Pippa Review: Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur's Film Is a Fitting Tribute to India's Brave War Heroes

Plot:

In 1947, India was divided into three parts. Pakistan was one country but was divided into two parts, namely West Pakistan and East Pakistan. In between both parts of Pakistan was India. The population of East Pakistan was greater but the power was with the West. Despite 60 percent of the people speaking Bangla, Urdu was chosen to be the national language. The people of East Pakistan found it difficult to get good jobs and lived a miserable life. In 1970, General Elections in Pakistan were held for the first time. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's party, the Bangladesh Awami League won the elections by a comprehensive margin but Pakistan President General Yahya Khan denied it and even arrested Rahman when he objected Khan's denial. Almost the whole of East Pakistan desired an independent state and rose up in rebellion. The Pakistani Army was on a killing spree. They killed everyone who protested. Due to the troubling situation in East Pakistan, many seeked refugee in India. India had to intervene into the matter. The Indo-Pak War of 1971 gave birth to Bangladesh. Captain Balram Mehta (Ishaan Khatter) is a war hero. He was born in an army family and was part of the 45 Cavalry Regiment. He fought on the eastern front during the 1971 war. His brother Ram Mehta (Priyanshu Painyuli) and his sister Radha (Mrunal Thakur) are also war heroes who played a vital role in India's war victory.

What Works

The story of Pippa works extremely well in favour of the film. It doesn't bicker around and gets straight to the point. The cartoon story at the start, related to the atrocities that the individuals of East Pakistan have had to face, has been beautifully done. The camera work in a lot of motion sequences is praise worthy, especially the scene where Balli and his troop run towards the war tank. The set design is on point. The relationship dynamic of the two brothers Ram and Balram has been explored beautifully and it really adds depth and a personal touch to the film. The music in the film deserves a special mention. Songs like Jazbaat and Main Parwaana are soothing and on the other end, there are a couple of very energetic tracks as well which will boost your adrenaline, of course along with some chilling background score.