Siachen braveheart inspires film on soldiers

Politician-turned-actor C.P. Yogeshwar, who made the movie Sainika 15 years ago on the plight of soldiers after the Kargil War, is set to make a sequel that will touch upon the life of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who died this year after being caught in an avalanche on the Siachen Glacier.

The Channapatna MLA recently visited Leh district in Ladakh region and the Siachen sector to scout for a suitable location. He has sought an appointment with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to seek permission to shoot the film in sensitive military locations.

“Lance Naik Hanumanthappa’s character is one among the characters of

Sainika II, and the film will be shot in Siachen sector,” Mr. Yogeshwar told

The Hindu. He said the “deep-rooted corruption” in the armed forces and its impact would form the backdrop of the film.

“During the shooting of

Sainika , I had approached George Fernandes, the then Defence Minister, who extended all support to shoot the film. But today, getting permission to shoot in sensitive defence zones is not easy. I am also seeking help from Union Ministers Ananth Kumar and Sadananda Gowda,” he said.

The script is almost finalised. “The script team did research on various scams that have rocked our defence system over the years,” said Mr. Yogeshwar, who will essay the role of the protagonist. “The sequel will be year-long project. I have not put any cap on the budget,” he added.

Mr. Yogeshwar is considering approaching Manishankar of

December 16 and

Tango Charlie fame to direct the film.