The Indian Air Force recently conducted air strikes at terrorist camps in Balakot in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The strike was aimed at the biggest terror camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in retaliation to the dastardly Pulwama terror attack, which killed around 40 CRPF soldiers. In its aftermath, Indian forces lost its own MIG-21 jet and pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was taken into custody by Pakistani forces.
Now as India prays for a safe return of the IAF pilot, the striking similarities between the real-life situation and reel-life situation of Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Varun Chakrapani in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Kaatru Veliyidai, cannot be missed. What's more? Wing Commander Abhinandan's father, Air Marshal S Varthaman, was a consultant for the Mani Ratnam directorial. Well, Abhinandan's family has a track record of serving Indian Air Force since World War 2 and this time, the reel has turned into real.
See this old video of Air Marshal S Varthaman as he talks about the general apathy of people down south for the Indian soldiers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=160&v=WPHGISgBJ_c
Meanwhile, after Pakistan released a video of Abhinandan, his father Air Marshal (retired) Simhakutty Varthaman, had sais, "Thank you my friends for your concern and wishes. I thank God for his blessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely...a true soldier...we are so proud of him."
Not to forget, Wing Commander Abhinandan showed immense courage and bravery in several video that have been going viral on the internet.
