The series revisits the high-altitude combat operations (Img: X)
New Delhi: Netflix’s latest military drama brings alive the Indian Air Force’s crucial role during the 1999 Kargil War. Led by powerful performances from Jimmy Shergill and Siddharth, the series delivers an emotional and authentic account of courage, sacrifice and aerial warfare.
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: Biographical Military Drama
Director: Oni Sen
Release Date: August 7, 2026
Platform: Netflix
While several films and series have explored the Kargil War from the Army’s perspective, Operation Safed Sagar focuses on the Indian Air Force’s historic contribution during the conflict. The series revisits the high-altitude combat operations carried out by the IAF’s Golden Arrows Squadron, showcasing how fighter pilots operated in some of the world’s most challenging battle conditions.
Inspired by real events, the show highlights the dangerous missions involving MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft that played a key role in targeting enemy positions in the mountains of Kargil.
Jimmy Shergill emerges as one of the biggest strengths of the series with his portrayal of Wing Commander B.S. Dhanoa. His controlled performance brings authority and realism to the character without unnecessary dramatics.
Siddharth delivers an emotionally layered performance as Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, capturing the bravery, discipline and personal struggles of an Air Force officer. Supporting actors including Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina and Arnav Bhasin add depth to the story by portraying young fighter pilots facing the uncertainty of war.
Dia Mirza and Adil Hussain leave an impact despite limited screen presence, while Prajakta Koli’s character occasionally feels disconnected from the main narrative.
The aerial combat sequences are among the strongest elements of Operation Safed Sagar. The makers avoid unnecessary exaggeration and focus on realistic military operations. The VFX work, aircraft sequences and battlefield recreation create an immersive experience, especially during mission-based scenes.
However, the series is not only about fighter jets and combat. It also explores the emotional side of military life the friendships between pilots, the pressure of missions and the families waiting back home.
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Director Oni Sen, known for Asur, handles the sensitive subject with maturity. Instead of relying on loud patriotic dialogues, he allows the characters and real-life events to create emotional impact.
The attention to military details, operational procedures and Air Force environments adds credibility to the series. The biggest achievement of the direction is that it focuses on the people behind the uniforms rather than only celebrating the mission.
The biggest strength of Operation Safed Sagar is its authenticity. Strong performances, realistic action sequences and detailed research make the series stand apart from typical war dramas. The emotional connection between squadron members is effectively portrayed, making viewers understand the sacrifices behind every mission.
However, the pacing becomes slow in certain portions. Some emotional scenes feel stretched, while a few family-related subplots could have been edited tighter. A sharper screenplay and better utilisation of supporting characters could have made the series more impactful.
