Prime Video presents “Pippa,” featuring Ishaan Khatter, Mrunal Thakur, and Priyanshu Painyuli in lead roles, drawing inspiration from Brigadier Balram S Mehta’s book, “The Burning Chaffees.”
Plot Synopsis:
“Pippa” unfolds as a biographical film delving into the life of Captain Balram Singh Mehta. Set against the 1947 division of India, the narrative focuses on the tumultuous events in East Pakistan (Bangladesh), controlled by West Pakistan despite a larger population. The film intricately portrays the rebellion for independence sparked by the denial of elections, the subsequent violence by the Pakistani army, and the refuge sought by East Pakistan citizens in India. The central theme revolves around how the Indian Army played a pivotal role in the liberation of East Pakistan.
Highlights:
“Pippa” offers a compelling insight into India’s role in supporting East Pakistan’s liberation. It effectively portrays the reasons behind the revolution, the challenges faced by citizens during the rebellion, and the plight of refugees due to the actions of the Pakistani Army. The film celebrates the humanitarian stance of the Indian government in prioritizing humanity.
The war scenes in “Pippa” stand out, meticulously crafted to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Particularly noteworthy is the mid-portion sequence, characterized by solid visuals and impressive VFX work. Ishaan Khatter delivers a standout performance as Captain Balram Singh Mehta, skillfully portraying the character’s dual shades. Mrunal Thakur shines in her role, leaving a lasting impression despite limited screen time, while Priyanshu Painyuli adds depth to the family drama.
Drawbacks:
The pacing in the last 40 minutes tends to slow down, and judicious trimming of repetitive scenes could have heightened the overall impact. The movie’s ending is deemed subpar, missing an opportunity for a more impactful conclusion.
Soni Razdan’s performance is commendable, but her character remains underutilized. A song in the first hour, given the film’s serious tone, seems unnecessary. The decision not to release the film in theaters is noted as a missed opportunity, as the impactful war scenes in “Pippa” could have benefited from a cinematic experience.
Technical Excellence:
AR Rahman’s Oscar-winning composition adds depth to the film with an intriguing background score. Priya Seth’s cinematography is exceptional, particularly in capturing the nuances of war sequences. Though the editing could have been tighter, the production values are excellent.
Director Raja Krishna Menon is credited for a decent job in orchestrating the film. The setup and execution are praiseworthy, with a particularly well-handled lengthy war sequence. However, the narrative loses momentum in the final minutes, a potential area for improvement.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Pippa” emerges as a sincere endeavor shedding light on the Indo-Pak 1971 war, specifically the Battle of Garibpur. The film effectively showcases the bravery of three siblings fighting for their country, complemented by well-designed war scenes. Despite a slowdown in pacing towards the end and a lackluster climax, “Pippa” stands as a satisfactory war drama, delivering a nuanced portrayal of historical events.