Original subtitles

There was a time when India regarded China,

not just as a neighbour,

but as a brother.

Chants of "Indian-Chinese are brothers", echoed in Indian cities.

But on 20 October 1962,

it was clear the feeling

did not run both ways.

For many years

the Chinese had their eye on Ladakh's Aksai Chin.

They attacked India without warning

and took control of Aksai Chin.

This attack was a betrayal.

And to stop the enemy, India's brave soldiers

were ready to sacrifice their lives.

As the war raged on,

the Chinese army advanced,

swallowing more of our land.

Their next target was Ladakh's Chushul valley.

They knew if they got control of the airfield at Chushul,

Jammu-Kashmir would soon be in their grasp.

This is where our story begins.

The story of the battle that

today we know as "The Battle of Rezang La".

This battle was led by

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati

and his 120 brave soldiers.

"120 Brave"

I must tell the CO.

I must get to Chushul. Warn the CO.

Sir, give him time. He's in shock.

- He's clearly been through hell. - I must warn the CO.

- I must get to Chushul. - Tell me, where is your Major?

I cannot leave you here, sir.

I will not leave you here.

Sir, I will not leave you.

Sir, I will not go...

Sir...

Sir, I will not go...

I will not leave you here... sir...

Let me know as soon as he's able to talk.

Yes, sir.

My name is Ram Chander Yadav.

Two days ago I was sitting at HQ in Delhi,

shuffling files from here to there.

But as the situation on the border got worse,

I was given the chance to join the 13th Kumaon Regiment at Chushul

as their new radio operator.

I did not know then that four days later,

not just for me personally, but this battle

would change the country's history forever.

- Morning, Colonel. - Morning, sir.

- Ram Ram, sir! - Ram Ram.

Ram Ram, sir!

Orders from high command.

We cannot lose the Chushul airfield under any circumstances.

What's your plan?

Sir, on the north bank of Pangong Tso,

the 1/8th Gorkha Rifles are deployed.

They're facing heavy infantry and artillery attacks.

On Gurung Hill, the Bravo Company, the 1/8th Gorkhas

are saving this gap.

If the Chinese attack our airfield, they'll come through this gap.

Charlie Company will protect Rezang La.

- Charlie Company? - Yes, sir.

The Ahir boys are from Haryana? Aren't they from the Plains?

Can they handle it?

Sir, this isn't my decision,

the Charlie Company Commander volunteered.

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati.

Shaitan!

Where is he?

Gone on a recce to the mountains, sir.

"The Brigadier will wait, not the enemy."

Where's the Major going?

There's a sniper up ahead.

Stop him! The Major is walking straight into his rifle range.

Ready, sir!

Rock pile, seven o'clock, three degrees.

Rock pile, seven o'clock, three degrees.

Enemy sniper.

Remember, Hari Ram, the wind is on your side.

The wind is on our side.

Sir, there's another one. Your permission?

Permission denied.

We need someone to carry the message back.

Now they will not cross the border.

Sir! You're hurt.

Not me.

Look over there.

I had heard many stories of his bravery, today I see it with my own eyes.

They don't call him the "Devil" for nothing!

Drive!

- Ram Ram, sir! - Ram Ram.

- Ram Ram, sir! - Ram Ram.

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav.

Charlie Company's new radio operator.

Where the hell did they find you?

Not found! I came of my own accord.

Only God can save you!

Take this medicine for the next three days.

But I'm fine!

Have one after each meal.

Sir!

Sir! Any chance of a jacket?

You see I'm not used to the cold.

You'll get a jacket.

Tell you what. Just cross the border,

the first Chinese soldier you shoot - take his jacket.

No jackets in stock. Make do with the sweater.

Where do I find the Charlie Company?

It looks less like a camp and more like a party -

Charlie Company's there.

Come on, Baingan! Get his knees!

He's murdering all discipline!

Now see how I murder this chocolate! Baingan, way to go!

I'll fix you!

What's all this?

What if an officer shows up?

It's their daily routine!

They're best friends, from the same village.

We're all from the same village!

Sir! Where's that?

Rewari.

Brother! I'm from Rewari too.

Hail Bajrang Bali!

Now I'll mash you, Eggplant!

I won!

Put your stuff down and watch the fun. Go on!

Watching these idiots is a blast!

My chocolate?

Damn you!

- He ate up my chocolate. - Stay out of it!

Hey brother!

- You crazy? You fools! - What happened to him?

Get up!

Company! Attention!

Ram Ram, sir.

At ease.

You here to fight the enemy or each other?

The enemy, sir!

- Name? - Nanha.

Sorry, sir! Sepoy Shiv Ram from Dhevada, District Rewari.

And you?

Sepoy Ram Lal Yadav, sir. Village Dhevada, District Rewari.

So they both belong to your village, Surja?

If only they didn't, sir.

And they don't like each other's faces!

