Movie · 2021 · Action, Drama, Thriller, War · 2h 15m · HI
Curator score: 4.7/10 (151.6K ratings)
How a soldier became a legend
Overview
Inspired by the life of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC), the film celebrates his bravery, valiant spirit and honors his invaluable sacrifice during the Kargil War of 1999, at the age of 24.
A sincere, emotionally effective war biopic with strong star-making energy and polished action, but it leans hard on patriotic uplift and familiar Bollywood beats. If you want a tribute-driven Kargil drama with a tearjerker finish, it delivers; if you prefer a more critical or less romanticized view of war, it may frustrate you.
Best for
viewers who like inspirational military biopics
fans of emotional mainstream Hindi dramas
audiences looking for a patriotic tribute film
people who enjoy polished, accessible war sequences
Skip if
you dislike war films that glorify military sacrifice
you want a politically skeptical or anti-war perspective
you are tired of melodramatic romance-and-duty templates
you prefer gritty realism over crowd-pleasing sentiment
Overview
Shershaah is built as a tribute first and a war film second, and that approach gives it both its strengths and its limits. It has a clear emotional engine, an appealing central performance, and enough craft in the action and staging to keep the Kargil material engaging even when the script moves into familiar patriotic territory.
Worth noting
The film works best when it focuses on Captain Vikram Batra as a charismatic, human presence rather than as a symbol. Those scenes give the movie warmth and momentum, and the final stretch lands with real feeling. The romance is functional, and the film’s mainstream structure is easy to read, but it is also what makes the movie broadly watchable.
Bottom line
Where it divides viewers is in its treatment of war itself. Some will see a respectful memorial; others will see a glossy romanticization of combat and sacrifice. That tension sits at the center of the film, and your response will likely depend on whether you’re open to a celebratory biopic tone.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Amritt Rukhaiyaar (2★) · 284 likes
It's problematic to glorify the idea that every soldier's only dream is to go in the warzone. I don't think there is anyone who despises war more than a soldier. A soldier does his job sincerely, but like everyone else, he also wants his job to go on peacefully on a day to day basis. Stop romanticising the idea of war, it's a fucking war, people die taking part in it.
Why our films are such Toxic Mess.
Michael James (3★) · 124 likes
The biographical war drama portrays the life journey of Param Veer Chakra awardee army captain, Vikram Batra. A quirky cheerful real life character filled with full of heart n soul, gone too soon is an intriguing yet emotionally moving storyline by itself, and Siddharth Malhotra has done complete justice to the character on screen, probably his career best. Kiara Advani was adorable and the rest of cast were apt.
The story is filled with usual genre cliches and patriotic tropes,… more
Prateek Sharma (4★) · 101 likes
What a film... What a tribute to Captain Vikram Batra.. Went with low expectations and this film exceeded my expectations easily... Being a kid of defense personnel I've heard lots of stories from friends and my family about Cap. Vikram Batra and his bravery at the most crucial time during Kargil war against Pakistan... And I always wanted a film about him, but I always had hesitation that hindi film isn't gonna do the justice, but I'm glad this film… more What a film... What a tribute to Captain Vikram Batra.. Went with low expectations and this film exceeded my expectations easily... Being a kid of defense personnel I've heard lots of stories from friends and my family about Cap. Vikram Batra and his bravery at the most crucial time during Kargil war against Pakistan... And I always wanted a film about him, but I always had hesitation that hindi film isn't gonna do the justice, but I'm glad this film… more
The Wandering Soul ❤️🔥 (4★) · 84 likes
When I think of Captian Vikram Batra's life of 25 years, I realise… There's no greater honour than being a Soldier, No greater Pride than wearing a Soldier's Uniform, No Religion greater than One's Country.
The climax made me burst into tears probably the only film that made me this emotional. The sacrifice given by Captain Vikram Batra couldn't be justified with a movie but if it's done right then it surely pays tribute to the warrior he was.
Not… more
Vishwas Verma 🟠🟢🔵 (4★) · 58 likes
Director Vishnuvardhan did absolute justice and tribute to Paramvir Chakra Capt. Vikram Batra and so did the actors and the team.
Very well-written, directed, acted film. The score, cinematography, and VFX look absolutely stunning. This film can be a game changer for Sidharth Malhotra.
The final moments were so emotional, I cried. Must Watch.Gonna see it again on Independence Day 🇮🇳