Colonel Bhupinder Shahi Brings Realism to ‘Dhurandhar’ with Expert Military Consultation
The Bollywood spy-action thriller "Dhurandhar" has gained attention for its authentic depiction of the Indian Army, a result of the dedicated work of military consultant Colonel Bhupinder Shahi (Retd).
Colonel Shahi emphasized the film's focus on authenticity, stating, “Everything about the Army was projected correctly and reflected in a proper manner in the film.” The movie, which translates to 'Stalwart,' revolves around a ten-year Indian intelligence mission, following an undercover agent as he navigates Karachi's criminal and political spheres.
Highlighting the crucial role of military consultants in film, Colonel Shahi explained that their responsibilities extend well beyond mere uniforms and drills. He noted, “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,” as he elaborated to The Tribune. His duties also involved working closely with costume designers and art directors to ensure visual accuracy.
"Dhurandhar" is the ninth film where Colonel Shahi has served as a military consultant. The film, extensively shot in Ladakh, a region where he spent eight years during his military service, strives for authenticity in its portrayal. “It is an authentic film and everything depicted actually happened,” he mentioned.
Commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1991, Colonel Shahi has served in high-stake operational areas such as Kargil, Kashmir, and various counter-insurgency regions. He also worked with elite groups like the National Security Guard and the Ladakh Scouts. After choosing early retirement in 2017, he moved to Mohali and transitioned into roles as a consultant and entrepreneur.
His foray into the film industry began with "Shershaah," which set new standards for military authenticity in Indian cinema. While stationed in Leh, he was instructed by Maj Gen Y K Joshi to assist in the production of the film based on Captain Vikram Batra, with whom he had closely worked during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Colonel Shahi has also been involved in other significant projects such as "Kill," "Veda," "Freedom at Midnight," "Waking of a Nation," and "Fauj." For "Dhurandhar," he joined in 2024 at the request of executive producer Rahul Gandhi. Part of his responsibilities included obtaining permissions from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force and coordinating the use of MI-17 and Cheetah helicopters for the movie's production.
With a narrative grounded in real operational experience, "Dhurandhar" demonstrates how effective military consultation can enhance cinematic storytelling, ensuring that themes of national security are portrayed with both realism and respect for those serving in uniform.
