For years, Operation Khukri has been known as a dream project that Shah Rukh Khan wanted to make but never could. The long-delayed war drama has now found a new lead. Randeep Hooda has acquired the rights, completed the script, and stepped in as actor and co-producer.
Operation Khukri is based on the book written by Major General Rajpal Punia and his daughter Damini Punia. The story begins when Rajpal served as a young company commander in the 14th Mechanized Infantry. His unit led a daring United Nations rescue mission in the deep jungles of Kailahun in Sierra Leone.
In May 2000, 233 Indian peacekeepers and UN military observers were taken hostage by RUF rebels. The soldiers remained trapped for nearly three months under harsh conditions. Rajpal Punia later led a multinational counter-offensive with troops from India, Ghana, Britain, and Nigeria.
The team broke the siege through a 36-hour mission involving helicopter entries, armoured movement, and close-range combat. With this project, Randeep reunites with producer Rahul Mittra, known for working with him on Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Main Aur Charles. Both felt the story deserved a proper cinematic telling.
Script work, casting, and director selection are underway. Pre-production begins in early 2026. The shoot will take place across India and Africa. With Randeep now leading the project, the question is whether he can fill the space left by Shah Rukh Khan’s exit from the film.
Randeep’s intense performances in Highway and Sarabjit have already built trust among viewers. Many believe he can shoulder a story of this scale. As the film moves toward production, audiences are eager to see how Operation Khukri unfolds on screen and whether it meets the expectations tied to an SRK dream project.