They're forever at loggerheads, sir.

So you like fighting. Well, why not?

You're Ahirs. It's Only natural you like fighting.

Do you know why I chose to lead this Company?

Because I know

the blood that runs in your veins has great power.

- Uncle Jairam? - Yes, sir.

Weren't you the first to join us?

Yes, sir.

Tell them how many Ahir Companies served in the British army.

They made up the whole regiment, sir.

- And now? - Only one battalion left, sir.

Why did that happen?

Why was a whole regiment reduced to one battalion?

Because the British felt we lacked the discipline required by soldiers.

Were the British right?

No, sir.

Were the British right?

No, sir!

The Chinese have invaded our land. It's up to us to stop them.

This can only happen if we fight the way a war is fought.

United!

With weapons in our hands and a storm in our hearts.

So, shall we prove the British wrong?

- Yes. sir! - What do we need for that?

Weapons in our hands and a storm in our hearts!

You're sons of farmers. All your life you've seen your ancestors fight.

Sometimes against drought. Sometimes against floods.

Fighting for your land runs in your veins.

This time the fight isn't about your land, but your motherland.

- Any questions? - No, sir.

- Surja, take over. - Sir.

And you, radio man...

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav, sir.

Come with me.

That was the first time I met the Company Commander.

Seeing him and listening to him

doubled my fervour.

In line!

Tomorrow we head for Rezang La.

Ever been posted to a high altitude region?

No, sir.

So a new chapter in your life is about to begin, Ram Chander. Get ready.

Here's your radio set.

Sir.

How many in your family?

There's my mother and two younger sisters.

Done, sir.

Make sure you lie low at the front.

Wear your helmet at all times, and stay alert.

We lost a radio operator recently.

Understood?

- Dharam Pal. - Sir!

Check his nose. Make sure he has no broken bones.

Yes, sir.

Sir!

Wear a helmet. Stay alert.

Surja sir, you know in our village we get 4 glasses of milk every day.

You told us eating a chocolate is like having a glass of milk.

This Ram Lal ate my chocolate.

I knew your father and your grandfather.

They both enlisted in the army and proudly did their duty.

And what are you doing here? Hein?

Fighting over a chocolate?

Want to disgrace your forefathers?

Why are you so quiet now? Tell me why you're here.

I came to be a soldier like my father and grandfather, sir.

I'm here to do my duty for my country.

A soldier fights for his country,

he does not fight with his mates over nothing.

Get it?

Get your bedding. You won't be sleeping in the tent tonight.

So where will I sleep?

Over there... with the cattle.

Those who do not respect humans, sleep with animals.

Uncle...

I am not your uncle.

Now move it.

Get moving!

Ram Ram, sir!

Good evening, sir.

Shaitan. At ease.

What news?

They're setting up base in Spanggur.

I don't think they'll attack from there.

Why not?

I talked to some locals on the way here, sir.

They were coming down from the hills with their cattle.

They said there was a chance of a storm breaking in a few days.

The weather report didn't mention any storm.

With all due respect, sir,

these people have been living in the mountains

long before we could even reach them.

In all honesty,

I trust their experience more than a weather report.

You're saying the enemy will wait till the storm passes and then attack?

Definitely a possibility, sir.

But I believe,

they'll use the cover of the storm to try and capture Rezang La.

Rezang La?

That's what I would do, sir.

No. I disagree with you, Shaitan.

Sir, the Rezang La Pass is very narrow.

The enemy won't easily get through with troops and artillery.

To attack the Chushul airfield,

they'll come through the Spanggur gap.

Sir, it's a direct and easy approach.

What do you have to say, Major?

He's right, sir.

The enemy will assume we know that too.

With your permission.

Go ahead.

Sir, they'll expect to see our forces in Spanggur,

but they will not expect Rezang La Pass to be defended.

That's why we need more troops and artillery support, sir.

I'm sorry, Major.

We cannot send more troops to Rezang La right now.

But, if the weather is on our side,

I'll try and provide you with artillery support.

Thank you, sir.

Carry on, Major.

So what do you think?

No, sir.

I agree with you. Rezang La is a very narrow Pass.

We were busy preparing ourselves for the Chinese to attack.

The command of the Chinese army was in the hands of Chairman Mao.

He sent orders to the front through General Gao.

Mao wanted to see the Communist flag

flying over Chushul airfield in three days.

The world was putting pressure on Mao

to end the war.

And he knew, once a ceasefire was declared,

the land they had already seized

would belong to them.

The Chinese believed they'd found

the weak link in the Indian defence,

because the soldiers in our Company

were from the Plains,

not used to fighting,

or even breathing at high altitudes.

Chairman Mao's ordered their army

to capture Rezang La without delay.

Brother, it's freezing.

What you staring at?

Your face.

You look like a shy bride on her wedding night.

Dharam Pal!

