What Is Kandahar About?
The premise of Kandahar in 248 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Kandahar thrusts viewers into the high-stakes world of counter-terrorism, where Major Mahadevan (Mohanlal) leads an elite crew tasked with confronting threats that test the limits of national security. The film carries the gritty, patriotic pulse of an action thriller, balancing tense operational sequences with a deep emotional undercurrent about duty, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in service.
At the heart of the story is Suryanatha Sharma, an educated but unemployed young man whose path takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Mahadevan. Their first encounter is anything but smooth, but what begins as hostility gradually evolves into mutual respect, as Mahadevan sees potential in the young man and opens the door to a life in the Indian Army. With the weight of his father Lokanatha Sharma’s hopes on his shoulders, Suryanatha embarks on a grueling journey of transformation — from restless civilian to disciplined soldier, eventually joining the ranks of the National Security Guard alongside the man who believed in him.
The dynamic between mentor and protégé grounds the film with emotional texture, suggesting that the battles fought within — doubt, loyalty, identity — are just as significant as the ones staged on the field. As Mahadevan’s unit prepares to face a crisis that strikes at the heart of civilian life, the narrative builds toward a confrontation that demands everything from its heroes. The tone shifts between quiet, character-driven moments and pulse-pounding urgency, crafting a story where personal stakes and national duty collide in extraordinary ways.
What Happens in Kandahar?
The complete story of Kandahar, from the first scene to the last, in 353 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Suryanatha Sharma, portrayed by Ganesh Venkatraman, is a bright young man facing the challenges of unemployment. His father, Lokanatha Sharma, played by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, has high hopes for his son’s future and yearns for him to achieve success in life. The turning point in Suryanatha’s journey occurs when he meets Major Mahadevan, a character brought to life by Mohanlal. Their first interaction is marked by tension, yet Suryanatha shows humility by apologizing for his earlier rudeness. Impressed by Suryanatha’s potential, Mahadevan encourages him to enlist in the Indian Army.
Despite encountering difficulties during his training, Suryanatha ultimately excels and graduates from the Indian Military Academy with honors, earning his place in the esteemed ranks of the Indian Army. Following his commissioning, he is assigned to the National Security Guard (NSG) and joins Mahadevan’s team, ready to take on critical missions.
However, chaos ensues when an Air India flight is hijacked by a group of determined terrorists who demand the release of their leader, captured by Major Mahadevan in a prior encounter. As the aircraft is rerouted to New Delhi for refueling, Mahadevan and his crew devise a daring plan to infiltrate the plane through its landing gear, despite orders from their superiors to stand down.
Once aboard, they quickly assess the situation, identifying the number of terrorists present and, in a flurry of action, neutralize both the attackers and their leader, attempting to regain control of the aircraft. Unfortunately, the situation escalates when a sleeper cell among the hijackers reveals himself, leading to a dire confrontation that results in Suryanatha sustaining serious injuries.
In a gripping sequence, Mahadevan and Suryanatha, relying on the piloting skills of the crew, manage to regain control over the aircraft and execute a precarious landing. Tragically, Suryanatha succumbs to his injuries during this harrowing ordeal. His bravery and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, as he is honored with a hero’s funeral, celebrated for his noble service. In a poignant moment, Mahadevan comforts Lokanatha, who expresses his immense pride in his son’s courageous actions and extends his gratitude to Major Mahadevan for transforming Suryanatha into a hero.
Kandahar Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Suryanatha Sharma” to “Pride of Lokanatha Sharma”.
- 1
Introduction of Suryanatha Sharma
Suryanatha Sharma is introduced as an educated but unemployed man living with his father, Lokanatha Sharma. His father's desire for his son to succeed sets the stage for the ensuing events in their lives.
- 2
Meeting Major Mahadevan
Suryanath first encounters Major Mahadevan in a hostile manner, leading to a tense situation. However, after realizing his rudeness, Suryanath apologizes, which impresses Mahadevan and opens the door for new opportunities.
- 3
Joining the Indian Army
Major Mahadevan encourages Suryanath to join the Indian Army, recognizing the potential within him. After some initial struggles, Suryanath successfully passes out of the Indian Military Academy with exceptional performance.
- 4
Commissioned into the NSG
Upon commissioning, Suryanath joins the National Security Guard (NSG) as a commando, where he becomes part of Major Mahadevan's team. This step marks a significant turning point in his career and life.
- 5
Air India Flight Hijacking
An Air India flight is hijacked by a group of hardcore terrorists with the intent to force the Indian government to release their captured leader. The high-stakes situation escalates as the plane is diverted to New Delhi for refueling.
Where:New Delhi
- 6
Infiltration of the Plane
Ignoring orders from their superiors, Major Mahadevan and his crew infiltrate the hijacked plane through the landing gear. Their daring initiative to engage the terrorists is crucial in regaining control.
