Shershaah

Vishal Batra, Vikram's twin, delivers a TED Talk recounting his brother's life and framing the film's story. The talk introduces Vikram's fearless reputation and charts his path from childhood to the army. It establishes the reflective, biographical tone of the narrative.

As a child, Vikram shows fearless nature, bravely confronting older boys during a cricket match. The act hints at his willingness to stand up for others and take risks. This moment foreshadows the courage that defines his later military career.

In college Vikram is selected for the Merchant Navy, a choice that pleases his girlfriend Dimple but creates internal conflict. Dimple's father opposes the relationship because of caste differences, straining their bond. Ultimately Vikram decides to pursue his original dream and enters the Combined Defence Services Examination to join the Indian Army.

Vikram is commissioned as a lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and is posted to Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. He earns the trust of his unit and the local population through his leadership and courage. This early posting marks the transition from student life to frontline soldiering.

During a counter-insurgency operation, Vikram defies orders to rescue his commanding officer, Lt. Sanjeev 'Jimmy' Jamwal. The rescue deepens their bond and establishes Vikram as a fearless leader in the eyes of his men. The act boosts morale and solidifies his reputation within the unit.

After a fellow soldier is killed in an ambush orchestrated by militant Haider, Vikram receives permission from Lt. Col. Y. K. Joshi to lead a retaliatory mission. He leads the operation, which ends with Haider's death and vindicates the unit's readiness to strike back. The incident marks a turning point that foreshadows his later battlefield leadership.

With the Kargil War underway in May 1999, Vikram cuts short his vacation to rejoin his unit. He tells a friend, 'I’ll either come back after hoisting the Indian flag in victory or wrapped in it. But I’ll return for sure,' signaling his determination. The moment sets the stage for his most famous assignments.

The unit is deployed to the Ghumri base and tasked with recapturing Point 5140. Vikram leads a successful assault under the codename Shershaah, with the victory signal 'Yeh Dil Maange More!', and the operation is accomplished without casualties. His leadership earns him public and military recognition and a promotion to Captain.

The unit moves to capture Point 4875, a strategic peak overlooking NH-1. The assault tests the troops against rugged terrain and heavy enemy fire as they methodically neutralize enemy bunkers. During a daring rescue of a wounded comrade under fire, Vikram is fatally shot, and he watches his men press on and raise the Indian flag.

For his extraordinary bravery, Vikram is posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. The award cements his status as a national hero and a symbol of courage for the nation. The recognition highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers and inspires future generations.

The film closes with Vikram's funeral in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, where family and friends mourn his loss. Dimple, grieving the man she loved, pays tribute to his memory. Archival footage of the real Captain Vikram Batra appears in the credits, tying the story to true events.

The ending montage reinforces Vikram's enduring legacy, showing how his actions continue to inspire soldiers and civilians alike. The story emphasizes the human cost of war and the personal stories behind battlefield heroism. The archival footage reinforces the film's biographical grounding.