You've studied medicine, right? Can he be cured?

Don't drag me into this, Baingan!

"All soldiers are your brothers. Treat them all the same."

Learn from this good man,

and stop making fun of everyone!

They all call him "Eggplant"! I'll cut off your stem!

Now stop!

I'm writing to your sister-in-law.

Tell her about the tough times we're having.

Nihal isn't married yet.

But sister-in-law came first.

Not married? Sister-in-law came first?

How come?

The heartthrob of our nation!

Our "so-called" sister-in-law! Madhubala!

Writing to the star Madhubala?

I hear she doesn't go to work

till she knows her Prince's heart still beats for her!

Keep laughing! One day you'll be crying.

You know nothing of the power of love.

Nihal Singh.

There are many stones on this mountain,

but the number of Madhubala's fans in India outnumber them all.

You can't compare our brother to a stone.

He's a real diamond!

Let this war be over,

then I'll catch the next train and head straight for Bombay.

I want to go to Bombay too.

You know...

I'm dying to meet the great singer Mohammed Rafi saab.

Take a look at the sea too!

If you're all heading to Bombay,

take our hero with you.

Radio man looks like the star Dev Anand of Rewari!

Brothers,

if I wasn't responsible for getting my sister married... then I'd...

What do you mean? Your sister's marrying?

Then we shall all go!

An Ahir wedding! They'll be serving us turmeric milk! Congrats!

Won't you invite us?

Of course I will!

When will this war end?

Have you ever killed anyone?

We're Ahirs.

If you ask us sweetly,

we'd lay down our lives.

But when it comes to our motherland,

I swear on Lord Krishna,

not just one life,

we can take a hundred lives.

- For you? - No, sir, I don't drink.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

How is Mrs. Bhati?

She's fine, sir.

- And your son? - Don't ask, sir.

I may be called "Shaitan", but he's the real devil!

Miss them?

Yes, sir.

I saw my beloved

Holding a wedding garland

Everyone thought I'd go for pearls

It was respect for my beloved that I chose

Since you came into my life, the world turned new, O love

You're everything I could ever want, O love

I lost my heart to you

Wait!

The world is now soaked in colour, O love

My eyes long to see you

O beloved, when will you come home to me?

My heart is racing, my breath quickens

See how flustered I am

O beloved, when will you come home to me?

My eyes long to see you

Oh! That's your father's watch.

He proudly gifted it to me.

Do you know why?

There can only be one reason.

Your childhood dream was to join the army like your father.

Today that dream has come true.

If this tiny scratch upsets you,

what will you do when I confront the enemy at the border?

I'll hold my head up high and tell everyone,

I'm the wife of a true patriot.

What if I don't come back?

Don't say that, even in jest.

I know this uniform does not only stand for bravery,

it demands sacrifice too.

When I married you,

I accepted this is how our life would be.

Forgive me.

I didn't want to upset you.

You mean everything to me.

If anything happens to you, my heart will be in pieces.

But I promise you,

I will always hold my head up high.

I'm a Rajput, I promise I'll never let you down.

Now smile. You'll brighten my day!

A little more!

Long live Mother India!

The Chinese patrolling units had infiltrated India and started spreading fear.

We were on our way to Rezang La.

This was the first time that

I was climbing to an altitude of 17,000 feet.

Brother, slow down!

Have you been this high before? To Rezang La?

- Our Major is always well prepared. - Yes!

He's been training us to climb up and down for the last two weeks.

With all our kit!

Did you have the pill?

The pill? Why's everyone after me about the pill?

- I'm perfectly fine. - Right!

I'm just... feeling cold.

Hey, brother!

There! He's done it!

That's why you're told to have the pill.

We know you're not sick. It's to get you adjusted to the altitude.

Come. Rinse your mouth.

It's no joke climbing to a 17,000 foot altitude.

- Why have you stopped? - Sir!

At ease! What's wrong with him?

Sir, the poor fellow is in a really bad state.

With your permission, can I wait here with him?

I'll catch up with you soon.

You can fool him, but not me!

No, sir, what are you saying?

Just look at him. He's trembling.

You've become very generous? Give the pill, hurry up!

Sir.

Vishanchand!

- Hey, Eggplant! - Sir!

It's your duty to get these two fellows moving. OK?

- OK, sir. - Thank you, uncle.

I'm not your uncle, but you'll turn me into one.

Sorry, Surja sir.

- Catch up soon. - Sir.

Drink up.

Oh man!

I could hardly sleep, thanks to uncle, who made me sleep near a herd of yaks.

All OK?

Yes, sir. Our radio operator ran out of breath.

It's his first day. He'll get used to it.

Yes, sir.

- Good day! - Good day!

- Greetings! - Julley, sir!

- Julley, Tsering! - Julley, sir!

He never stops playing with the football you gave him.

This is the age for him to play.

He won't be playing at your age!

