The 72nd Republic Day arrived at a moment when the world and the nation were slowly coming out of the difficult effects of the pandemic. We created a film for Ambuja Cement that aimed to remind people that tough times might come and go, but the patriotic spirit of India had to remain strong, steady and unbroken.
The film was directed by Savita Singh, the well-known cinematographer behind films like Hawaizaada and Ventilator, and was produced by Vikram Turkhud and Manoj Singh of Let’s Play Films.
During the lockdown, many essential parts of life had suffered, and one of the biggest areas affected was education. Schools had fallen silent, and this silence became a metaphor for the challenges faced by the entire nation. Using this idea, the film told a simple but powerful story.
At the centre of the film was a school peon, an elderly man who represented traditional values, culture and a deep love for the nation. Even though the school was closed, he believed that the pride of India should continue without interruption. He wants the flag to be raised on Republic Day, just as it always had been. To him, the flag symbolises resilience, unity and the hope that difficult days would soon pass.
The second key character was a young schoolteacher who represented the new generation of Indians. She saw the peon’s strong spirit and felt inspired by his devotion. Wanting to support him, she used technology to help him fulfil his wish. Through a video call, she created a way for the flag-unfurling ceremony to take place, even when gathering in person was not possible.
The film became even more heartwarming with the presence of Surendra Rajan, remembered fondly as Maqsood Bhai from Munnabhai MBBS. His gentle face and wise presence made him perfect for the role of a man who carried the pride of the nation in his heart.
During research, the team realised that unlike the National Anthem, the traditional flag song did not have a modern rendition. To give it new life for the younger generation, Scarecrow created a fresh version composed by Aman Pant. It featured powerful vocals by Madhubanti Bagchi and Krishna Bongane, along with a team of talented musicians who added guitars, clarinet, cello and percussion.
The brand always worked to strengthen the nation’s foundation. This film continued that belief by celebrating the unshakeable spirit of India. Ambuja Cement had always honoured resilience, and this film proudly carried that message forward.