Vicky Kaushal steps into Sam Bahadur's boots in riveting biopic

Vicky Kaushal has donned the Indian Army uniform once again, but this time, it's not for a Uri sequel. The actor, who earned a National Film Award for his role in the military action blockbuster "Uri: The Surgical Strike" (2019), is set to portray Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, lovingly known as Sam Bahadur, in an upcoming biographical film. The film's teaser, released on Friday, offers a glimpse of Vicky's remarkable transformation into India's first field marshal.

While Vicky Kaushal bears a striking resemblance to Sam Bahadur during the 1960s and 70s, the teaser exudes a sense of déjà vu with its unmistakable Uri influence. In the teaser, Vicky, as Sam, delivers a stirring speech to his fellow soldiers, evoking memories of his iconic line, "How's the Josh?" from Aditya Dhar's film.

The teaser's tone and some of the dialogues, particularly a powerful exchange with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, portrayed by Fatima Sana Sheikh, hark back to the world of Uri. In response to Indira Gandhi's assertion that a soldier's duty is to die on the battlefield, Sam firmly asserts that a soldier's true duty is to eliminate the enemy's soldiers.

This connection may stem from the common production house, RSVP Movies, which backed both military-themed movies. "Sam Bahadur" marks the second collaboration between director Meghna Gulzar and Vicky Kaushal, following their 2018 hit spy thriller, "Raazi."

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of the Army Staff during the Liberation War in 1971. He was also the first Indian Army official to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. His illustrious career spanned nearly five decades and included five wars, including World War II. He received the Padma Vibhushan Award, India's second-highest civilian honor.

Sanya Malhotra stars as Sam's wife, Siloo Manekshaw. The film is set to hit theaters on December 1, offering audiences a glimpse into the remarkable life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.