- Where to? - My wife is pregnant.

Congrats!

I'm taking her to her mother's. She'll be there for a few days.

That's good. You two should stay with her.

There's a war on. Anything can happen.

- Greetings! - Julley, sir!

Go down to the valley for a few days,

come back when the war is over.

I want three Platoons of 40 men each.

Sir.

9th Platoon. Take position here with three LMGs.

Sir.

This position is the closest to the border.

Hari Ram, 8th Platoon. Three LMGs will be behind them,

at a distance of 900 metres.

- Here. Bang in the middle of the Pass. - Sir.

Surja, 7th Platoon.

Take position on the mountain range, near headquarters.

The mortar section stays 400 metres away.

- Behind the mountain range. - Yes, sir.

- Any questions? - No, sir.

Ram Ram, sir.

Ah, radio man!

There's disturbance on the signal.

Report back to me when it's fixed.

I need to contact the battalion headquarters.

- Yes, sir. - Carry on!

Hey, you spoilt Mama's little pets!

Listen carefully, boys.

It takes two hours to boil water.

It took me two hours to make this soup.

If anyone complains...

they'll get a good whacking

Brother! Love it!

How can you say you love it?

I swear on Lord Krishna,

I was starving, after building the bunkers.

Uncle's soup tastes superb!

No kidding. I'd happily pay for this soup.

Drop it! Enough flattery!

Tell you what. When I retire, my pension is yours!

When a buffalo takes a dump, you'll be sprayed.

- Who you talking to? - You!

Hey you, sour face!

Don't act smart. Drink the soup.

Uncle is offended!

Smartasses!

Uncle! Give this soup to the Chinese!

They'll run away. Weightless and tasteless!

Your comments are tasteless. You always spoil things.

- Tell him there's a war going on. - "There's a war going on."

- Tell him it's not his friend's wedding. - As if!

- Did I say anything? - Well?

- Didn't hear it. - I did!

- I'm not responsible for his hearing. - Is he?

- Am I responsible? - Then who is?

Ram Ram! Sit down!

Keep sitting.

The Major!

- Ram Ram, sir! - Ram Ram.

Did you like Jairam's soup?

Nanhe loved it, sir. He was licking his cup!

I was licking my fingers, sir!

Sir!

With your permission, may I ask you a question?

Go ahead.

Sir, what's the story behind your name?

He's the Major. Not some uncle of yours.

It's OK, Surja.

I'm sure everyone has the same question in mind.

- Yes, sir. - We even bet on it.

I said,

your parents called you "Shaitan"

because you were devilishly naughty.

A great imagination.

Ram Lal said your parents gave you that name to ward off the evil eye.

Like some call their kid after the demon Ravan.

Sir, I didn't say that.

I'm glad they didn't call me Kumbhakaran! Right, Surja?

I doubt your parents named you "Shaitan".

It must've been some nasty teacher.

- He's right. - That's what he said.

- You crazy? I didn't say that. - You did!

Sir, he's kidding.

That's enough!

The Major is being kind. It doesn't mean you can cross the line.

Sorry, sir.

- Dharam Pal! - Yes, sir.

I heard you singing when we climbing up. You have a good voice.

Thank you, sir.

He sings very well, sir.

All India Radio asked him to come and sing for them, but he didn't.

A great loss for the country!

You should've gone.

Today Dharam Pal Singh Dahiya could've been a famous singer.

Take sir's blessings.

All my family joined the army, sir.

"Join the army. You might be saved from an enemy bullet,

"but if you become a singer, my bullet won't spare you!"

- He was saved! - Saved from Papa!

Your father isn't here, so don't worry. Sing for us.

- Go on, sing! - He's a better singer than soldier!

The Major is asking you, so sing!

The day I left home

The day I left my village

The love that flowed

How I miss it

My mother held me tight

"Go, my soldier, go!"

How I miss those moments

Those courtyards, those terraces

Those lanes, those paths

Those childhood friends

How I miss them all

Her veil flying in the air

Her bewitching kohl-lined eyes drove me mad

How I miss them

The day I left home

The day I left my village

The love that flowed. How I miss it

My mother held me tight

"Go, my soldier, go!"

How I miss those moments now

The sparkling Diwali lights

The sprinkling colours of Holi

Those wonderful nights

Those wonderful days

My heart raced seeing her

No matter how annoyed she was

I could never find peace without her near

Without her near

Those moments of love

The sound of wedding drums

Those familiar songs

How I miss them

Those folk songs of old

Known and unknown, how I miss them

The day I left home

The day I left my village

The love that flowed

How I miss it

My mother held me tight

"Go, my soldier, go!"

How I miss those moments

How I miss them

How I miss them

Run, Chinese, run!

Run, Chinese, run!

Sir!

Good evening, sir! All set at Rezang La!

Awaiting further orders. Over.

Three Alpha, listen carefully.

