Vardi Short Film Pays Tribute to Brave UP Police Officer Sunil Kumar

Uttar Pradesh Police has released a moving short film titled Vardi to mark Police Commemoration Day 2026, honouring the courage and sacrifice of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. Directed by filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film tells an emotional story inspired by the life and supreme sacrifice of late Inspector Sunil Kumar of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), who was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery. Through its powerful narrative, Vardi seeks to remind audiences of the human stories behind the uniform and the sacrifices made by those who protect the nation.

Produced under the guidance of Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna, the short film focuses on the courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty demonstrated by Inspector Sunil Kumar. Rather than concentrating solely on his professional achievements, Vardi also explores the emotional consequences of his sacrifice for the family he left behind. It portrays the silence and sense of loss that follow the death of a loved one, alongside the pride a family feels in the service and bravery of the person they have lost.

The film features Amit Sadh, veteran television actress Alka Amin and Nazish Khan. Their performances help bring the story's emotional themes to life, highlighting the difficult balance between personal grief and the honour associated with serving the country. By placing a martyr's family at the heart of its narrative, Vardi aims to offer viewers a more personal understanding of the price paid by police personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their responsibilities.

An important part of the film's creation is its contribution from within the police force itself. Constable Kapil Dinkar, who is posted at the UP Police Social Media Centre, has written the screenplay and voice-over. Its creative direction has been handled by Rahul Srivastava, IPS, who serves as Superintendent of Police and Public Relations Officer to the DGP, Uttar Pradesh. The project was produced in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Department of Information and Public Relations and filmed in Mumbai before being released on UP Police's social media platforms.

Inspector Sunil Kumar's sacrifice has also been recognised by the state leadership. On October 1, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured Kumar's wife, Munesh Devi, presenting her with a cash amount and an angavastram. The gesture acknowledged the family's loss and the lasting significance of the officer's service. Such recognition also underlines the importance of supporting and remembering the families who continue to live with the consequences of a loved one's sacrifice.

Released on Police Commemoration Day, Vardi goes beyond being a tribute to one officer. It seeks to bring stories of bravery, duty and devotion to a wider audience while inspiring serving police personnel to continue working with courage and integrity. By combining a deeply personal account of grief with a message of national service, the short film honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reminds viewers that behind every uniform is a human being, a family and a story that deserves to be remembered.