Directed by
Sashi Kiran Tikka
Made by
Sony Pictures Releasing
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Major (2022). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A young man named Sandeep Unnikrishnan, portrayed by Adivi Sesh, grows up in Yelahanka, Bangalore, alongside his sister Sandhya and their parents, K. Unnikrishnan (Prakash Raj) and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan (Revathi). From a young age, Sandeep exhibits a profound curiosity about the world, which is further ignited when he attends a Navy ceremony accompanied by his father, where he becomes captivated by the life of a soldier. As he advances through his school years, Sandeep develops a romantic relationship with Isha Agarwal (Saiee Manjrekar), a new student from Delhi. Their relationship blossoms as they start dating, yet Sandeep learns that Isha’s affluent parents are often too preoccupied to spend time with her.
In a bold move, Sandeep applies to join the Indian Navy, concealing this decision from his parents. The revelation incites anger in K. Unnikrishnan, and although Sandeep faces rejection from the Navy, he ultimately chooses to enlist in the Army. During his training, he attempts to maintain a connection with Isha through letters, only to discover that his rival, Harsh (Abhinav Singh Raghav), has been intercepting their correspondence to distract him. With the help of another NDA batchmate, Veer, Sandeep retrieves his letters and finds out that Isha is leaving for Switzerland to pursue her studies in Architecture. Determined to keep their love alive, Sandeep rushes to Bangalore to profess his feelings and convince her to stay.
Time passes, and Sandeep successfully climbs the ranks, eventually becoming an NSG training officer. By 2008, he is married to Isha, but their relationship is strained when she sends him divorce papers. The couple’s careers pull them apart, resulting in Isha feeling isolated and alone. Complications arise when she experiences a miscarriage after being unable to contact Sandeep during a three-day military operation. Despite Isha’s pleas for him to stay, Sandeep chooses to fulfill his duty to the nation.
As fate would have it, on the day Sandeep requests leave to try to mend his marriage, Mumbai falls victim to a series of terrorist attacks orchestrated by armed assailants, including Ali, played by Rocky Gondle. These terrorists manage to infiltrate the iconic Taj Hotel, taking numerous hostages and creating panic. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sandeep seeks permission from Commander Shera (Murli Sharma) to join the NSG mission to counter the attackers. However, once on the scene, Sandeep is confronted with a myriad of challenges, including a lack of resources and intelligence on the hotel’s layout.
Sandeep’s strategic acumen shines as he positions snipers around the hotel to cover his team while they navigate the perilous environment. In an intense encounter, he confronts Ali in hand-to-hand combat, but the adversary manages to escape behind a hostage. Meanwhile, the media swarm outside impedes NSG operations, as they inadvertently leak sensitive information to the terrorists. Sandeep cleverly uses this to his advantage by feeding the media false information designed to mislead the attackers.
Among the hostages is Pramoda Reddy, played by Sobhita Dhulipala, who courageously takes it upon herself to care for a young girl left behind after her mother is killed. In a deeply emotional moment, Sandeep reaches out to Isha over the phone, where their strained relationship surfaces as she confronts him about her pain and his absence during the miscarriage. The tension escalates as Sandeep’s resolve to save lives leads him to defy orders, venturing alone to the fifth floor for a heroic rescue amid a chaotic showdown with the terrorists.
Ultimately, Sandeep’s bravery shines as he rescues Pramoda and the girl, but tragically, he loses his life in the fray. His parents, horrified by the shocking news coverage of his sacrifice, believed he was safe as a training officer, unaware of the perilous mission he undertook. The nation mourns his loss during a grand military funeral that attracts countless well-wishers. Devastated, Isha learns that Sandeep had never signed the divorce papers, highlighting the depth of their love despite the challenges they faced.
Years later, during a 10-year commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Mumbai attack, K. Unnikrishnan delivers a heartfelt speech emphasizing that Sandeep should be remembered not for his tragic end, but for how vibrantly he chose to live. That poignant moment is marked by the reunion of Pramoda and the young girl, a symbol of the hope and resilience that can emerge even from the darkest circumstances.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Major (2022) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Sandeep's upbringing
Sandeep Unnikrishnan grows up in Yelahanka, Bangalore, surrounded by his loving family, including his sister Sandhya and their parents, K. Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi. His childhood is marked by curiosity and an unyielding desire to explore the world around him.
Navy ceremony inspiration
Attending a Navy ceremony with his father ignites Sandeep's fascination with military life. This pivotal moment shapes his aspirations, steering him toward a future in service to his country.
Romance with Isha
As he progresses through school, Sandeep develops a romantic relationship with Isha Agarwal, a new student from Delhi. Their relationship flourishes despite Isha's affluent parents being preoccupied with their own lives, creating a bond anchored in love and understanding.
Joining the Army
In a surprising move, Sandeep applies to join the Indian Navy without informing his parents. After facing initial rejection, he ultimately decides to enlist in the Army, setting him on a path filled with challenges and responsibilities.
Struggles during training
While undergoing rigorous training, Sandeep tries to stay connected with Isha through letters. He discovers that his rival, Harsh, has been intercepting their correspondence to distract him, adding stress to his already demanding life.
Isha's plans in Switzerland
Sandeep retrieves his intercepted letters only to learn that Isha is planning to leave for Switzerland to pursue her academic dreams. This revelation fuels his determination to profess his love and convince her to stay in Bangalore.
