Bhuj: The Pride of India

2022-11-26T07:51:11Z

49.36.114.220:

{{short description|2021 film by Abhishek Dudhaiya}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Bhuj: The Pride of India
| image = Bhuj- The Pride of India film poster.jpg
| caption = Official release poster
| director = [[Abhishek Dudhaiya]]
| producer = [[Bhushan Kumar]] Ginny Khanuja [[Krishan Kumar (actor)|Krishan Kumar]] [[Kumar Mangat Pathak]] Bunny Sanghavi Vajir Singh Abhishek Dudhaiya
| writer = Abhishek Dudhaiya Raman Kumar [[Ritesh Shah]] Pooja Bhavoria
| based_on =
| starring = [[Ajay Devgn]] [[Sanjay Dutt]] [[Sharad Kelkar]] [[Sonakshi Sinha]] [[Ammy Virk]] [[Nora Fatehi]] [[Ihana Dhillon]]
| music = [[Amar Mohile]]
| cinematography = Aseem Bajaj
| editing = Dharmendra Sharma
| studio = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] [[Ajay Devgn FFilms]] Select Media Holdings LLP [[Panorama Studios]]
| distributor = [[Disney+ Hotstar]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2021|8|13|ref1=<ref name="release date" />}}
| runtime = 113 minutes
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = 
| gross = 
}}

'''''Bhuj: The Pride of India''''' is a 2021 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[war film]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-director-revisits-his-grandmothers-story-of-1971-war-in-his-debut-film-7451938/|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India director reveals his grandmother was among 300 women who built the runway: Read the true story|website=[[Indian Express]]|date=13 August 2021|access-date=13 August 2021|quote=I knew this would turn out to be an expensive film as it is a war movie.}}</ref> directed by [[Abhishek Dudhaiya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/bhuj-director-abhishek-dudhaiya-sonakshi-sinha-is-an-extremely-talented-actress/386159|date=20 March 2019|website=Times Now News|title=Sinha is an extremely talented actress}}</ref> Set during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], it follows [[Indian Air Force]] Squadron Leader [[Vijay Karnik]] — then in-charge of the [[Bhuj]] Air Force Base who, with the help of 300 local women, reconstructed the damaged landing strip in 72 hours. The movie borrows its plot from the Hollywood war flick [[Pearl Harbor (film)]] (2001). <ref name=":c1">{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-pranitha-subhash-joins-cast-of-ajay-devgn-sanjay-dutts-war-drama-6400251.html|title=Bhuj: The Pride Of India — Pranitha Subhash joins cast of Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt's war drama|work=Firstpost|date=6 April 2019 |accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref> The film features [[Ajay Devgn]] as Karnik, alongside [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Sonakshi Sinha]], [[Nora Fatehi]], [[Sharad Kelkar]], [[Ammy Virk]] and [[Ihana Dhillon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sanjay-dutt-rana-daggubati-sonakshi-sinha-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-cast-5635383/|date=20 March 2019|language=en|website=Indian Express|title=Bhuj The Pride of India: Sanjay Dutt, Sharad Kelkar and Sonakshi Sinha join Ajay Devgn's film|accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref>

Principal photography commenced in June 2019 in [[Hyderabad]], [[Kutch]], [[Bhopal]], [[Indore]], [[Lucknow]], [[Goregaon]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-to-play-raf-officer-vijay-karnik-in-his-next-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/68476351.cms|title=Ajay Devgan to play RAF officer Vijay Karnik in his next 'Bhuj: The Pride Of India|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 March 2019|accessdate=20 March 2022}}</ref> Production was put on hold in March 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]] when filming was 90% complete; Devgn resumed shooting in November 2020 and wrapped up in March 2021, bringing the film into [[post-production]] stage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/ajay-devgn-to-play-war-hero-iaf-wing-commander-vijay-karnik-in-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/story-kkAOwxPa9RRRPlpVdJyaYO.html|title=Ajay Devgn to play war hero, IAF wing commander Vijay Karnik, in Bhuj The Pride of India|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=19 March 2019|accessdate=20 March 2022}}</ref>

