Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, whose last release was Badlapur three years ago, is all set to direct a biopic on Arun Khetarpal, a second lieutenant of the Indian Army and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. 

Tentatively titled Arun, the biopic will be produced under Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. Arun attained martyrdom at 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 war. While Raghavan will direct the film, writer Ritesh Shah of Pink fame will write the script. 

“When I heard the story of Arun Khetarpal, I was inspired. He is the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. What he did and the kind of life he lived was absolutely exemplary and unbelievable...,” Dinesh said in a statement. “We are doing our homework. Reading all the literature available because I think it is a huge responsibility to make a film with such an inspirational message. Sriram is one of the most talented directors around, and Ritesh is as passionate, so I feel it’s the perfect team.” 

Khetarpal valiantly battled Pakistani tanks, which were trying to advance into Indian territory in the Shakargarh sector. He took down around 10 tanks before falling. His exceptional valour ensured that not even one enemy tank could get through the line of defence.

The script is likely to be finalised in the coming weeks, after which the casting process will start. The makers will need six months of preparation and the film is expected to go on floors by May or June 2019. 

Arun will be Raghavan and Dinesh’s second collaboration after Badlapur (2015) starring Varun Dhawan.