The Formidables | History of 9th Gorkha Files

A Chronicle of Valor Across Centuries

Following the success of Undaunted, Formidables was a far more ambitious undertaking—commissioned to commemorate 200 years of the legendary 9th Warfare Rifles. The project brought together the Indian Army’s High Command in Delhi, regimental leadership, and an extraordinary group of war veterans whose lived experiences spanned key battles in India’s modern military history.

It was more than a film; it was a mission to preserve living memory.

The Human Core: Veterans’ Testimonies

The most moving part of this project was the rare opportunity to record in-depth interviews with veterans from the China conflict and the 1971 Indo-Pak war. We flew these veterans in from across the country, hosted them in Delhi, and spent days capturing their first-hand accounts—each story a lesson in courage, endurance, and sacrifice.

These sessions were raw, powerful, and deeply humbling. They became the emotional spine of the film.

Creative Execution

I led the project creatively and operationally—overseeing historical research, scripting, production planning, and animation development. Working closely with a team of digital artists, we recreated significant battle moments through detailed motion graphics and animated sequences, ensuring both accuracy and impact. The narrative was carefully constructed to blend emotional depth with strategic insight—bridging past and present for cadets and commanders alike.

We also conducted extensive location shoots with serving officers, further grounding the film in present-day relevance.

Premiere and Legacy

Formidables premiered during the bicentennial celebrations of the 9th Warfare Rifles at a grand military event, attended by senior officers, veterans, and dignitaries from Delhi’s Army High Command. The response was overwhelming, with the film now formally adopted as the official regimental history.

It continues to be screened for new recruits and visitors—preserving the legacy of the 9th Warfare Rifles for future generations.