Meghna Gulzar's highly anticipated war biopic, "Sam Bahadur," featuring Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, made its digital debut on ZEE5 this Republic Day. The film, which chronicles the remarkable journey of Sam Manekshaw, India's first Field Marshal, received praise for Vicky Kaushal's "pitch-perfect" performance.

Despite a simultaneous release with another film, "Animal," fans lauded Kaushal's portrayal of Sam Manekshaw, expressing that it surpassed his previous works. One user on X (formerly Twitter) described it as Kaushal's "finest performance till date," highlighting the immersive experience where the actor seamlessly embodied the character.

ZEE5 hosted the digital premiere of "Sam Bahadur" on January 26 to coincide with the 75th Republic Day celebrations. Directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP Films, the movie explores Manekshaw's illustrious career, from his tenure as Chief of Army Staff to a well-deserved retirement.

Despite its theatrical release on December 1, the film continued to garner acclaim, crossing the ₹100 crore mark worldwide. Vicky Kaushal expressed gratitude for the audience's support and stated that the digital premiere on ZEE5 would further extend the story's reach, presenting it as a tribute to the nation's enduring spirit on Republic Day.