- By Tanya Garg
- Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sky Force: T. Krishna Vijaya (Tabby), played by Veer Pahariya in Sky Force, is based on the battle hero Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. The life and story of the Maha Vir Chakra recipient, whose tale continues to inspire millions of children, was focused in the aerial actioner.
Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya played a significant role in the India-Pakistan War of 1965. He taught at the Air Force Flying College before being commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Its Air Force Day, & while many remember the story of Nirmaljit Singh Shekhon in his Gnat fighting off 5 Sabres & posthumously winning the IAF's only Param Vir Chakra, there is another who was awarded a Maha Vir Chakra, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. pic.twitter.com/rQvbPLmY0o
— Jatan Trivedi (@Jdtrivedi18) October 8, 2020
Who is Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya?
He flew the combat in 1965 with his Mystere IVa fighter bomber, even though he was on standby. Devayya's plane was damaged when a Pakistani pilot intercepted him as he was engaged in combat in Sargodha. The Pakistani aircraft, a PAF F-104 Starfighter, was shot down by the IAF officer despite this. His own disappearance coincided with the destruction of Devayya's Mystere. In the nearby nation, it was presumed that the Indian pilot passed away.
Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya was the only Indian Air Force officer to get the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, in 1988, 23 years later. The honor was given to Mrs. Sundari Devayya, his wife.
Brilliant movie on our Air Force brave hearts — perfect Republic Day watch#SkyForce @akshaykumar
— Aman Sharma (@AmanKayamHai_) January 26, 2025
Salute to the bravery of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya pic.twitter.com/jA0xNpEs8y
#1965War & IAF: 04 Sep 1965, Flt Lt VS Pathania flying in his Gnat shot down PAF Sabre Jet aircraft over Chamb sector. Flying at treetop level, Pathania manoeuvred & achieved a direct hit on enemy aircraft.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 4, 2019
This was IAF's 2nd aerial kill.
Read more: https://t.co/lXEfJJl0b4 pic.twitter.com/ZgKnMTX0AI
Why Sky Force Faces Kodava Community's Ire?
Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya's portrayal in Sky Force, which is based on India's first airstrike during the 1965 war with Pakistan, has angered the Kodava community in Karnataka.
The movie's depiction of Squadron Leader Devayya as a Tamilian has drawn criticism from a number of community members on social media. According to them, he was a Kodava official in Kodagu, Karnataka. For those who are unaware, the Kodava community is an ethnic group that resides in Karnataka's Coorg (now Kodagu). They are hunters, warriors, landowners, and adhere to a martial tradition.
About Sky Force
The aerial actioner depicts the valor of Squadron Leader Devayya and the endeavors of Group Captain Ajay Ahuja, played by Akshay Kumar, to ascertain the reasons behind his designation as a soldier lost in action.
Sky Force stars Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Veer Pahariya and Akshay Kumar. In its first weekend of operation, Sky Force made nearly Rs 60 crore. It moved closer to the Rs 100-crore milestone on Monday by adding Rs 6.25 crore to the haul.