Marriage and discord
Years later, Sandeep climbs the ranks and marries Isha, but their relationship faces turmoil due to career demands. When divorce papers arrive unexpectedly, it becomes clear that their lives have drifted apart, leading to further heartache.
Tragic miscarriage
Isha suffers a devastating miscarriage after being unable to reach Sandeep during critical military operations. This incident deepens her feelings of isolation and abandonment, showcasing the toll of their turbulent lives.
Mumbai terrorist attacks
On a day when Sandeep requests leave to mend his marriage, Mumbai is rocked by a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. The iconic Taj Hotel becomes a hostage crisis, leading Sandeep back into the line of duty when he realizes the impending danger.
NSG mission activation
Understanding the gravity of the situation at the Taj Hotel, Sandeep seeks permission to join the NSG mission. The operation presents challenges, including a lack of resources and crucial intel, testing his leadership skills.
Tactical strategy
Sandeep's strategic prowess becomes indispensable as he organizes snipers to cover his team's movement during the mission. Faced with treacherous conditions, he navigates the dangerous environment of the hotel with determination.
Emotional phone call
In a tense moment, Sandeep calls Isha, where feelings of anger and abandonment surface regarding their deteriorating relationship. This emotional encounter highlights their struggles, yet underscores Sandeep’s commitment to save lives amidst chaos.
Heroic rescue
In an act of valor, Sandeep defies orders and ventures alone to the fifth floor of the hotel during the hostage crisis. He manages to rescue Pramoda and a young girl, showcasing his bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Sacrifice and loss
Tragically, during the intense confrontation with the terrorists, Sandeep loses his life. His parents are left devastated by the news, believing he was safe as a training officer, unaware of the heroism he displayed during the operation.
Legacy of remembrance
At a 10-year commemoration for the Mumbai attack victims, K. Unnikrishnan delivers a heartfelt speech, urging people to remember Sandeep for the vibrant life he lived. The event culminates in the reunion of Pramoda and the young girl, symbolizing resilience and hope.
Explore all characters from Major (2022). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Sandeep Unnikrishnan is a young, ambitious individual whose journey from a curious child to a determined soldier shapes the narrative. His bravery and tactical intelligence come to light during the Mumbai attacks, showcasing his commitment to saving hostages. Despite personal struggles, including a strained marriage, Sandeep exhibits moral fortitude and self-sacrifice.
Isha Agarwal
Isha Agarwal, Sandeep's love interest, embodies the emotional turmoil of loving someone in the line of duty. As a character, she showcases the struggle of balancing personal life with the demands of a partner's military career. Her journey reflects feelings of isolation and the yearning for connection amid chaos.
Pramoda Reddy
Pramoda Reddy is a courageous woman who takes on a nurturing role during the hostage crisis, showcasing resilience and empathy amid tragedy. Her character highlights the spirit of humanity in dire circumstances, emphasizing the strength of individuals even when subjected to fear and despair.
K. Unnikrishnan
K. Unnikrishnan, Sandeep's father, represents parental love and concern, embodying the conflict between duty and familial bonds. His shocked reaction to Sandeep's heroism underscores the emotional weight of loss and the misunderstandings that can exist in relationships.
Learn where and when Major (2022) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
2008
The movie is set against the backdrop of the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, a tragic event that shocked the nation and highlighted the heroism of armed forces. During this time, India faced intense security challenges, leading to significant changes in national defense and counter-terrorism strategies.
Location
Yelahanka, Bangalore, Mumbai
Yelahanka, a suburban area in Bangalore, is known for its residential communities and proximity to the Bangalore International Airport. It serves as the backdrop for the early life of Sandeep Unnikrishnan. Mumbai, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis famous for its vibrant culture and landmarks like the iconic Taj Hotel, where the pivotal terrorist siege unfolds.
Discover the main themes in Major (2022). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is central to the film, as Sandeep Unnikrishnan embodies the spirit of selflessness by prioritizing his duty over personal desires. His ultimate sacrifice during the terrorist attack emphasizes the courage exhibited by soldiers who protect their country, even at the cost of their own lives. This theme resonates deeply during the emotional aftermath of his tragic death.
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Love
Love plays a significant role in Sandeep's journey, impacting his choices and relationships. His bond with Isha, filled with both moments of joy and strife, illustrates the challenges of maintaining love against the backdrop of duty and sacrifice. The unresolved issues in their relationship highlight how love can endure through adversity, even after loss.
Unravel the ending of Major (2022) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the final moments of “Major,” Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s heroic sacrifice is vividly brought to life. During the 26/11 terrorist attack at a Mumbai hotel, he refuses to withdraw from his duty, knowing the danger he faces, and instead pushes forward to protect the innocent. His last words, “Don’t come up, I will handle it,” embody his unwavering commitment as he single-handedly confronts a group of terrorists, risking and ultimately giving up his own life to save the hostages and his fellow officers. This act of selflessness encapsulates what it truly means to serve as a soldier—to prioritize the safety of others above one’s own life.
The film shows Sandeep’s relentless courage until the very end, where he manages to rescue many victims, even as he faces overwhelming odds. His death is portrayed not just as a tragic end but as a heroic culmination of his values and dedication. Through his sacrifice, he becomes a symbol of patriotism, embodying the spirit of fighting for his country and its people. The movie closes with this powerful tribute to his life and legacy, reminding viewers that his actions on that dark night defined his true heroism—living not just for himself, but for the greater good of his nation. Ultimately, his story leaves an indelible mark of courage, sacrifice, and love for one’s country that continues to inspire long after the screen goes dark.
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