Latest news with #OperationKhukri
News18
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
What Was Operation Khukri, India's UN Mission In West Africa? Who's Making A Movie On It Now?
Last Updated: Operation Khukri, a 2000 rescue mission by Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone (West Africa) is being made into a film by Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda 25 years ago, deep in the chaos of war-torn Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, Indian soldiers etched a chapter of courage, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance into the annals of United Nations peacekeeping history. That covert mission, known as Operation Khukri, is set to hit the silver screen as a film with Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda at the helm as both director and lead actor. In the year 2000, Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest countries, was gripped by civil war. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a rebel group notorious for its scorched-earth tactics and use of child soldiers, had plunged the West African nation into nearly a decade of conflict. Amid international efforts to restore order, the United Nations deployed a peacekeeping force, which included a strong Indian contingent. But peace was elusive. In a shocking turn of events, the RUF took hostage 222 soldiers and 11 military observers from various nations, confining them under appalling conditions for a staggering 233 days. The captives, deprived even of two proper meals a day, became pawns in a deadly standoff that exposed the fragility of UN peacekeeping efforts. Among the trapped was a company of Indian soldiers stationed in Kailahun, commanded by Major Rajpal Poonia. Lured away on the pretext of negotiations, Major Poonia was separated from his troops, who were soon surrounded and ordered to surrender. The Gorkha Regiments under his command, known for their unmatched grit, refused to lay down their arms. As pressure mounted, the situation veered toward a full-blown hostage crisis. When diplomacy failed, the Indian Army launched a bold military operation. The mission, codenamed Operation Khukri, would be remembered as one of the most audacious rescue efforts in peacekeeping history. At the time, the United Nations was reluctant to endorse a military response. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, himself a West African, was cautious, fearing political backlash. But back in India, public outrage was growing. The fate of the soldiers could no longer hang in diplomatic limbo. A highly-trained commando platoon of 120 Indian troops was deployed. British Chinook helicopters provided logistical support, setting the stage for a multi-pronged assault. On the morning of July 15, 2000, explosives shattered the walls of the besieged garrison. Simultaneously, Gorkha soldiers inside launched a counterattack, overpowering the RUF fighters and securing a breach. The escape was perilous. Torrential rains had turned the terrain into a quagmire. Trucks bogged down in mud, soldiers forced to push vehicles under fire, rebels giving chase. The mission was to extract not just the trapped troops but also 11 UN observers and several sick personnel. Chinooks carried out the most vulnerable, while others fought their way through 12 kilometres of hostile territory to Gehun, where they linked up with fresh reinforcements from the 18 Grenadiers. The final leg took them to Pendembu, a rebel-held town, which the Gorkhas captured after a firefight. The operation was a resounding success: 34 rebels killed, 150 wounded, and only seven Indian soldiers injured. Not a single peacekeeper was lost. To honour this remarkable feat, Sierra Leone later built the 'Khukri War Memorial' on the banks of the Moa River, a rare tribute by a foreign nation to Indian military heroism. Major Rajpal Poonia, who eventually rose to the rank of Major General, documented the mission in his book Operation Khukri: The True Story Behind the Indian Army's Most Successful Mission as Part of the United Nations. The book serves not just as a chronicle of military strategy but also of human endurance. Now, that story is making its way to the big screen. Randeep Hooda, known for his intense roles and immersive storytelling, has acquired the rights to Poonia's book and will both direct and star in the upcoming film adaptation. 'The story of Operation Khukri moved me deeply," Hooda said in a statement, adding that it is a story of sacrifice, brotherhood, and holding on to courage in the darkest moments. Slated to be a high-octane war drama infused with patriotic fervour, the film aims to bring global attention to a forgotten saga of valour far from Indian shores. Operation Khukri stands as a rare example of an international peacekeeping success under dire circumstances. It was a testament to India's military ethos, summarised by former Army Chief General JJ Singh who said that Indian Army soldiers chose 'death over cowardice, honour over two meals a day, and dignity over freedom". First Published:
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Randeep Hooda to feature in military-drama based on Operation Khukri
Randeep Hooda is set to feature in a war-drama set around Operation Khukri, a military operation led by the Indian Army in West Africa's Sierra Leone in 2000. The film will be based on the book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, written by Major General Raj Pal Punia along with his daughter Damini Punia. It tells the story of 233 soldiers who were held hostage in Sierra Leone by rebel forces and the high risk recuse mission undertaken. The adaptation rights of the book have been exclusively secured by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Randeep Hooda to star in Operation Khukri, based on real-life military rescue mission: ‘It's about courage in the face of insurmountable odds'
