Vicky Kaushal to play general Sam Manekshaw

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal will be seen in the role of legendary military general Sam Manekshaw, under the leadership of whom the Indian army fought the 1971 war against Pakistan, leading to the emergence of an independent Bangladesh.

Kaushal will feature in the role in the film Sam, to be directed by Meghna Gulzar, who announced the news on her Twitter account along with the first look of the actor in the role of Manekshaw, coinciding with the death anniversary of India’s first and only Field Marshal.

Sam Manekshaw, who passed away on this day in 2008, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for his military leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Ronnie Screwala and RSVP Productions will produce the film after having delivered the successful film Raazi and Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Vicky Kaushal said in a Twitter post that he was so proud to play the role of Manekshaw, and posted his photo as the military general.

“The swashbuckling general & the first Field Marshal of India- Sam Manekshaw. I feel honoured and proud to get a chance to unfold his journey on-screen. Remembering him on his death anniversary and embracing the new beginnings with Meghna Gulzar,” said Vicky.

“This film has been brewing between RSVP and me, for some time now. With Vicky now coming on board to play Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, it has begun to simmer. Looking forward to things to come to fruition one step at a time,” Meghna said in a statement.

“I could not have asked for a better storyteller than Meghna to collaborate with on this one and will be a treat to do this with Vicky again,” said Ronnie Screwvala.