The enemy has captured the area surrounding the Eastern Post

and Daulat Beg Oldie.

We have no eyes on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

Reports of heavy troop movement there are coming through.

But we have no way to confirm this. Over.

I'll get up higher and set up a Listening Post, sir.

With your permission. Over.

Three Alpha! This is your Commander speaking, request granted.

Report back to us as soon as you get any intel.

Out.

Here.

I want a Listening Post set up here by sunset.

Yes, sir.

Ram Chander! Check the radio.

Nanha.

Your attention should be focused only on that approach.

Hear any movement on the other side of the gap, inform me at once.

Yes, sir.

Out.

- The radio is working, sir. - Good.

- Your call sign is Charlie 7. - OK.

Bhanu. Ram Chander. You two, come with me.

- OK. Good luck, boys. - Sir!

Come, Nanhe.

The Major has asked us to watch that area.

Sir!

That's Chagga village.

Let's go.

Sir... I told them to go down to the valley.

But they didn't...

Where would they go, Bhanu?

This is their home.

Their land.

Take care of Bhanu!

Bhanu, you'll be OK.

Sir, you OK?

Radio!

We're in danger of losing NEFA.

Sir, Major Bhati is calling in.

Sir, the Brigade Commander.

Three Alpha, report. Over.

The enemy's motorised infantry is advancing towards Rezang La. Over.

Enemy strength? Over.

About 3000, sir.

Over.

I'll have to talk to the Division HQ.

Hold your positions for further orders. Over.

There isn't enough time, sir.

They'll be here soon, sir. Over.

Then fall back, Major, fall back!

I can't send you additional forces, you know that.

Retreat with your Company.

Reinforce Alpha and Bravo Company at Chushul's Eastern approach. Over.

Three Alpha, if we retreat now,

they'll be at Chushul and Kashmir within days.

With all due respect, sir,

I cannot concede defeat without fighting.

Over.

Roger that.

Think it over again.

Talk to your JCOs and report back to me. Out.

Sir?

3000 Chinese soldiers are advancing towards Rezang La.

But Shaitan does not want to retreat.

He was right.

Sir, we have only 120 soldiers there.

The enemy has a definite advantage.

You're goddamn right.

Sir?

What does your heart say?

"You cannot retreat."

And your mind?

It says listen to my heart.

Sir...

then you have your answer.

I can follow my heart when deciding my own fate,

but not the fate of 120 soldiers.

Ram Chander, the radio.

Connect me to all three Platoons.

Sir, the Company Commander wishes to address everyone.

- 8th Platoon? - Yes, sir!

Gather around me.

Charlie Company, this is your Company Commander, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati.

Tonight a perilous storm is coming our way

in the shape of 3000 Chinese soldiers.

We could retreat and take a defensive position at Chushul's Eastside.

Or hold our current position and try to stop the enemy.

We can protect this land.

This land

where a single blade of grass does not grow.

But it's not about the land, it's about a dream.

A dream that came true after years of struggle.

The dream of freedom that so many sacrificed their lives for.

The dream of one India - from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.

Today our enemy has its sights on our forefathers' dream.

On Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir.

It's likely

this is a mere piece of land won in battle for them,

but for me,

this is Mother India's crown.

And to abandon my mother's crown

at the feet of the enemy is unacceptable to me.

"This uniform does not only stand for bravery,

"it demands sacrifice too."

That time has come.

I will fight till my last bullet, till my last drop of blood falls.

But I will not retreat.

If any of you wish to leave, you may.

I shall not hold it against you.

But I... will not retreat.

Charlie Two.

Sir, you once said we were the sons of farmers.

No one knows the value of land better than us.

This time the fight isn't about us, it's about our motherland.

No one will retreat.

We're lucky to have the chance to fight and die for our country, sir.

9th Platoon is going nowhere.

We're all with you, till our last bullet.

I speak on behalf of 8th Platoon, sir.

There's no question of us retreating.

We stay here with you.

We fight here, we die here.

Till our last breath,

till our last bullet.

Over.

The People's Republic of China has stated

they have decided to stop hostilities against India,

and have declared ceasefire.

Their armies are now deployed behind the Line of Control.

Sir, careful.

Sir, careful.

I want to talk to the CO.

I want to talk to the CO.

I want to talk to the CO!

Now!

Our entire conversation will be recorded.

Tell me your service number, name and rank.

Serial number 4182091.

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav.

13th Kumaon, Charlie Company's radio operator, sir.

Today is the 21st of November.

11.20 am.

I warn you whatever you may say must be the truth,

and if you lie or mislead us, you'll be court martialled.

Understand?

There's no reason for me to lie, sir.

I'm only alive so I could tell you the truth.

So Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav,

what happened on the 17th November night?

We were waiting for the enemy.

As darkness fell around us,

the cold became unbearable.

It was minus 24 degrees.

