Actor Randeep Hooda is all set to take on the role of a lifetime in the upcoming military drama ‘Operation Khukri’, a film based on one of the most daring rescue missions ever carried out by the Indian Army.

The movie brings to the big screen the high-stakes operation from the year 2000, when 233 Indian peacekeeping soldiers were held hostage in Sierra Leone by rebel forces, and the dramatic rescue mission that followed.

According to a PTI report, the film will see Hooda portray Major General Raj Pal Punia, who was then a young and determined Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry. Punia was at the heart of the operation, navigating the tense stand-off with rebels and leading the troops through the brutal terrain of jungle warfare in West Africa. The story is set to chronicle not just the courage and strategy involved, but also the emotional grit required in such extraordinary circumstances.

Directed by national award-winning filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘Operation Khukri’ is expected to deliver an intense and authentic military experience, shedding light on an important chapter of Indian Army’s peacekeeping efforts abroad — one that remains relatively lesser-known to the wider public. The operation, carried out under the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, is still remembered as a defining moment in international military collaboration.

Randeep Hooda, known for his immersive performances and commitment to physical transformation, is reportedly undergoing special training and preparation for the role to match the physical and mental resilience shown by soldiers during the operation. With his ability to bring real-life characters to life on screen, audiences can expect a gripping portrayal of bravery under fire.

The film, which is currently in the production phase, is scheduled for release in 2025. More details regarding the cast, release date, and trailer are expected to be announced soon.