Pippa

Based on the war memoir The Burning Chaffees written by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, Pippa tells the story of the intense 48-hour Battle of Garibpur, which was fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and which laid the foundation for the impending war. Centred around Brigadier Mehta’s 45 Cavalry tank squadron, Pippa’s title refers to the magnificent Russian amphibious war tank, the PT-76, which was lovingly called “Pippa”, since like an empty ghee da dabba it smoothly floated on water. The film portrays the coming-of-age of both the young Mehta and of our nation, as they both step up to prove themselves in a war for the liberation of another country. The battle paves the path for India’s triumph, as Captain Mehta rises to the occasion and leads his troops to victory.