The icy wind felt like a dagger piercing through us.

Only the Major seemed oblivious to the freezing cold,

as though a fire was burning inside him.

Hey. Ram Lal!

See something out there?

There is something. Tell the Major.

Charlie 7!

Charlie 7, pass your message. Over.

Sir, we see some movement at the Myna gap.

Looks like the enemy is knocking at our door.

Charlie 7. Be Alert. Out.

9th Platoon!

Yes, sir!

Get ready. Uninvited guests were seen at the gap.

Charlie 7!

Charlie 7. Pass. Over.

Sir, it doesn't look like the enemy. I think it's a herd of yaks.

Over.

A herd of yaks?

Are you sure? Over.

The fog is making it difficult to see, sir.

But I can smell them, sir. Over.

I don't understand. Say again? Over.

I can smell them. Thanks to Surja sir,

I spent a night sleeping next to some yaks.

Their smell has settled in my nose.

Over.

Charlie 7! Today we'll test your smelling powers.

Out.

Charlie 7.

My hunch was right, sir. They're not the Chinese, they're yaks.

Charlie 7! Well done!

They probably wanted to learn our position by sending yaks through.

Your nose saved us!

Stay in position. Over and out.

Yes, brother! So it was a herd of yaks!

This time the Chinese trap did not work.

Did we know if they cared if their yaks or men were killed?

They laid another trap for us.

Whatever happens, happens for the best.

Why say that?

Look, if I hadn't beaten you up that day,

Surja sir wouldn't have made me sleep near the yaks.

And I would not have recognised their smell.

So my nose would not have saved our Post today. Right?

Be happy the Major Sahib showed up.

Or I would've walloped you and smashed your ear drums.

Stop dreaming! OK?

You should be happy the Major turned up,

or you'd be in two pieces. Neither fish nor fowl.

Did you write home?

Look, brother Nanhe.

I'm already sitting in Mother India's lap,

and as for my family - they're all right here.

There's Nihal, Baingan, Jairam Uncle, Surja sir,

and you.

So who do I write to?

Nanhe. The damn Chinese are coming.

Charlie 7! Over.

Send a message to 7th Platoon. I need the mortar section 200 metres up ahead.

Sir!

Charlie 7!

Charlie 7. Go ahead. Over.

Sir, a Chinese patrol is heading towards the gap.

About 15-20 men. Over.

We're coming to back you up, Charlie 7.

Till we get there, no one must fire. Out.

Don't fire. The Major Sahib is on his way.

Ram Chander, you stay here. You come with me.

Hari. Govind. Come with us. Hurry.

Hold!

Let them get closer.

Hold!

Fire!

- Grenade! - Sir!

RPG!

Ram Lal!

Ram Lal! Sir!

Carry him back to the Company. Hurry!

Nanha, go with the Major Sahib. The rock's too heavy, you can't move it.

We won't leave you here, Ram Lal.

Sir, take everyone back to the Post.

I'll cover you.

If I don't kill 10 or 15 of them,

I swear on Lord Hanuman, dying won't be any fun.

Give me a few grenades, sir.

A few grenades, sir.

Hail Lord Krishna!

Hail Lord Krishna!

Fall back!

Nanhe, listen to me.

I have something of yours.

Here. Take this chocolate.

I can't die indebted to you, my friend.

Go!

Grenade!

We can continue tomorrow, if you prefer.

No, sir.

If we stop after every incident,

it will take very long.

Let's carry on.

We lost our Listening Post.

But we knew

this was just the beginning.

The Chinese could attack at any time.

It was a very long night, sir.

One of us had already been martyred.

Here.

Son, we're soldiers.

The day we put our uniforms on,

we tied death to our chest.

Ram Lal was a brave soldier.

He died like a brave soldier.

And when a soldier dies,

you don't mourn him... you salute him with your head held high.

We're Ahirs.

Lord Krishna's devotees.

We take His name before we go to battle

and cry: "Hail Lord Krishna!"

If you want

Ram Lal's sacrifice not to go in vain,

then pull yourself up,

and get ready to face the enemy.

It's time to hold Lord Krishna's weapon and enter the battlefield.

The Chinese had the upper hand in this war in every respect.

They had the weapons and the food.

Only one thing was working against them:

General Gao's hastiness.

He wanted to seize Rezang La and advance towards Chushul.

They decided to attack us with all their might

under cover of the storm.

He believed we Indians would not know

what hit us.

Sir, what do you think? Will they come through here again?

Yes, through here.

And the attack will be even fiercer.

But not immediately.

Meaning?

Look over there.

The storm will hit in two hours.

When it does,

they'll attack.

In the storm?

I'd do the same.

Get some rest.

We still have two hours.

Your son, sir?

Mine's about the same age.

We never realised how quickly our children would grow.

Sir, I'd go home whenever I could.

He was so small the last time I saw him.

