The movie is based on the events surrounding the death of Honorable Capt Anuj Nayyar, MVC of 17 Jat Regiment of the Indian Army, who was martyred in operations against Pakistani Army soldiers, in the southwest sector of Tiger Hill on 5 July 1999 as part of the Kargil conflict. The story of the Kapoor family in the film depicts the real events that happened in the lives of the Nayyar family. Capt Rohit Kapoor is a young officer in the 17 Jat Regiment of the Indian Army. His father Prof Suresh Kumar Kapoor, is a professor of economics in the Delhi School of Economics. His mother Sarita Kapoor, is a librarian at the Delhi University Central Library. He is engaged to be married to Pihu Verma. The story-line of the movie takes place between 1999–2002, beginning with the death of Captain Kapoor while successfully defeating insurgents to capture Pt 4875 on the western side of Tiger Hill, Kargil. The news is a huge shock to his family and the first half of the film portrays their attempts to cope with their grief. They receive messages of condolence from various high government officials as they attempt to come to terms with their loss. As compensation for the loss of their son, the government allots them a franchise for running a petrol pump. Mrs Savita Kapoor is aghast at such an offer, and the family is not inclined to avail of this compensation. However, after a visit from Major Kaul, Capt Kapoor's immediate senior in the Regiment, Prof. Kapoor and Pihu feel it might be a worthy site to commemorate the memory of Rohit and decide to take up the offer. Savita gets convinced by her husband Prof. Kapoor. However, as they attempt to make this dream a reality, they encounter massive corruption and red tape at various levels of Indian bureaucracy. They are threatened and humiliated by various government officials and hooligans. However, the family perseveres in the face of immense odds and continues to struggle. The latter half of the film narrates the story of their mission.
Reception
The film was a low budget release and did not make any great records at the box office. However, its basis on a moving true story and excellent acting by a fine acting cast led to huge critical acclaim. Om Puri's superb portrayal of the courageous Prof. Kapoor and Revathi's sensitive depiction of his wife Savita are particularly notable among a slew of other substantial contributions from a stellar supporting cast. The movie marks the cinematic debut of Gul Panag who essays her role with quiet dignity. The film also has an evocative sound track with songs sung by Jagjit Singh, Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal and the Wadali brothers. Jagjit Singh's ghazals, in particular, lend an added lustre to the film with touching lyrics by Nida Fazli and soulful music by Lalit Sen.
Inspiration
The film is an account of the inspiring struggle of Prof Nayyar and his family against entrenched systemic corruption. His dream was finally realized with the setting up of the petrol pump named 'Kargil Heights', in the Vasundhara Enclave area of New Delhi Prof Nayyar's struggles continued for several years, and the film serves to highlight the appalling treatment meted out to the families of courageous Indian soldiers who gave their lives in protecting the nation.
