Date: 15th August 2018

Let’s face it – there is not much we have to do on 15^th August. If it is a long weekend, people travel. If not, watching patriotic movies on TV is the thing to do. Now there is a problem here. Today’s generation can’t relate to Manoj Kumars  (a.k.a Bharat Kumar) and Dilip Kumars and their old patriotic hits such as “Purab aur Paschim”, “Karma” and so on and so forth.  We need new movies with current stars talking about contemporary progress that the country has made. Little wonder that the recently released film PARMANU- THE STORY OF POKHRAN has been a box-office hit grossing more than 60 crores. The movie is based on India’s second confidential nuclear test series in Pokhran, Rajasthan in 1998.

To give a brief background, India struggled to establish its presence on the world’s nuclear map and was considered as a soft nation. However, the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, was the milestone achievement which changed India’s perception to one of a nuclear power to be reckoned with. In fact, our much loved President APJ Abul Kalam, who supervised this great mission, camped at the harsh Thar Desert over a fortnight during this exercise. The tests were conducted amidst utmost secrecy and only a handful of ministers were aware of this event. It was 13^th May 13, 1998, shortly after the detonation of all five warheads, our then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared India to be a full-blown nuclear state. The world was struck with awe.

Every flourishing nation has had a moment in its history which changed its status on the global map, which is cherished with pride, which has added to its glory. The Pokhran nuclear test is that moment for India. Commenting on the Pokhran tests, Kalam, the then Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) chief had rightly said, India had taken this step by way of national security and there was no plan to use this as a mode to engage in territorial conflicts.

Now, such brilliantly motivating stories need to be said. Inspired by the true events of Pokhran Nuclear Tests, director Abhishek Sharma made the film “Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran”. It has a stellar cast – John Abraham and Diana Penty. Add to that, the intriguing story of Pokhran tests. So much was kept under wraps then! So much we wanted to know! Needless to say we are very excited about the film.

And here is the scoop – Zee Cinema is going to air this film this Independence Day. 15^th August, 2018, 12 noon – we would be glued to our television sets. We are fortunate to have collaborated with Zee Entertainment Group through Zee Theatre and launch of their premium HD English movie channel – &Privé HD. They have been a maverick in the world of entertainment. Perhaps it is this unique trait that has made them break the glass ceiling and bring a new patriotic cinema to the viewers this Independence Day, barely 80 days after its release. It’s a fresh movie that promises a fresh start.

This Independence Day, let’s celebrate India’s first step towards becoming a superpower. Watch the World TV Premiere of  “Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran” on 15th August at 12 noon only on Zee Cinema.