Actor Randeep Hooda is set to headline the upcoming military drama movie 'Operation Khukri' based on one of Indian Army's most daring peacekeeping missions abroad. Inspired by the real-life events of 2000. The film tells the story of 233 soldiers who were held hostage in Sierra Leone in West Africa by rebel forces and the high risk rescue mission undertaken. In the movie, Hooda will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia, then a young Company Commander of the 14th mechanised infantry who navigated the stand-off and subsequently the extraordinary rescue amid intense jungle warfare. Hooda said the movie will definitely inspire and move every Indian. ''Operation Khukri' is a story that moved me deeply. It's not just a tale of guns and glory, but of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unyielding courage in the face of insurmountable odds. To step into the shoes of Major General Punia, a man who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unknown land, is an honour and a responsibility. 'Our aim is to bring to life a chapter of Indian military history that deserves far more recognition — not just for the spectacle, but for the spirit of our soldiers who would rather die than surrender,' the actor-filmmaker said in a statement. 'Operation Khukri' is based on Penguin Random House India's bestseller 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad'. The book's rights have been secured by filmmaker Rahul Mittra and Hooda. The makers are yet to announce the key details of the movie, including the director and other cast members.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Operation Khukri: Randeep Hooda to lead as Major General Punia in war drama
Actor Randeep Hooda is set to star in a new war drama titled 'Operation Khukri', based on a real-life rescue mission by the Indian Army in 2000. The film will bring to light one of India's most daring and lesser-known military operations carried out in Sierra Leone, West story follows 233 Indian soldiers who were part of a UN peacekeeping mission and were trapped by rebel forces for 75 days without food, water, or help. Surrounded deep inside enemy territory, these brave soldiers refused to give Hooda will play the role of Major General Raj Pal Punia, who at the time was a young officer and played a key role in leading the rescue mission to save his men. The film will showcase how he and his team fought intense jungle battles and managed to bring the soldiers home safely. The movie is based on the bestselling book 'Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad', and the rights have been officially acquired by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda about the film, Randeep said to Variety, ''Operation Khukri' is a story that moved me deeply. It's not just a tale of guns and glory, but of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unyielding courage in the face of insurmountable odds. To step into the shoes of Major General Punia, a man who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unknown land, is an honour and a responsibility. Our aim is to bring to life a chapter of Indian military history that deserves far more recognition - not just for the spectacle, but for the spirit of our soldiers who would rather die than surrender. I believe this story has the power to inspire every Indian.'On the work front, Randeep Hooda was last seen in an action drama titled 'Jaat' alongside Sunny Deol. He played the role of ruthless antagonist Ranatunga in the Watch
News18
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Randeep Hooda To Headline Epic War Drama Based On Operation Khukri
Last Updated: Randeep Hooda stars in Operation Khukri, a military drama about the 2000 rescue of 233 Indian soldiers in Sierra Leone, playing Major General Raj Pal Punia. Fresh off the success of Jaat, Randeep Hooda is all set to step into the shoes of a real-life war hero for his next big project. He will be seen in a gripping military drama titled Operation Khukri. The film will bring to screen one of the Indian Army's most daring and lesser-known rescue missions overseas. Set in 2000, Operation Khukri follows the incredible true story of 233 Indian soldiers who were held hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa. With no food, water or backup for 75 days, the soldiers were trapped deep in enemy territory. Randeep Hooda will play Major General Raj Pal Punia, who at the time was a young company commander and played a key role in leading the brave counterattack to rescue his men from the siege. The movie is inspired by the bestselling book Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, published by Penguin Random House India. The rights to the story have been officially acquired by Rahul Mittra Films and Randeep Hooda Films. Talking about the film, Randeep shared, 'Operation Khukri is a story that moved me deeply… not just about guns and glory, but about sacrifice, brotherhood and courage. To portray Major General Punia is both an honour and a huge responsibility." The mission, which began as a peacekeeping effort, soon turned into a tense standoff in the hostile jungles of Kailahun. The final rescue, led by the Indian Army, became one of the most successful operations in our military history. Talking about Randeep Hooda, he made his Hindi film debut with Monsoon Wedding in 2001. Ever since, there was no looking back for him. He had a turning point in his career with the gangster film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010). He continued to gain attention with supporting roles in films such as Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), Jannat 2 (2012), Jism 2 (2012), Cocktail (2012), Heroine (2012) and Jaat (2025). First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:17 IST
