Operation Sindoor Director Issues Apology Over Film Announcement: Intent Was Never To Hurt Or Provoke Anyone's Sentiments

After announcing a film based on India's Operation Sindoor, amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, director Uttam Maheshwari has issued an apology.

On Saturday morning, taking to his Instagram Stories, Uttam said that he wants to direct the film "not for fame and monetisation". The director also said that was moved by "the courage, sacrifice, and strength of our soldiers and leadership". The statement came after he faced backlash on social media.

His statement read: "My sincere apologies for recently announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor, inspired by the recent heroic efforts of our Indian Armed Forces. The intent was never to hurt or provoke anyone's sentiments".

He added, "I was moved by the courage, sacrifice, and strength of our soldiers and leadership, and simply wished to bring this powerful story to light."

He further stated, "However, I understand the timing and sensitivity may have caused discomfort or pain to some. For that, I deeply regret".

Uttam also said that it's not just a film, but "an emotion of the entire nation and a social image of the country globally."

Towards the end of his post, he thanked PM Narendra Modi and the armed forces. "Our love and prayers will always be with the families of the martyrs as well as the brave warriors who are fighting on the border day and night to give us a new morning," the statement concluded.

The film is being produced by Nicky Vicky Bhagnani Films and The Content Engineer.

The film, titled Operation Sindoor, was announced on Friday (May 9) night by the makers on social media. They also shared a poster featuring a woman soldier wearing uniform and holding a weapon. She is also seen applying sindoor.

The announcement faced severe backlash, on social media as many users slammed the makers for announcing the film in such a crucial time.

Within just two days of the launch of Operation Sindoor, over 30 title applications by Bollywood filmmakers and actors were submitted to industry bodies- Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) and Western India Film Producers' Association (WIFPA), as per a report in PTI.

Some of the titles include Operation Sindoor, Mission Sindoor and Sindoor: The Revenge, among others.