Israel’s famed Iron Dome, or protective shield roof, has been in the news for thwarting hundreds of drones and missiles launched at it by Iran in escalating Middle East tensions.
Israel has had this powerful defense system since 1979 when it anticipated mission warfare from Gaza.
So what does the Iron Dome have in common with the new Eid release, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, being watched by Indians and audiences worldwide.
A reference to the iron dome. The film has a scene written by screenwriter director Ali Abbas Zafar, that refers to India having just such a defense system protecting the nations borders against the masked villain Mr X. Called the ‘Karan Kavach’ or shield of Karan – it refers to the famed kavach and kundal (armor plate and earrings) granted in a boon by Lord Surya to Karan. As long as he wore those no weapon could harm him. Of course he was tricked by Indra to give them away in Daan- so that he could be defeated. These stories form an integral part of the famed Mahabharata.
The Indian Défense Research and Development Organizarion (DRDO) – the research wing of the Ministry of Defense is probably aiming to work in such a missile defense system in the near future.
Led by the able guidance of Prof K Vijay Raghavan, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to innovation, accountability, and modernization within the defense sector. As the committee delves into various aspects of the DRDO’s functioning, its recommendations have the potential to shape the organization’s trajectory and contribute significantly to India’s strategic defense capabilities.
Like they say, Fiction can be fact too. And Bollywood has proved that right soon enough.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar and producer Vashu Bhagnani conceived this as an important part of ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ – incorporating the protective shield around India in the movie to protect its borders. While similar to the Iron Dome – Indian vision conceived this in its timeless stories more than 3000 years ago. And who knows – with Indian tech capabilities – it may become tomorrow’s truth soon enough.
Meanwhile ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is enjoying the applause for this visionary thought in a masala blockbuster movie.
