Netflix has announced that Operation Safed Sagar, a new series set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War, will begin streaming on August 7. The drama focuses on the Golden Arrows Squadron and the Indian Air Force’s role during the conflict.
The series is directed by Oni Sen and created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava. It features a large ensemble cast led by Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin and Amrita Bagchi.
A Kargil War story centred on the Air Force
According to the announcement, Operation Safed Sagar looks at the people involved in the mission, including pilots, their families and others connected to the operation. The makers have described the series as a story of courage, sacrifice, leadership and difficult choices during a key chapter in India’s modern military history.
The title refers to Operation Safed Sagar, the codename for the Indian Air Force’s air operations during the Kargil War. The series has been presented as a tribute to the men and women of the Indian Air Force, with the Golden Arrows Squadron at the centre of the narrative.
What Netflix and the makers said
Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, said the platform is backing the series as an original story inspired by the IAF’s role in the Kargil War. She said the Indian Air Force trusted Netflix with the story and described it as a tribute to the courage, camaraderie and sacrifice of the Golden Arrows.
Bami also said the show will take viewers into the lives of air force pilots, including the decisions they make while protecting the country’s borders. She credited director Oni Sen and the creative team behind the series, including Abhijeet Singh Parmar, Kushal Srivastava and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar. Netflix is collaborating with Matchbox Shots on the project.
Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar of Feel Good Films said the idea for the series came from a chance to show a world that few people see from the inside. They also referred to co-creator Kushal Srivastava’s experience in the Indian Air Force as an important part of shaping the project.
The makers said the series follows pilots, their families and the people around them. They added that the story goes beyond the mission to include friendship, sacrifice, leadership and difficult decisions. The production involved more than 100 locations, including filming at over 16,000 feet, along with a large cast and extensive visual effects.
Produced by Matchbox Shots and Feel Good Films
Operation Safed Sagar is produced by Matchbox Shots and Feel Good Films. Sanjay Routray of Matchbox Shots LLP said some chapters in India’s history deserve to be brought to screen with honesty and scale. He said Kushal Srivastava brought an extensively researched script to the team, and the story combines military action with personal moments of heroism.
The series adds to Netflix India’s slate of original dramas based on real events and institutions. For now, the confirmed release detail is that Operation Safed Sagar will stream exclusively on Netflix from August 7.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.