The recently released Bollywood spy-action thriller has garnered attention for its authentic and respectful depiction of the Indian Army, largely due to the dedicated efforts of military consultant Colonel Bhupinder Shahi (Retd). His meticulous attention to detail has ensured that the portrayal of military life is both accurate and meaningful.
Colonel Shahi expressed pride in the film’s commitment to authenticity, stating, “Everything about the Army was projected correctly and reflected in a proper manner.” The storyline of the film revolves around a decade-long Indian intelligence operation featuring an undercover agent who navigates the treacherous waters of Karachi’s criminal and political realms.
In his insights on the significance of military consultants, Colonel Shahi emphasized that their role goes far beyond mere visuals and drill routines. “On set, the military consultant becomes the moral compass and technical expert—training actors in battlecraft, fieldcraft, communication protocols, body language, and guiding filmmakers through military culture, chain of command, unit cohesion, and the psychology of a soldier.” His work also involved close collaboration with costume designers and art directors to ensure every aspect of the military representation was visually accurate.
Dhurandhar marks Colonel Shahi’s ninth project as a military consultant, with extensive filming carried out in Ladakh, where he spent nearly eight years during his service. He stated, “It is an authentic film and everything depicted actually happened,” reflecting his commitment to fidelity in storytelling.
Commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1991, Colonel Shahi has extensive experience in operationally intense regions, including Kargil and various counter-insurgency operations. He has also served with elite units like the National Security Guard and the Ladakh Scouts. Following his premature retirement in 2017, he transitioned to consultancy and entrepreneurship in Mohali.
His cinematic journey began with the film Shershaah, which set a new standard for military authenticity in Bollywood. While stationed in Leh, he was prompted by Major General Y K Joshi to assist in the making of this film, which tells the story of Captain Vikram Batra, a close comrade from the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Other notable projects involving Colonel Shahi include Kill, Veda, Freedom at Midnight, Waking of a Nation, and Fauj. His collaboration on Dhurandhar began in 2024, after he was approached by executive producer Rahul Gandhi. His responsibilities included obtaining permissions from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, as well as coordinating the use of MI-17 and Cheetah helicopters for filming.
With Colonel Shahi’s operational expertise guiding its narrative, Dhurandhar stands as a testament to how credible military consultation can elevate the cinematic experience, ensuring that stories pertaining to national security are presented with the realism, dignity, and respect that those in uniform deserve.
