It’s been seven years since ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ redefined Bollywood’s war genre, but few know how close it came to losing its leading man. Vicky Kaushal, now a household name, has opened up about his initial urge to walk away from the project that changed everything.
The film, helmed by debutant Aditya Dhar, recreates the 2016 surgical strikes avenging the Uri massacre. Vicky’s riveting performance as the steely Major Vihaan Shergill turned heads, but pre-shoot doubts plagued him. ‘I seriously considered rejecting it,’ he confessed in recent chats, citing post-‘Masaan’ burnout and fear of typecasting.
What swayed him? Dhar’s passion. Armed with declassified details and soldier testimonials, the director hosted marathon script sessions. Vicky was hooked by the authenticity—the meticulous planning mirroring the actual operation’s stealth and success. His preparation involved months of fitness, weaponry drills, and emotional immersion.
Commercial fireworks followed: budgeted at Rs 40 crore, it raked in Rs 250 crore-plus, becoming one of 2018’s biggest hits. Accolades poured in, cementing Vicky’s A-list status. ‘Uri’ influenced pop culture, with dialogues like ‘How’s the josh?’ becoming national catchphrases.
On its seventh birthday, Vicky hails the film as a ‘milestone.’ It not only honored the armed forces but showcased cinema’s power to educate and unite. With India facing security challenges, ‘Uri’s’ message of strength endures, ensuring its spot in viewers’ hearts and playlists.