Initially slated for theatrical release on 14 August 2020 on the [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] weekend,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-goes-on-floors-in-hyderabad-sanjay-dutt-starts-shooting-for-war-drama-6875441.html|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India goes on floors in Hyderabad; Sanjay Dutt starts shooting for war drama|newspaper=[[Firstpost]]|date=25 June 2019|accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref> it was delayed by the pandemic and finally premiered on 13 August 2021 on [[Disney+ Hotstar]].<ref name="release date">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/scoop-ajay-devgns-bhuj-gearing-independence-day-premiere-disney-hotstar/|title=SCOOP: Ajay Devgn's Bhuj gearing up for an Independence Day premiere on Disney+ Hotstar|date=6 July 2021|work=Bollywood Hungama|language=en-US|access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=2021-07-06|title='Bhuj: The Pride of India' to premiere August 13 on Disney+ Hotstar|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-to-premiere-august-13-on-disney-hotstar/article35168966.ece|access-date=2021-09-10|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film received mostly negative reviews from the film critics, who criticized the film for its writing, pace and unrealistic situations.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==Premise==
In the beginning of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], the airstrip at the Bhuj Base is destroyed by enemy aircraft, cutting-off reinforcement supply from mainland India. A small group of Indian Army soldiers defend Bhuj from being overrun, while 300 local women, led by the base's commander Squadron leader Vijay Karnik, reconstruct the airbase under enemy fire.
The film starts with the Pakistan Prime Minister discussing about conquering the Indian territories. The wife of Pakistan army officer is shown to be an Indian spy, who came to take the revenge of her brother's murder, who caught and was brutally killed. But she was also caught and was given same death as her brother.

==Cast==
* [[Ajay Devgn]] as [[Squadron leader]] [[Vijay Karnik|Vijay Srinivas Karnik]] of the Indian Air Force and Usha's husband
* [[Sanjay Dutt]] as Indian Army [[Reconnaissance|Scout]] & [[Research and Analysis Wing|R&AW]] agent [[Ranchordas Pagi]]
* [[Sonakshi Sinha]] as Sunderben Jetha Madharparya
* [[Nora Fatehi]] as RAW spy Heena Rehman
* [[Sharad Kelkar]] as [[lieutenant colonel]] Indian Army officer Ram Karan "RK" Nair
* [[Ammy Virk]] as [[Squadron leader]] Vikram Singh Baj
* [[Ihana Dhillon]] as Nimrat Kaur, Vikram's wife
* [[Mahesh Shetty]] as Laxman
*[[Navni Parihar]] as [[Indira Gandhi]]
* [[Pranitha Subhash]] as Usha Karnik, Vijay's wife (special appearance)
* Vinitha Menon as Laxmi Parmar
* Monazir Khan as Anurag Tripathi<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ihana-dhillon-is-proud-to-be-part-of-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/73083124.cms|title=Ihana Dhillon is proud to be part of 'Bhuj: The Pride of India'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 January 2020|accessdate=29 June 2022}}</ref>
*Sanjeev Anand as Sunny
*Aditya Kumar Choubey as Aadi
*Pooja Bhavoria as Zeenat
*Vaansh Goswami as Colonel Taimur

