Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya’s Sky Force faces backlash from Kodava community – Know why

New Delhi: Sky Force, starring Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar in the lead, took the silver screen by storm on Friday (January 24, 2025), coincing with the Republic Day weekend. While many are loving the much-talked-about film for its gripping storyline and compelling performances by the star cast, it has also drawn ire from the Kodava community in Karnataka. Wondering why? Well, let us enlighten you!

Several members of the community have taken to social media to express their anger at the makers of the movie for portraying Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya as a Tamilian instead of accurately representing him as an officer from the Kodava community in Karnataka’s Coorg or Kodagu. A video of Tanya, a lawyer from the same community, is being widely circulated on the Internet. In the short clip, she can be seen questioning the filmmakers’ intentions behind inaccurately depicting Devayya’s community, especially when the movie claims to be inspired by his life.

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A post shared by Veer Pahariya (@veerpahariya)

It is to be noted that Devayya is the only Indian Air Force officer to have been posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Sky Force, also starring Veer Pahariya and Sara Ali Khan, brings to the screen the bravery of the squadron leader amid high-stakes circumstances.

The film narrates the untold story of India’s first and deadliest airstrike. It is set during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. Sky Force also features Nimrat Kaur, Sharad Kelkar, Mohit Chauhan and Varun Badola in important roles. It opened to mostly positive reviews from critics.

Gulshan Devaiah pays tribute to AB Devayya

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A post shared by Gulshan Devaiah (@gulshandevaiah78)

After the release of Sky Force, actor Gulshan Devaiah shared a special post on Instagram, paying a heartfelt tribute to Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. The 46-year-old star clarified that they are not related but share the same community – Kodava. “I thought I’d bring a little attention to a small martial community from our diverse country,” he wrote.