"Pippa," helmed by director Raja Krishna Menon, delves into the intense landscape of war cinema, promising gripping tank battles and a departure from conventional Hindi action narratives. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Ishaan Khatter, Priyanshu Painyuli, Soni Razdan, Mrunal Thakur, and Inaamulhaq, draws inspiration from the book "The Burning Chaffees" by army veteran Balram Singh Mehta. As we unravel the narrative of conflict, let's explore the highs and lows of this patriotic saga. Let's know more about the movie.

Cast and Crew: Leading the cast is Ishaan Khatter in the role of Balram, supported by a talented ensemble including Priyanshu Painyuli, Soni Razdan, Mrunal Thakur, and Inaamulhaq. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, "Pippa" is co-scripted by Menon, Ravinder Randhawa, and Tanmay Mohan.

Summary: Set against the backdrop of a 1971 joint military training exercise between India and Russia, "Pippa" traces the journey of Balram (Ishaan Khatter), who faces insubordination charges for taking a PT-76 amphibious tank into a river against orders. As the Bangladesh Liberation War unfolds, Balram's family becomes entangled in the turmoil, forcing him to make pivotal decisions that test his allegiance to his brother and his commitment as an army officer.

Likes: "Pippa" distinguishes itself as a war film with a refreshing even temper, deviating from the clichés often associated with the genre. The movie explores the moral complexities of war, delving into the intricate impact of conflict on individuals. Ishaan Khatter delivers a commendable performance, complemented by strong portrayals from Priyanshu Painyuli and an unforgettable depiction by Soham Majumdar as a geeky analyst.

Dislikes: While the film successfully avoids certain narrative clichés, it occasionally succumbs to predictable plot points. Visual effects, especially explosions and muzzle flashes, appear awkwardly integrated, diminishing the impact of the otherwise realistic war scenes. Ishaan Khatter's voice modulation, despite his efforts, falters in crucial scenes.

Verdict: In "Pippa" Ishaan Khatter's portrayal of Balram intricately navigates the challenges of war, bringing a human dimension to the narrative. The film, under Raja Krishna Menon's direction, commendably delves into the intricate moral facets of conflict. While Khatter's performance shines, occasional storytelling lapses disrupt the film's flow. Visual effects, although at times imperfect, do not overshadow the film's significance. Despite some loose ends in the final act, "Pippa" remains a commendable addition to Hindi war cinema, offering a thought-provoking and nuanced perspective on the intricacies of war and its profound impact on individuals.

Star Rating: 3.5/5

IMDB Rating: 6.4/10