‘Vardi’, a Short Film Honours Martyrs

The Uttar Pradesh Police has released a special short film titled Vardi on Police Commemoration Day 2026, paying tribute to personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Produced under the guidance of Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna, the film highlights the courage, dedication and sense of duty of police martyrs while portraying the emotional struggles and sacrifices their families endure after their loss.

Released on the Uttar Pradesh Police’s social media platforms, Vardi seeks to capture the silent pain of families who live with the absence of their loved ones. While the families take pride in the sacrifice made for the nation and society, the film also reflects the emptiness, waiting and emotional challenges that become part of their lives.

The film particularly honours the bravery of Inspector Sunil Kumar, a Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) officer who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his exceptional courage. On October 1, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured his wife, Munesh Devi, presenting her with financial assistance and a ceremonial stole.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker, writer and actor Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film features Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, veteran television actress Alka Amin and Nazish Khan in prominent roles. Constable Kapil Dinkar, posted at the UP Police Social Media Centre, has written the script and provided the voice-over. Rahul Srivastava, Public Relations Officer to the DGP and Superintendent of Police, handled the creative direction. The film was produced with the support of the Uttar Pradesh Information and Public Relations Department and shot in Mumbai.

Dhulia is known for films such as Haasil, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Paan Singh Tomar, Bullet Raja and Raag Desh. His film Paan Singh Tomar won the Best Feature Film award at the 60th National Film Awards.

Inspector Sunil Kumar was critically injured during an encounter with members of the Mukim Kala gang in Shamli on the intervening night of January 20 and 21, 2025. Despite being wounded, he continued leading his STF team. The police operation resulted in the deaths of four criminals, including Arshad, who carried a bounty of ₹1 lakh. Kumar succumbed to his injuries on January 22, 2025.

Through Vardi, the Uttar Pradesh Police aims to bring the stories of its fallen personnel to the public, honour their families and inspire serving officers to uphold the values of courage, commitment and service to the nation.