== Production ==

=== Development ===
''Bhuj: The Pride of India'' was announced on 19 March 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-20|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India - Sanjay Dutt, Parineeti Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha join Ajay Devgn starrer film|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-sanjay-dutt-parineeti-chopra-and-sonakshi-sinha-join-ajay-devgn-starrer-film-2731298|access-date=2021-09-10|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> with [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Parineeti Chopra]], [[Sonakshi Sinha]], [[Rana Daggubati]] (who later walked out of the film)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/rana-daggubati-walks-out-of-ajay-devgns-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-report-2452323.html | title=Rana Daggubati Walks Out of Ajay Devgn's Bhuj the Pride of India: Report | date=9 January 2020 }}</ref> and [[Ammy Virk]] in leading roles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/bollywood/bhushan-kumar-announces-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-with-ajay-devgn-513373|title=Bhushan Kumar Announces Bhuj The Pride Of India with Ajay Devgn|work=Hans India|date=19 March 2019 |accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Bhuj: The Pride of India': Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati, Parineeti Chopra and Ammy Virk join the Ajay Devgn starrer - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-sanjay-dutt-sonakshi-sinha-rana-daggubati-parineeti-chopra-and-ammy-virk-join-the-ajay-devgn-starrer/articleshow/68493083.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Aside his acting commitments, Devgn also handled the production duties, with Bhushan Kumar of [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]], [[Panorama Studios]] and Select Media Holdings LLP,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn to play RAF officer Vijay Karnik in his next 'Bhuj: The Pride Of India - Times of India ►|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-to-play-raf-officer-vijay-karnik-in-his-next-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/68476351.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-19|title=Ajay Devgn to play squadron leader Vijay Karnik in his next, Bhuj: The Pride of India|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/190319/ajay-devgn-to-play-squadron-leader-vijay-karnik-in-his-next-bhuj-the.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref> and worked as an action director for two of the film's scenes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn turns action director for 'Bhuj: The Pride of India' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-turns-action-director-for-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/76462434.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Directed by newcomer [[Abhishek Dudhaiya]], it was supposed to be the Hindi debut of actress [[Pranitha Subhash]], who worked in [[South Indian cinema]], but eventually became her second Hindi film, the first one being ''[[Hungama 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranitha Subhash joins cast of Ajay Devgn's 'Bhuj: The Pride of India' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pranitha-subhash-joins-cast-of-ajay-devgns-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/68753261.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In November 2019, Chopra exited the film as the rolling dates were clashing with her other film ''[[Saina (film)|Saina]]'' and later [[Nora Fatehi]] replaced her.<ref>{{cite news|date=4 January 2020|title=Nora Fatehi replaces Parineeti Chopra in 'Bhuj: The Pride of India'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/nora-fatehi-replaces-parineeti-chopra-in-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/73094685.cms|accessdate=29 June 2022}}</ref> [[Sharad Kelkar]] replaced Daggubati in January 2020, after the latter also stepped out due to health problems.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 January 2020|title=Sharad Kelkar steps in for Rana Daggubati in 'Bhuj: The Pride of India'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sharad-kelkar-steps-in-for-rana-daggubati-in-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/73239435.cms|accessdate=29 June 2022}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
In May 2019, the film makers intended to begin [[principal photography]] during the end of October 2019, with a 20-day schedule in [[Gujarat]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt starrer 'Bhuj: The Pride Of India' to roll in October - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-and-sanjay-dutt-starrer-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-to-roll-in-october/articleshow/69571875.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> but filming eventually began on 25 June 2019, with Sanjay Dutt joining the sets.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1108271168627195905|user=TSeries|title=That's one star-studded cast.🌟 Welcome @duttsanjay, @parineetichopra, @sonakshisinha, @ranadaggubati & @ammyvirk to… |accessdate=20 March 2019|date=20 March 2022}}</ref><ref name=":p0">{{cite news|url=https://www.glamsham.com/en/an-incident-to-be-brought-onscreen-bhuj-the-pride-of-india|title=An incident to be brought onscreen, Bhuj: The Pride of India|work=Glamsham|date=25 June 2019|accessdate=25 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114102158/https://www.glamsham.com/en/an-incident-to-be-brought-onscreen-bhuj-the-pride-of-india|archive-date=14 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Devgn joined the sets on late-July, to shoot for the introductory, climax sequences of the film, and a song shoot in [[Mandvi]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-25|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India — Ajay Devgn begins shoot in Mandvi, where introductory and climax scene is being filmed-Entertainment News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-ajay-devgn-begins-shoot-in-mandvi-where-introductory-and-climax-scene-is-being-filmed-7053761.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-24|title=Bhuj: The Pride Of India: Ajay Devgn to shoot introductory and finale scenes in Mandvi|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/bhuj-pride-india-ajay-devgn-shoot-introductory-finale-scenes-mandvi/|access-date=2021-09-10|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Bhuj: The Pride Of India': Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha shoot for an extravagant song - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-ajay-devgn-and-sonakshi-sinha-shoot-for-an-extravagant-song/articleshow/70446530.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Filming took place in [[Bhopal]], [[Kutch]], [[Indore]], [[Mumbai]], [[Hyderabad]] and [[Kolkata]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-sanjay-dutt-sonakshi-sinha-rana-daggubati-parineeti-chopra-and-ammy-virk-join-the-ajay-devgn-starrer/articleshow/68493083.cms|title='Bhuj: The Pride of India': Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati, Parineeti Chopra and Ammy Virk join the Ajay Devgn starrer|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 March 2019|accessdate=29 June 2022}}</ref> A huge set resembling Pakistan was erected in Bhopal during the schedule in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bringing Pakistan to Bhopal for Ajay Devgn's 'Bhuj: The Pride of India' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bringing-pakistan-to-bhopal-for-ajay-devgns-bhuj-the-pride-of-india/articleshow/73722853.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

