Watch TrailerPippa Movie Review: Directed by Raja Menon, Pippa, based on Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta’s book, The Burning Chaffees, is a welcome addition to the genre of war films, standing out for its impact and skillful storytelling. Based on the life of Captain Balram Singh Mehta and his siblings, who valiantly fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where Soviet-made PT-76 amphibious tanks, under his command, won over the Pakistan’s M24 Chaffee tanks.
Impeccably choreographed war scenes not only look visually striking but also keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The narrative seamlessly weaves together the stories of Captain Ram Mehta, Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta and their sister, cryptographer Radha Mehta and creates a compelling and emotional tapestry. Scenes of Balram Mehta heading the tank squadron and ultimately leading India to its victory, evoke goosebumps.
Ishaan Khatter is a natural as Balli. From a flirtatious captain in the Army to an unhappy officer at the Delhi headquarters noting maintenance reports and finally a brave tank commander – Ishaan does justice to the character. He brings to fore the vulnerability of a young boy unsure of how to navigate the hierarchy of the Indian Army, his resilience in the war and his complex relationship with his family with effortless ease.
Standout scenes include Ishaan, as Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, assuming command of the 45th Cavalry of the Indian Army, when his Major fell in battle and the resilience of Ram Mehta (played ably by Priyanshu Painyuli) when he’s captured by the Pakistani militants. Major Daljit Singh Narang’s character is given a proper arc and appropriate screen time and is played beautifully by actor Chandrachoor Rai.
AR Rahman’s music adds depth and impact to the film from the very first scene depicting the massacre of Operation Searchlight at the Dhaka University. Mrunal Thakur does justice to her role as Radha. She breathes realism into the character of a caring sister who shoulders the responsibility of taking care of her mother (a delightful Soni Razdan in a short, but impactful role) while her brothers fight at the front.
However, Pippa does have its shortcomings, particularly in the second half, where the pacing could have been tighter. While the film effectively portrays the chaos and violence surrounding the birth of Bangladesh, the dialogues, too, at certain points, fail to make a strong impact, and the screenplay tends to drag.
The film stands out as a compelling and emotionally charged war drama with some good performances.
A good one-time watch.
