Bhuj: The Pride of India is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language war film directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya. Set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, it follows Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik — then in-charge of the Bhuj Air Force Base who, with the help of 300 local women, reconstructed the damaged landing strip in 72 hours. The film features Ajay Devgn as Karnik, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Nora Fatehi, Sharad Kelkar, Ammy Virk, Pranitha Subhash and Ihana Dhillon.
Initially slated for theatrical release on 14 August 2020 on the Independence Day weekend, it was delayed by the pandemic and finally premiered on 13 August 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar. The film received mostly negative reviews from the film critics, who criticized the film for its writing, pace and unrealistic situations.
In the beginning of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the airstrip at the Bhuj Base is destroyed by enemy aircraft, cutting-off reinforcement supply from mainland India. A small group of Indian Army soldiers defend Bhuj from being overrun, while 300 local women, led by the base’s commander Squadron leader Vijay Karnik, reconstruct the airbase under enemy fire. The film starts with the Pakistan Prime Minister discussing about conquering the Indian territories. The wife of Pakistan army officer is shown to be an Indian spy, who came to take the revenge of her brother’s murder, who caught and was brutally killed. But she was also caught and was given same death as her brother.
Directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya
Written by Abhishek Dudhaiya, Raman Kumar, Ritesh Shah & Pooja Bhavoria
Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Ginny Khanuja, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Bunny Sanghavi, Vajir Singh & Abhishek Dudhaiya
Starring Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Sharad Kelkar, Sonakshi Sinha, Ammy Virk, Pranitha Subhash, Nora Fatehi, Ihana Dhillon
Cinematography Aseem Bajaj
Edited by Dharmendra Sharma
Music by Amar Mohile
Production T-Series, Ajay Devgn FFilms, Select Media Holdings LLP & Panorama Studios
Distributed by Disney+ Hotstar
Release date 13 August 2021
Running time 113 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