- 7
Elimination of Terrorists
Once inside the plane, Mahadevan and his crew identify the terrorists and engage them in combat. They manage to swiftly kill the hijackers, including their leader, which brings the situation under control momentarily.
- 8
Sleeper Cell Revelation
Amid the chaos, a sleeper cell member emerges, shooting the pilots and injuring Suryanath. This unexpected turn increases the tension as the team's earlier progress becomes jeopardized.
- 9
Taking Control of the Plane
Despite his injuries, Suryanath teams up with Mahadevan to take control of the plane. With guidance from the injured pilots, they manage to steer the aircraft safely to the ground, showcasing their courage and skill.
- 10
Tragic Loss of Suryanath
As the plane successfully lands, Suryanath succumbs to his injuries sustained during the hijacking. His sacrifice highlights the bravery and cost associated with their mission.
- 11
Hero's Funeral
Suryanath is honored with a hero's funeral, marking a somber and respectful farewell for a fallen soldier. His contributions and bravery in the face of danger are recognized by the community and his family.
- 12
Pride of Lokanatha Sharma
In the aftermath, Lokanatha Sharma expresses his profound pride in his son’s heroic actions and sacrifices. He thanks Major Mahadevan for recognizing Suryanath's potential and guiding him to become a hero.
Who Are the Main Characters in Kandahar?
3 characters, among them Suryanatha Sharma (Ganesh Venkatraman), Lokanatha Sharma (Amitabh Bachchan) and Major Mahadevan (Mohanlal): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SS
Suryanatha Sharma (Ganesh Venkatraman)
Played by Ganesh Venkatraman
Suryanatha Sharma is an initially unemployed young man who transforms into a courageous NSG commando. Driven by a desire to succeed and prove himself, he navigates personal and professional challenges with resilience. His ultimate sacrifice during a hijacking incident illustrates his bravery and dedication to his duty.
- 💪 Hero
- 🎖️ Soldier
- 👨🎓 Aspirant
-
Lokanatha Sharma (Amitabh Bachchan)
Played by Amitabh Bachchan
Lokanatha Sharma is Suryanatha's supportive father who wishes to see his son succeed. He transitions from a worried parent to a proud father at the end of the film, reflecting a deep sense of honor and pride in his son's accomplishments. His character adds emotional depth to the narrative.
- 👨👦 Father
- 🥇 Supporter
-
Major Mahadevan (Mohanlal)
Played by Mohanlal
Major Mahadevan is a seasoned and dedicated military officer who plays a crucial role in Suryanatha's transformation. His character exudes leadership and courage, inspiring those around him. He becomes a mentor to Suryanatha, guiding him through the trials of becoming a soldier.
- 🪖 Leader
- 🌟 Mentor
- 🔫 Soldier
Where and When Is Kandahar Set?
Kandahar is set in New Delhi. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting current geopolitical issues. The storyline touches on themes of terrorism and military action, resonating with real-world events that have shaped national security discussions. The era signifies a time where the role of soldiers and commandos is increasingly crucial in addressing such threats.
Where
New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital of India, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It serves as a political hub and features a mix of modern architecture and historical sites. In the context of the movie, it becomes a critical location when an Air India flight is hijacked, making the city a focal point for national security operations.
- 🏙️ City
- ✈️ Airport
What Are the Themes of Kandahar?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Courage, Sacrifice and Family Pride.
-
01
Courage
The theme of courage is prominently displayed through the character of Suryanatha Sharma as he overcomes his insecurities to become a hero. His journey from an unemployed man to a brave NSG commando highlights personal growth and dedication. The film emphasizes the sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty.
-
02
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a central theme as Suryanatha ultimately gives his life to save others. His tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the costs associated with defending one's country. The emotional weight is felt not only by his family but also by the comrades who fought alongside him in the face of danger.
-
03
Family Pride
Family pride plays a significant role, particularly in the relationship between Suryanatha and his father, Lokanatha Sharma. Lokanatha’s journey from skepticism to pride after his son’s heroic actions underscores the strength of familial bonds. The film portrays how personal victories can elevate family reputations and honor.
What Kind of Film Is Kandahar?
Tense in tone, with variable pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense, patriotic action drama centered on counter-terrorism operations, balancing high-stakes infiltration combat with heartfelt father-son emotion, where triumph arrives at a devastating personal cost.
- tense
- patriotic
- heroic
- action-packed
- tragic
- somber
- counter-terrorism
- hijacking
- military sacrifice
- father-son relationship
Content notes: terrorism, hijacking, gun violence, death of main character, combat injury, loss of parent.
Quiz
How well do you remember Kandahar? Test yourself on the story.
