New Delhi: Sky Force, a Hindi-language action drama film based on the attack on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the 1965 India-Pakistan War is getting rave reviews from the critics and also appreciation from the general audience. The film stars Akshay Kumar and newcomer Veer Pahariya, along with Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur and it has been directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani. The film shows the bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of the pilots of the Indian Air Force, highlighting the crucial role they played in shifting the course of the war.
The 1965 India-Pakistan War: The battle in the skies
The 1965 War between India and Pakistan was a major conflict between the two neighbouring countries with Kashmir at the centre of the battle. Pakistan, by dint of Operation Gibraltar, wanted to infiltrate Kashmir with militants and trigger a rebellion. India, in reply, countered with Operation Riddle, targeting Lahore and Kasur.
During the war, Indian Air Force (IAF) which played a crucial role in the war targeted the Sargodha airbase, one of most formidable military fortresses in Pakistan. The airbase housed crucial aircraft and weaponry and if IAF neutralized Sargodha, then it would be a big blow to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and would also disrupt its support for ground operations in key areas like Khem Karan.
On September 7, 1965, just a day after the PAF had attacked Indian bases, the IAF launched a scathing attack on the Sargodha airbase. The Mysteres and Hunters of IAF attacked in waves, soaring through enemy fire and inflicting immense damage on the PAF. The hangers, aircrafts and infrastructure in the base was completely destroyed. However, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, one of the heroes of the daring raid, met with a tragic fare.
When the IAF aircrafts were returning from the strike, a F-104 Starfighter aircraft of Pakistan intercepted his aircraft. Instead of retreating, Devayya chose to bravely fight and after a fierce battle, his aircraft was shot down, and he was declared missing, and presumed dead. There is no confirmation about what happened to him. In 1988, Devayya was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour. In the film Sky Force, Veer Pahariya is playing the role of Devayya.
Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force receives critical acclaim for its portrayal of the 1965 India-Pakistan War’s aerial battles, specifically focusing on the crucial Sargodha airbase raid. The film highlights the bravery of IAF pilots, notably Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, played by Veer Pahariya. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