Now he's grown so much.

A soldier's life

demands sacrifice at the border,

while his family makes sacrifices at home.

Get some rest.

I want lots of firecrackers.

Flowerpot, sparklers and a rocket.

But you're too young.

If the rocket flies you away, who'll bring you back?

- You! - Me?

OK. I'll get your firecrackers. Now take this.

OK.

Sir, greetings.

Greetings.

What is it?

A telegram from headquarters, I must leave today.

Son, Diwali is in four days.

That's the only festival you spend with us.

Sugan, tell him to stay.

Let him go, Ma.

Before being a son, father and husband,

he's a soldier of this land.

Glory to Mother Lakshmi!

Glory to Mother Lakshmi!

Glory to Mother Lakshmi!

Worshipping You, day and night

Worshipping Mother, day and night

Are Lords Brahma and Vishnu

Glory to Mother Lakshmi

Sugan, these lights...?

For me it's Diwali whenever you are here.

Next year we'll have a grand Diwali

and forget I was away this year.

I'll be waiting.

What are you doing?

Taking you with me.

I'll go now.

Hail Lord Krishna!

Hail Lord Krishna!

LMG team, take position!

Aim towards the gap!

We must stop the enemy from crossing the gap.

Everyone must fire at two minute intervals.

Don't waste ammunition.

One bullet, one enemy.

If an enemy soldier crosses the gap, then let him go.

Do not waste a bullet on him.

The rifle team will deal with him.

Alpha Three?

- Alpha Three? - All eyes on the gap. Understood?

Yes, sir!

Sir, there's no radio signal.

Maybe it'll work on the 8th Platoon. Shall I check?

OK. As soon as you contact the CO, report back to me.

- Yes, sir. - Go!

Fire!

Nanha, there are two men to your right. Shoot them.

One bullet, one enemy.

Sir! We must destroy their mortars.

We'll soon be in their firing line.

Sir!

Yes, sir?

See that rock over there?

Maybe the snow has loosened the rock base.

Shall we try throwing a grenade at the target? Maybe...

- Nanha! - Yes, sir?

Get two men and two bags of grenades and follow me.

- Operate the LMG. - Yes, sir.

Let's go! Nanha!

Tara. Jairam. Hurry, come with me!

Kundan Lal!

Operate the LMG.

Keep firing!

- Grenade! - Give it to me.

Sir!

Let's go.

Hurry.

Major Sahib's tactics frustrated the Chinese.

They came to ambush us, but we ambushed them.

Perhaps the enemy realised the power of the officer who challenged them.

But there

we found 40 martyred soldiers of the 9th Platoon.

The war had started to show its deadly side.

Sir...

Sir...

Sir, my time has come.

No.

Can you...

take my medical kit?

You'll need it for the others.

Before I go, can I ask something?

Yes.

Sir, will my father be proud of me?

Yes, Dharam Pal... the whole country will be proud of you.

Sir, I...

Lord Krishna...

- Nanha! - Sir?

Take all the ammunition you can find.

- We're heading to the 8th Platoon. - Yes, sir.

Hurry!

Three Alpha. Three Alpha. Three Alpha. Over!

Keep trying.

Three Alpha. Three Alpha.

Can you hear me?

Three Alpha. If you can hear me, message me.

Three Alpha!

Sir, I tried hard.

Can't get through to Chushul.

But I can get through to the mortar section and 7th platoon.

Keep trying.

Sir.

Sir, we're waiting for your orders.

8th Platoon, get ready!

The enemy will soon be in our sights.

Prime the grenades!

Check the fixed lines for the LMGs.

Make sure all the magazines are loaded.

Remember! Let the enemy come closer.

One bullet, one enemy.

The 9th Platoon have dealt a heavy blow to the enemy.

It's our turn now. Be ready!

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

Hail Goddess Kali!

Ram Chander! 7th Platoon.

7th Platoon, sir.

Company Commander, sir.

Charlie 2. Over.

Charlie 2, OK. Over.

The mortar section must target the enemy's MMGs.

Destroy all their MMGs.

As soon as that's done, join 8th Platoon.

Over.

Charlie 2 to Charlie 5. Over!

Charlie 5, OK. Over.

Charlie 5. Target No.6.

The enemy MMG position. Rapid fire!

Mortar section! Rapid fire!

Can't get through to the mortar section.

Keep trying. 7th Platoon!

The enemy is advancing towards us.

Every bullet must hit a target.

Throw a grenade if they get any closer.

Cover!

Down! Down!

Drag him out.

Save him!

Drag him out, Sher Singh!

Jairam!

Jairam!

Jairam!

Victory to Mother India!

Bhup Singh!

- Baingan! - Sir?

Baingan, medical!

Stay strong, Bhup Singh.

Hurry.

Where's Jairam?

Any contact with the CO?

No, sir.

Keep trying.

