Netflix’s new series Operation Safed Sagar started streaming on August 7, 2026, and critics are praising its measured approach to telling the story of the Indian Air Force’s role in the Kargil War. The show, led by actors Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill, has received positive reviews for avoiding loud patriotism and focusing instead on the human side of the conflict.
The series has been described as a “racy wartime drama” that “soars high” without resorting to “chest-thumping”. Critics have given it ratings of 3.5 out of 5 stars, with some calling it “technically accomplished and emotionally rewarding”.
What Operation Safed Sagar is About
Operation Safed Sagar is a six-episode series that tells the untold story of the Indian Air Force’s high-altitude mission during the 1999 Kargil War. The show follows the Golden Arrows squadron, a real unit of IAF pilots who were trained for reconnaissance and eventually used to bomb enemy positions at 18,000 feet above sea level.
The series focuses on Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja (played by Siddharth) and Wing Commander Tony Dhanoa (played by Jimmy Shergill) as they train a group of young pilots. When the war breaks out, these pilots must carry out dangerous missions in some of the most challenging conditions ever faced by any air force.
The show also explores the political side of the conflict, showing the tense relationship between then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (played by Vinay Pathak) and Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf (played by Manu Rishi Chadha).
Critics Praise the Show’s Restrained Tone
One of the most talked-about aspects of Operation Safed Sagar is its refusal to use loud, aggressive patriotism. The Hindustan Times review notes that the show “lifts your spirits without chest-thumping”. The series treats its subject with “nuance and subtlety”.
The NDTV review calls it a “razor-sharp war drama without bloodlust”. Critics have pointed out that even during bombing scenes, there is no celebratory background music to make an obvious point. The focus is on honouring the sacrifice of the soldiers rather than ridiculing the enemy.
The Hindu’s review mentions that the show “recounts an important chapter from the Kargil war without over-stylising the aerial sequences”. The series instead focuses on “the urgency of moments” and the human stories behind the uniforms.
Strong Performances from the Lead Cast
Critics have singled out the performances of Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill for praise. The Telegraph India review states that Jimmy Shergill has a “commanding screen presence” and his character Tony is “authoritative without being intimidating”.
Siddharth, who plays Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, brings “warmth and dignity” to his role, with his story carrying “immense emotional weight”. The Times of India review notes that Siddharth captures “both the discipline of an officer and the compassion of a mentor”.
Among the younger cast members, Abhay Verma and Mihir Ahuja stand out by giving their characters distinct personalities. Abhay Verma plays Flying Officer Dhali, a character who has been compared to Tom Cruise’s character in the first Top Gun.
Visuals and Technical Achievement
The series has been praised for its visuals and technical quality. The Hindustan Times review notes that the show features “stunning visuals, the kind hardly ever seen on Indian screens”. The aerial action sequences have been filmed in a way that brings realism to the cockpit scenes and makes the jets in the air feel real and thrilling.
The series was filmed across operational Indian Air Force bases with access to real aircraft and infrastructure. This access helped bring “an unprecedented level of authenticity to the screen”.
While some critics have pointed out that the visual effects are not always perfect, most agree that they are convincing enough to sustain the illusion during combat scenes.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Praises the Series
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a special screening of the series through a video message and praised the creators for bringing the story to life. He noted that until 1999, no air force in the world had conducted combat operations at altitudes between 15,000 and 18,000 feet.
“Each one of you deserves high praise for bringing this Operation Safed Sagar to life with such vividness and authenticity. Through this web series, you have not only revived those memories but also honored the way the Indian Air Force changed the course and direction of the Kargil War.”
Rajnath Singh also said that bringing this untold story to a global platform like Netflix is a significant achievement. He expressed confidence that the story would “particularly resonate with our youth”.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos attended the premiere and called Operation Safed Sagar Netflix India’s biggest and most ambitious production to date. The series has contributed over $24 million (more than Rs 215 crore) to the Indian economy.
The Real Story Behind the Series
The series is based on the real Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force’s mission during the Kargil War. The show’s creators conducted extensive research and consulted with IAF veterans to ensure accuracy.
Co-creator Kushal Srivastava served in the Indian Air Force for six years after the Kargil War and first heard the story of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja during that time. He met Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa in 2018 and proposed making a series about the operation.
The show uses real names for most characters, including Ajay Ahuja, Tony Dhanoa, and even political figures like Pervez Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif. Some frames in the series almost identically recreate photos from history.
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What Viewers Are Saying
Audience reactions on social media have been positive. One user called the first episode “brilliant”. Another viewer gave the series a 9/10 rating, writing, “Just completed watching Operation Safed Sagar series. 9/10 series”.
The series has been described as “a gripping, technically accomplished and emotionally rewarding tribute that earns its wings”. Viewers have appreciated the show’s focus on the human stories behind the war and its refusal to rely on jingoism.
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