When the film was 90% complete, [[Filmmaking#Production|production]] was put on hold in March 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]], and got further delayed again owing to the new shooting guidelines.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/pranitha-subhash-talks-about-her-bollywood-debut/articleshow/70713335.cms|title=Pranitha Subhash talks about her Bollywood debut|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 August 2019|accessdate=29 June 2022}}</ref> Post a gap of 8 months, Devgn restarted filming in Hyderabad on 22 November 2020 and wrapped up in March 2021.<ref name=":p1">{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-goes-on-floors-in-hyderabad-sanjay-dutt-starts-shooting-for-war-drama-6875441.html|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India goes on floors in Hyderabad; Sanjay Dutt starts shooting for war drama|work=Firstpost|date=25 June 2019 |accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 25, 2020|first=Himesh|last=Mankad|title=With Bhuj: The Pride of India and Mayday, Ajay Devgn to shoot for two back-to-back films in Hyderabad|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/with-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-and-mayday-ajay-devgn-to-shoot-for-two-back-to-back-films-in-hyderabad/articleshow/79396235.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Bangalore Mirror|language=en}}</ref> The final schedule of the film took place during July 2021, and was wrapped up within six days.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn to resume final schedule of 'Bhuj: The Pride of India' next week|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jun/28/ajay-devgn-to-resume-final-schedule-of-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-next-week-2322300.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Bhuj: The Pride of India
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Tanishk Bagchi]], Gourov Dasgupta, Lijo George - DJ Chetas, [[Arko Pravo Mukherjee|Arko]], [[Vipin Patwa]] and [[Amar Mohile]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 16 August 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/bhuj-the-pride-of-india/SHVC1JFkOQY_|title=Bhuj: The Pride of India – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |date=16 August 2021 |publisher=Jiosaavn}}</ref>
| recorded = 2020
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 30:11
| language = Hindi
| label = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| producer =
| misc = {{external music video| header = Official audio
|{{YouTube|M5dmo3VBiAU|Bhuj: The Pride of India - Full Album}}
}}
}}

The music of the film was composed by [[Tanishk Bagchi]], Gourov Dasgupta, Lijo George - DJ Chetas, [[Arko Pravo Mukherjee|Arko]], [[Vipin Patwa]] and [[Amar Mohile]] while lyrics were written by [[Manoj Muntashir]], Devshi Khanduri, Anil Verma, Manoj Kabir, Abhilash and [[Vayu Shrivastav|Vayu]].

The song "Zaalima Coca Cola" is a remake of the song of "Zalima Coca Cola Piya De" from the 1986 Pakistani Punjabi language film ''Chan Te Soorma'' sung by [[Noor Jehan]], composed by Taafu and written by [[Khawaja Pervaiz]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/nora-fatehi-s-zaalima-coca-cola-a-remake-of-pakistani-singer-noor-jehans-song-find-out-here-2379878.html/|title=Nora Fatehi's Zaalima Coca Cola a remake of Pakistani singer Noor Jehan's song|work=Zee News |date=29 July 2021 |access-date=29 July 2021}}</ref> but was not included in the film and drop to a single.

{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Hanjugam
| extra1 = [[Jubin Nautiyal]]
| music1 = Gourov Dasgupta
| lyrics1 = Devshi Khanduri
| length1 = 3:45
| title2 = Bhai Bhai
| extra2 = [[Mika Singh]]
| music2 = Lijo George - DJ Chetas
| lyrics2 = [[Manoj Muntashir]]
| length2 = 3:40
| title3 = Desh Mere
| extra3 = [[Arijit Singh]]
| music3 = [[Arko Pravo Mukherjee|Arko]]
| lyrics3 = Manoj Muntashir
| length3 = 3:23
| title4 = Rammo Rammo
| extra4 = [[Udit Narayan]], [[Neeti Mohan]], [[Palak Muchhal]]
| music4 = [[Tanishk Bagchi]]
| lyrics4 = Manoj Muntashir
| length4 = 3:39
| title5 = Ishq Mera
| extra5 = Pratibha Singh Baghel
| music5 = [[Vipin Patwa]]
| lyrics5 = Manoj Kabir
| length5 = 2:00
| title6 = Aarti
| extra6 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]], Priya Malik, Sonali Chandratre, Surabhi Singh
| music6 = [[Amar Mohile]]
| lyrics6 = Abhilash
| length6 = 6:19
| title7 = Bhuj Theme
| extra7 = Shikha Joshi
| music7 = Amar Mohile
| length7 = 3:57
| lyrics7 = Anil Verma
| total_length = 30:11
}}

