in 1942, where Indian soldiers in the British Indian Army surrender to the Japanese. Influenced by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, these soldiers, including protagonist Lieutenant Surinder Sodhi (played by Sunny Kaushal ), defect to form the INA with the war cry " Challo Dilli " (March on Delhi). The 1996 Timeline: An aged Sodhi ( M.K. Raina ) visits his family in Singapore and travels to
The battle scenes are described as visceral, brutal, and top-class, reflecting the high-stakes, "impossible odds" fighting of the INA.
Khan revealed that they had to import vintage guns and create period-appropriate cycles from scratch to ensure authenticity in the war sequences. The series also incorporates a blend of real archival footage, particularly during the historical context segments narrated by Shah Rukh Khan, grounding the fictional narrative in reality.
The Forgotten Army is significant not only because of its historical importance but also because of its relevance in contemporary India. The series serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by India's freedom fighters and the importance of remembering and honoring their contributions.
However, after independence, the story of the INA was deliberately sidelined. The new Indian government, led by the Congress party, had championed non-violence. Acknowledging the INA’s violent, armed struggle—led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with support from Imperial Japan—complicated the Gandhian narrative. Thus, the INA became “The Forgotten Army.”
Wagh plays the role of a journalist in the 1996 timeline and a soldier in the 1943 timeline, highlighting the forgotten role of women in the INA.
The INA's legacy also had a profound impact on Indian politics. The Congress, which had initially been skeptical of the INA, began to see the organization as a symbol of Indian nationalism and bravery. The INA's soldiers, who were captured by the British, were put on trial, but their courage and conviction inspired a wave of nationalist sentiment in India.
