MUMBAI: Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, a name that resonates with valour, remains etched in the history of the Indian Air Force as a symbol of fearless dedication and patriotism. Known as a maverick pilot with a rebellious streak, Squadron Leader Devayya was not just a man of duty but one of extraordinary courage.
The extraordinary life of Squadron Leader Devayya is now set to inspire millions through the upcoming film Sky Force, slated to release on January 24, 2025. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, the movie stars Akshay Kumar and marks the debut of Veer Pahariya, who takes on the role of the fearless pilot.
Veer invested significant time in studying the 1965 war and delving into the life of the fearless pilot. He recently met the Air Force officer’s family, including his 90-year-old wife, Sundari Devayya, and their daughters, Smitha and Preetha. “When you play a role like this one, the first emotion you feel is intimidation. I was intimidated by the magnitude of what I had before me. There’s so much written about him, but to [portray] him on the screen is a challenge. I told myself that if I put my head down and gave it my all, I would be able to crack it. I knew that if I did well, this film had the potential to inspire a whole generation of young people to join the armed forces.”
The internet may have given him insight into Devayya’s life; however, it is the anecdotes relating to his personal life that were crucial in enabling Pahariya to ace his act. “I was sent to Air Force bases in Lohegaon [Maharashtra], Suratgarh [Rajasthan], Delhi, Pathankot, and Gwalior. I was able to engage with fighter pilots my age and learn from them. There’s little written about him in history books, so his family helped me bring him to life on screen. He loved photography, was a great golfer, and was rebellious. We added those elements into the film. It was the emotional prep that was [challenging] too—understanding a man who was leading a life driven by passion, and one who made India his priority,” he says, adding that he worked with acting coaches who guided him in the journey.
It is the film’s climax scene that was particularly challenging for Pahariya. “I am in the cockpit, and my entire face is covered. It gives you a glimpse of how fearless the character is. I could only portray [Devayya’s] vulnerability, courage, and passion through my eyes. When I finished the scenes, I held my directors and cried for the man and the sacrifice he made.”
During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Devayya undertook one of the most daring missions to destroy Pakistan’s most heavily guarded base—Sargodha. As the mission reached its peak intensity, he found himself face-to-face with a formidable adversary—a Pakistani Air Force F-104 Starfighter, one of the fastest and most advanced jets of its time. But retreat was not an option for this fearless pilot, known by his call sign, “Wings of Fire.”
The film’s trailer has already struck a chord with audiences, offering a glimpse into Devayya’s unyielding spirit and his pivotal role in the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Through a gripping narrative, Sky Force not only celebrates the heroism of Indian Air Force officers but also sheds light on Devayya’s unparalleled bravery.
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