==Release==

The film was earlier scheduled for theatrical release on 14 August 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn's 'Bhuj: The Pride Of India' gets its release date - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgns-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-gets-its-release-date/articleshow/68545829.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> but was postponed due to production delays followed by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. On 29 June 2020, the streaming service [[Disney+ Hotstar]] conducted a virtual press conference where Devgn announced that the film will release through the streaming platform,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Divyanshi|date=June 29, 2020|title=Dil Bechara to Laxmmi Bomb: 7 big films set for direct release on Disney+ Hotstar|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/dil-bechara-to-laxmmi-bomb-7-big-films-set-for-direct-release-on-disney-hotstar-1695147-2020-06-29|access-date=2020-11-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=2020-06-29|title='Laxmmi Bomb', 'Bhuj', 'Sadak 2', other Bollywood movies head to Disney+ Hotstar|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/laxmmi-bomb-bhuj-sadak-2-other-bollywood-movies-head-to-disney-hotstar/article31945915.ece|access-date=2020-11-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> exclusively as part of the ''Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex'' initiative which was a result of theatres being shut down due to the pandemic restrictions.<ref name="multiplex">{{cite web|date=29 June 2020|title=Disney Plus Hotstar Makes Strategic Choice to Bypass India's Theaters, Give More Movies Streaming Premieres|url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/akshay-kumar-ajay-devgn-hotstar-1234692525/|access-date=29 June 2020|website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-30|title=Bhuj The Pride of India: Ajay Devgn movie to release on Disney Plus Hotstar|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-to-premiere-on-disney-plus-hotstar-6480598/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Akshay Kumar's 'Laxxmi Bomb', Ajay Devgn's 'Bhuj' and five other Bollywood movies head to Disney+ Hotstar|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/jun/29/akshay-kumars-laxxmi-bomb-ajay-devgns-bhuj-and-five-other-bollywood-movies-head-to-disney-ho-2163010.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The digital rights of the film were sold at an amount of ₹112 crores.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Laxxmi Bomb bags Rs 125 crore for its OTT rights, Bhuj: The Pride of India Rs 112 crore: Report|url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/bollywood/article/laxxmi-bomb-sold-for-rs-125-crore-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-for-rs-112-crore-to-ott-platform-report/614719|access-date=2021-09-10|website=www.zoomtventertainment.com|language=en}}</ref>

''Bhuj: The Pride of India'' was delayed extensively due to pending production works and also the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar prioritised on the [[2020 Indian Premier League|13th edition of the Indian Premier League]], held during September and November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-15|title=Laxmmi Bomb, Big Bull & Bhuj: The Pride of India Release DELAYED...|url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/laxmmi-bomb-big-bull-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-release-delayed-because-of-this-reason/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Koimoi|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-15|title=Inside Scoop: Bhuj, Laxmmi Bomb and Big Bull release delayed on Hotstar due to IPL!|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/inside-scoop-bhuj-laxmmi-bomb-big-bull-release-delayed-hotstar-due-ipl/|access-date=2021-09-10|language=en}}</ref> In July 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha's Bhuj:The Pride of India gets a release date|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/ajay-devgn-and-sonakshi-sinhas-bhujthe-pride-of-india-gets-a-release-date-49337.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=filmfare.com|language=en}}</ref> it was announced that the film would be premiered on the occasion of [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] weekend (13 August 2021).<ref name="release date" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt film Bhuj The Pride of India gets a release date|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-release-date-ajay-devgn-7391797/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 6, 2021|first=Jyoti|last=Kanyal|title=Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt's Bhuj The Pride of India to release on Disney+ Hotstar on Aug 13|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/ajay-devgn-sanjay-dutt-s-bhuj-the-pride-of-india-to-release-on-disney-hotstar-on-aug-13-1824614-2021-07-06|access-date=2021-09-10|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
The film received mostly negative reviews from the film critics, who criticized the film for its writing, pace and unrealistic situations but praised the film for its visuals and the performances of the ensemble cast.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=August 14, 2021|title=5 Reasons Why People Feel Ajay Devgn's 'Bhuj The Pride Of India' Is A Major Let Down|url=https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/bollywood/92009-why-people-are-not-liking-bhuj-the-pride-of-india.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|website=[[Times Internet|MensXp]] }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=August 16, 2021|title=Bhuj Ratings: The Pride of India Gets Bashed by Critics|url=https://www.flickonclick.com/bhuj-ratings-the-pride-of-india-gets-bashed-by-critics/|access-date=August 18, 2021|website=www.flickonclick.com}}</ref> [[Anna M. M. Vetticad]] of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave the film 1 star out of 5 and wrote, "Ajay Devgn in slow motion does little for what is anyway a godawfully {{Sic|}} dull war saga". She criticized the writing of the script by saying "Terrible writing, sleep-inducing direction and some pretty bad acting – there’s so much that’s wrong with ''Bhuj: The Pride of India'', that an in-depth analysis of its politics makes no sense." She concluded "''Bhuj: The Pride of India'' clearly does not want to be like either of these two films [referring to ''[[Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl]]'' and ''[[Shershaah]]]'', but it fails miserably even in its attempt to be [a] hormonally-charged, flag-waving, chest-thumping, clichéd nationalist entertainment. Yawn."<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2021|title=Bhuj Review by Anna MM Vetticad|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-movie-review-ajay-devgn-in-slow-motion-does-little-for-what-is-anyway-a-godawfully-dull-war-saga-9885901.html|website=[[Firstpost]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814043334/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhuj-movie-review-ajay-devgn-in-slow-motion-does-little-for-what-is-anyway-a-godawfully-dull-war-saga-9885901.html |archive-date=14 August 2021 }}</ref>

