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.

Iron Dome and 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'- Exploring Defense Themes in Movie and Reality:

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.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' Movie Features India's Fictional Defense System, 'Karan Kavach Same As  Israel's Iron Dome:

A reference to the iron dome. The movie has a scene written by screenwriter-director Ali Abbas Zafar, that refers to India having just such a defence system protecting the nation's 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.

DRDO's Strategic Initiative- Developing India's Missile Defense System:

The Indian Défense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) - the research wing of the Ministry of Defense is probably aiming to work on such a missile defense system shortly. Led by the able guidance of Prof K Vijay Raghavan, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to innovation, accountability, and modernization within the defence 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 defence 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 - the 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.