-day operation, executed in collaboration with the Indian Army’s ground forces, aimed at dislodging Pakistani troops from Indian positions along the Line of Control. This operation, launched on May 26, 1999, involved precision airstrikes using fighter planes, attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles to clear high-altitude enemy positions.
Operation Safed Sagar was a landmark in military aviation history, showcasing the Indian Air Force’s capability to conduct effective limited warfare and its proficiency in handling challenging combat scenarios. The operation defied traditional air power theories and required innovative strategies. Oni Sen and the Matchbox Shots team have conducted extensive research to authentically portray the bravery and tactical expertise of the Indian Air Force during this critical period. While no cast has been announced yet, the production is expected to begin by the end of this year or early 2025.
This project further strengthens the collaboration between Netflix and Matchbox Shots, following their successful ventures with Vasan Bala’s “Monica, O My Darling” and Hansal Mehta’s “Scoop.” They are also working together on Anubhav Sinha’s “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” featuring an ensemble cast including Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Patralekha, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
Matchbox Shots, known for critically acclaimed films such as “Andhadhun” and “Three of Us,” is also partnering with Amazon Prime Video on a horror drama series titled “Khauf,” starring Monika Panwar, Rajat Kapoor, Abhishek Chauhan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Gagan Arora. Additionally, they are developing a series on the slain Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, based on crime journalist Rupinderjit Singh’s book, “Who Killed Moosewala?” Stay tuned to Peepingmoon for more updates!
