Ghee-Da-Dibba

Ghee-da-dibba : My quick take on “Pippa” (Amazon Prime)

"Pippa" on Amazon Prime sails close to being a 'dibba' but narrowly misses the mark. The film revolves around the valor of an armored tank regiment, showcasing the Russian-made 'Pippa' tanks during the Battle of Garibpur in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The movie, based on true events from Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta's memoirs, sheds light on a lesser-known historical episode.

While the film's attempt to bring forth these inspiring real stories of valor is commendable, it suffers a bit from casting choices, especially Ishan Khattar in a role that seems mismatched. Mrinal Thakur stands out among the recognizable faces in the movie, with a brief appearance by Kamal sadnah as Field Marshal Manek Shaw adding to the anticipation for the upcoming full-length film "Sam Bahadur."

The authenticity of using real PT-76 tanks is a plus, reminiscent of Hollywood's 'Patton.' However, the battle scenes lack the punch seen in larger Hollywood productions like 'Patton' or 'Fury.' Additionally, the inclusion of a dance number feels out of place and dilutes the seriousness of the film.

If you can overlook the mis-casting and skip past certain distractions, 'Pippa' still offers a watchable narrative. Encouraging stories of unsung heroes, like those portrayed in this film, is essential to prevent them from fading into the shadows of history.