• Source:JND
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Sam Bahadur Release: The much-awaited biopic of Field Marshal Sam Mankekshaw is set to hit screens on December 1. The teaser and the trailer of the movie, directed by Meghna Gulzar and featuring Vicky Kaushal, have created significant buzz among movie lovers. According to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the movie has been certified as U/A, with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes). According to media reports, the movie is hitting approximately 1,300 theaters in India, with a screen count ranging from 1,800 to 2,000. The film's release strategy is focused, emphasizing metropolitan areas. Advance ticket sales for 'Sam Bahadur' opened on Saturday, garnering a decent response, with around 25,000 tickets sold in top chains like PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis by Thursday morning.

As the release of the biopic is just a few hours away, this article takes you through a detailed history of Sam Manekshaw, who played a key role in India's victory during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Sam Bahadur Movie: Who Was Sam Manekshaw? 

Sam Manekshaw, who is also known as Sam Bahadur ("Sam the Brave"), was born on April 3, 1914, and died in 2008. He was the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the war with Pakistan in 1971. Widely regarded as the architect of India's victory during the 1971 war, he was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. 

Sam Bahadur Release: Manekshaw And His Association With Army

Manekshwa, who was born in Amritsar, joined the Army in 1931 and served with distinction during World War II. He also played a key role in the integration of the Indian Army and the Pakistani Army. Sam, a highly respected soldier, was the Chief of the Army Staff in 1969. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan, and the Military Cross.  

Sam Bahadur Release: Manekshaw And War Of 1971

In 1971, the situation in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, worsened as the clouds of war loomed. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wanted the Indian Army to enter the fray to install a popularly elected government in Dhaka. However, according to a report on Firstpost, Manekshwa refused, saying that moving his armour would take time. He demanded six to seven months to prepare for the war and devised a strategy for it. It was this that the India Army went to war in December of the same year under the leadership of Mankeshaw and proved victorious against the Pakistan Army leading to the birth of Bangladesh.