Indian Army Launches ‘Bhairav’ On Mahashivratri As Part Of Outreach; Amitabh Bachchan Lends Voice

Last Updated:February 15, 2026, 21:19 IST

The Indian Army released Bhairav, a short film voiced by Amitabh Bachchan, showcasing Bhairav Battalions and their swift deterrence role.

The Indian Army has unveiled a high-production short film titled Bhairav as part of its ongoing digital outreach initiative, Shadows and Steel. The release was timed with Mahashivratri — a symbolic choice, as Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with protection and the destruction of evil.

The film features the unmistakable baritone of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who, sources said, agreed to lend his voice as a gesture of national service and did not charge any fee.

At the heart of the film is a powerful poem that portrays the Bhairav commandos not merely as soldiers, but as an inevitable force. Lines such as “Main ant ka aarambh hoon" suggest that by the time the unit is conventionally deployed, the process of punishment has already begun — possibly deep inside hostile territory.

Another striking line, “Main deh nahi, parinaam hoon," underscores the idea of an unseen operator whose presence may remain invisible, but whose impact is decisive and final.

The narrative moves beyond defence toward deterrence, invoking imagery of silence before a storm to highlight the stealth, patience, and sudden force that define the unit’s operations.

CNN-News18 has learnt that the verses were penned by a senior officer in the social media section of the Army.

The Bhairav Battalions

Named after the warrior manifestation of Shiva, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalions mark a major structural shift within the Army. Envisioned as compact units of around 250 troops, they aim to be quicker than conventional infantry while retaining broader flexibility than highly specialised formations.

Positioned in sensitive regions including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, these battalions follow a “fight tonight" approach, prepared for swift, independent missions at very short notice. The introduction of Bhairav Battalions is one of those changes that have been implemented in the Indian Army post Op Sindoor.

The public saw the formation earlier this year when Bhairav troops appeared at the Army Day and Republic Day parades in combat gear. CNN-News18 was, in fact, the first channel to show the operations of these units earlier this year.

Through productions like this film, the Indian Army is sharpening the way it speaks to a younger, digital audience while holding on to the enduring Sant-Sipahi ethos that underpins the service.

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