Meet The Army Officer Who Lent Gadar2 Its Military Lense For Authenticity

Col. Surender Singh of the Territorial Army who has been credited for his enormous creative contribution to the film, shares his insights on his experience.

1- How was your experience working on Gadar2?

The experience was great n enriching. I joined this project right from the ideation stage in 2019. Anil Ji had the basic story idea done with the writer. I gave my military input for the writing to begin. When the first draft of the screenplay was done, I rewrote it to make it militarily appear logical. I gave special emphasis on writing military scenes and dialogues. The director n writer was extremely open to my ideas n incorporated them fully. There were occasions when Anil Ji had a creative thought that was not possible militarily, but he insisted. So, I recommended a few settings, which he accepted open-heartedly. I was involved in selecting and training actors, military costumes, and set design and was also present on all filming days. I contributed to the editing as well. As a serving army officer from the Territorial wing, I was able to get all military permissions from the Ministry of Defence on time. Post filming, I facilitated the Ministry of Defence Preview of the film in New Delhi and, subsequently, the No Objection Certificate for the CBFC certification. Anil Ji also requested me to organise a few military activities at different locations as a goodwill gesture to the Indian Army. 

2- How challenging was it to balance serious government work with consulting for a massive film and giving consistent creative inputs?

It was challenging. I gave all my leaves of three years (180 days) to this film. There were occasions when we worked on conference calls n follow-ups. 

3- Have you consulted for/ contributed to other films before?

I was in the film industry in Mumbai for five years before joining the army wef 1995 to 2000. I had a small production house wherein we made ad films n television projects. After joining the army, I wrote extensively on national security n military history. I also contributed as a military advisor for correcting a film titled Raksha Kavach OM in the year 2022. Presently, I am writing a book on the 1948 India-Pak conflict. 

4- What is the most special experience/ memory from Gadar2 that you would like to share? 

Filming the climax sequence was fascinating. 

5- How did you and the director Mr. Anil Sharma meet, and how was your experience working with him?

I was brought in by Gen Mohinder Singh to meet Mr. Anil Sharma. Anil Ji is extremely talented, and I have an enormous respect for his art. 

6- Which areas of the film have you contributed to? Are these contributions in your personal capacity or as a representative/ spokesperson of the Indian army? 

I have contributed to every military aspect of the film. I belong to the Territorial Wing of the Indian Army, which gives me the option to associate with private ventures in my personal capacity. 

7- Some May call Gadar2 a propaganda-driven film, while others may call it a film brimming with patriotism. What are your thoughts on the same in the current socio-political landscape?

It’s a fictional story with genuine military settings. 

8- As an officer in the Indian Army, what is the message you want to give to the nation through this film?

Love transcends borders.

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