“Pippa” Review: A Realistic and Thoughtful Portrayal of War
Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, “Pippa” stands out as a refreshing war movie that breaks away from the typical Bollywood clichés often associated with the genre. The film presents a believable and authentic depiction of the battlefield, focusing on the lives of soldiers and revolutionaries who feel genuine and relatable.
While it takes some time to build momentum, “Pippa” eventually delivers a portrait of battlefield valor that avoids shallow bravado and empty bluster. The film portrays the heroes as real individuals who face personal challenges, doubts, and fears as they embark on their mission.
Produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP and Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Roy Kapur Films, “Pippa” places the just cause and the people fighting for it at the forefront. The story emphasizes palpable humanity rather than relying on pulpy patriotism.
Although not everything in “Pippa” is flawless, the film successfully maintains a restrained approach while dealing with violence, courage, and death. The battle scenes are intense and crucial to the narrative, but they do not overshadow the other aspects of the film.
Set during the historic Battle of Garibpur in November 1971, the film revolves around three siblings. Two of them are army officers with contrasting personalities, while their spirited sister, a Delhi University student activist, joins India’s spy agency to intercept and decipher secret wartime messages.
The film begins with a voiceover introduction by Captain Balram “Balli” Singh, a real-life war hero. It briefly establishes the historical context of the 140-minute film, albeit in a rushed manner. However, once the initial hiccups are overcome, “Pippa” gains momentum and focuses on a young soldier’s journey towards redemption amidst the harsh realities of war.
Balli, the impetuous protagonist, faces an internal inquiry for defying orders during a military exercise. Despite his exceptional skills, he is relegated to a desk job at the army headquarters. Meanwhile, his elder brother goes undercover in East Pakistan, accompanied by a couple of Mukti Bahini fighters. Their sister, Radha, becomes a military intelligence code-breaker.
While “Pippa” has its flaws, such as a remix of a powerful song that fails to capture its essence, the film’s strength lies in its non-jingoistic approach. The 1971 Indo-Pak war was fought to prevent a genocide perpetrated by a ruthless government, rather than merely against an enemy. The film celebrates camaraderie and highlights the profound bond soldiers develop while fighting alongside each other.
“Pippa” effectively portrays the human aspect of the conflict and emphasizes the humanity that led India to engage in the war, despite the immense human and financial costs involved. It tells the story of a family and an army caught up in someone else’s war because it was the right thing to do.
The film also deserves praise for its technical aspects. Cinematographer Priya Seth and editor Hemanti Sarkar, both women, bring a unique perspective to the film, creating a tactile texture and contemplative rhythm that sets it apart from other military action films.
Ishaan Khatter delivers a strong performance as the young soldier who matures during the war that reshaped the subcontinent. He is supported by Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Painyuli, along with a talented ensemble cast that includes Chandrachoor Rai, Anuj Singh Duhan, and Inaamulhaq.
In conclusion, “Pippa” is a war film that avoids bombarding the audience with excessive spectacle and noise. It offers a realistic and thoughtful portrayal of war, focusing on the human side of the conflict.
