Filmmaker Aditya Dhar marked seven years of his debut directorial Uri: The Surgical Strike by sharing a heartfelt note reflecting on the journey of the film that went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most impactful war dramas. Calling beginnings a reminder to stay “grounded and hungry,” Dhar expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and audience for believing in his vision when he was a first-time director.
Released in 2019, Uri: The Surgical Strike was inspired by the Indian Army’s surgical strikes and went on to achieve massive critical and commercial success. The film not only redefined the modern war-genre in Bollywood but also became a cultural moment, with its dialogue “How’s the josh?” entering popular lexicon. Dhar acknowledged that the film changed the course of his life and career, setting high standards for storytelling rooted in realism and national pride.
Actor Vicky Kaushal, who played the lead role of Major Vihaan Shergill, also reacted to Dhar’s post, expressing gratitude for the opportunity that proved to be a turning point in his career. Vicky’s performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, and he credited Uri for shaping his journey as an actor. As the film completes seven years, both Dhar and Kaushal continue to look back at Uri as a defining chapter in their professional lives.
