Kuldip Singh Chandpuri is an Indian Army officer known for his heroic leadership in the famous Battle of Longewala, for which he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) by the Indian Army. His role was portrayed by Sunny Deol in this movie.
This movie is based on the real-life battle of Longewala from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. However, the Indian casualties during this incident amounted to no more than 2 soldiers and the movie thus exaggerates casualties for dramatic purposes.
J. P. Dutta's brother was an Indian Air Force pilot who died in a MIG crash in 1987, the film is dedicated to him. While making the film, Dutta referred to diaries he had written at the time about his brother's experiences.
Salman Khan was approached for the film as he wasn't ready for the role he declined it, Akshay Kumar too declined the film for unknown reasons, Ajay Devgn was then approached who declined saying he doesn't want to do multi star rear film, finally newcomer Akshaye Khanna was signed to play the role of Lieutenant Dharamvir.
The highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1997.