[[Saibal Chatterjee]] from ''[[NDTV]]'' rated the film at 1.5 stars and criticized the acting and writing. He summarised the film. "busy gathering the scattered splinters of its insipid ideas made infinitely worse by resolutely ham-fisted treatment."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/bhuj-the-pride-of-india-review-starring-ajay-devgn-it-is-a-sad-apology-for-a-war-film-1-5-stars-2510144|title=Bhuj: The Pride Of India Review - Starring Ajay Devgn, It Is A Sad Apology For A War Film|work=NDTV|author=Saibal Chatterjee|date=14 August 2021|access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref> [[Anupama Chopra]] of Film Companion wrote, "The characters are stick figures who repeatedly proclaim their love for the motherland."<ref>{{cite web|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|title=Bhuj – The Pride of India Review: An Incredible Story Told With The Narrative Depth Of A Restaurant Menu|date=14 August 2021|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/bhuj-ajay-devgn-movie-review-hotstar-incredible-story-told-with-depth-of-a-restaurant-menu-anupama-chopra-sonakshi-sinha-nora-fatehi-sanjay-dutt|archive-date=August 14, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>

Shubra Gupta of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' too gave the film 1 star out of 5 opening, "High on slogan shouting, [[Ajay Devgn]] film almost hides its real heroes", "Toplined by a swaggering [[Ajay Devgn]], the film is so heavy on jingoistic jingle jangles and slogan-shouting that it almost succeeds in hiding the 300 women who pulled off an incredible feat."<ref>{{Cite web|first=Shubra|last=Gupta|title=Bhuj Review by Shubra Gupta|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhuj-movie-review-high-on-slogan-shouting-ajay-devgn-film-almost-hides-its-real-heroes-7452392/|access-date=14 August 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813164830/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhuj-movie-review-high-on-slogan-shouting-ajay-devgn-film-almost-hides-its-real-heroes-7452392/ |archive-date=13 August 2021 }}</ref> Soumya Srivastava of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' wrote, "Ajay Devgn's chest-thumping, gunpowder-snorting film fights [[Radhe (2021 film)|Radhe]] for worst of the year crown."<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 August 2021|title=Bhuj review by soumya srivastava|work=Hindustan times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhuj-movie-review-ajay-devgn-s-chest-thumping-gunpowder-snorting-film-fights-radhe-for-worst-of-the-year-crown-101628866243376.html|access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref>

[[Taran Adarsh]] of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and called it "Thrilling" noting, "Bhuj is a Big Screen, mass-appealing spectacle. Scale, Star power and Stunning visuals leave you mesmerized." He praised [[Nora Fatehi]]'s performance and concluded that Bhuj would've worked very well if it had been released in cinemas.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1426164423828250626|user=taran_adarsh|title=#OneWordReview... #Bhuj: THRILLING. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ #Bhuj is a #BigScreen, mass-appealing spectacle… Scale + Star p… |date=13 August 2021}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|10062556}}
*{{Bollywood Hungama movie|bhuj-pride-india}}
{{T-Series}}
{{Ajay Devgn}}

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Bhuj: The Pride of India