- How many rounds left? - Only one magazine, sir.

- Same here. - One magazine, sir.

Keep firing, then grenades.

- Get the grenades. - Yes, sir.

Three Alpha, Three Alpha. Over.

Three Alpha for Two Alpha. Over!

Three Alpha. Any station? Over.

We didn't have any bullets left.

The gunpowder was dust too.

- Charlie Company! - Sir!

- Fix your bayonets. - Yes, sir!

There were only twenty of us left.

Like a flood, the Chinese army kept advancing.

But a flood has no chance against a man like Shaitan.

Your land demands blood.

Soak it with the blood of the enemy.

Wrap the enemy in flames.

Show them! So what if they are 1000!

To protect Mother India,

each of her sons is equal to a hundred.

Hail Lord Krishna!

Hail Lord Krishna!

Hari Ram!

Hari Ram!

The wind is on your side.

Sir, slowly.

- Baingan! - Sir.

Bring all the ammo you have.

Cover the Major! Hurry!

Make cover for the Major!

- Get the LMG! - Sir.

Ram Chander,

tie it tight.

Sir!

Load the LMG.

The revolver...

Take me near the LMG.

Easy, sir.

Sir!

Ram Chander, Nanha, Baingan...

He must not be captured.

Get up, sir.

Sir, it has been my honour to have fought by your side.

Take him away.

- Cover! - Covering!

Easy, sir.

I'll fight, sir!

Hail Lord Krishna!

Sir, Be careful

Careful, sir. Easy.

Stay with sir.

Don't move from here.

We'll show the rascals.

Baingan, let's go.

Hail Lord Krishna!

No, sir...

No, sir, no. It's nothing, sir.

Sir!

Baingan!

Yes, Nanhe.

You OK?

I miss home, my friend.

Letter.

You'll be OK.

Want a chocolate?

Here, a chocolate.

Baingan...

Baingan...

Major Sahib.

Hail Lord Krishna!

Sir, let's go.

Your aim needs improvement!

But you're a fabulous radio operator.

Sir, we must move.

Listen to me, Ram Chander.

Find a way to get to Chushul.

When you get there,

report to the Commanding Officer.

Tell him,

tell him what happened here today.

Sir!

This watch...

This watch and this letter...

Give them to him.

I can't do that, sir. I won't leave you.

It's an order, Ram Chander.

I'm staying right here. Don't send me away.

My last order.

Go!

Go!

Go on!

Radio man...

Hail Lord Krishna!

Hail Lord Krishna!

Go!

Every step I made towards Chushul could have been my last.

Then perhaps this story would have stayed buried in the snow.

Over a thousand Chinese soldiers were killed.

After hearing the news, General Gao lost his courage.

He thought if 120 brave Indian soldiers could destroy his battalion,

then what would the waiting Indian army at Chushul do to them.

Who knows what effect seeing all those corpses had on the Chinese,

but one thing was clear,

though they did invade,

they went no further.

Tell me the truth.

Do you believe what he's saying?

Sir, when the storm subsided,

the search party found no signs

to confirm a war was waged there.

It's also possible that the signs of war

have been buried deep in the snow. It was one hell of a storm!

I want this story to be true.

But without proof... how?

Call him in.

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav. Come in.

Ram Ram, sir.

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav,

were you of sound mind when you made your statement?

Yes, sir.

We found no evidence of war,

nor did we find a Charlie Company soldier or martyr.

Now we know this,

do you wish to change your statement?

You will find their blood in the soil, sir.

The blood from their hearts,

not from their backs.

Sepoy Ram Chander Yadav,

until the army investigation is complete,

whatever you have told us must remain between us.

Is that understood?

- Is that understood? - Sir!

The Major asked me to give you this.

Sir.

Three months passed.

There was still no proof that anyone had been martyred in the valley.

Then the season changed,

and the snow melted.

Father!

Father!

Being a commander made me forget

that I was once a soldier too.

These brave soldiers not only saved Chushul,

but also saved Jammu-Kashmir from falling into Chinese hands.

This battle has been our greatest victory.

The story of their bravery

must be known by every Indian child.

The sacrifice they made for their motherland

is the great debt that we owe them.

We will never forget it.

Never.

Who was with him in his last moments?

His 120 brave soldiers.

My dear son,

I am writing to you from the border,

knowing this is my last letter.

But there's another more important reason.

Today the 120 soldiers,

who stand with me at the border,

know this war will take their lives.

They had all the freedom

to leave their posts.

But they did not.

They were ready to sacrifice their present for India's tomorrows.

Like them, I am hoping that you too

will keep the same flame of courage burning in your heart.

Whatever you do in life,

show courage and honesty to your country.

Whether or not I am around tomorrow,

I will always be with you.

"Look after your two mothers, son.

"One mother is reading this letter to you,

"and the other is our Motherland.

"We are all her children.

"Your father."