In 'Kaatru Veliyidai', Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Varun Chakrapani, played by Karthi, advances into enemy territory during the 1999 Kargil War. An Indian Air Force fighter jet is shot down by the enemy and the Pakistani Army promptly surrounds the pilot. They imprison him as a Prisoner of War (PoW) and subject him to torture.
What's ironic here is, Abhinandan's father Simhakutty Varthaman was consultant for Mani Ratnam's film.
During the music launch of the film, Mani Ratnam made his gratitude and appreciation known to Varthaman who had given the team several inputs on the Indian Air Force. "He has been a very great source of inspiration for us,” said Mani Ratnam about the father of the IAF pilot during the event.
Pakistan will release captured AIF pilot on Friday as a “peace gesture”. The development came soon after Indian officials said New Delhi will not negotiate any deal for the pilot’s release.
