Abhinandan's father S Varthaman was consultant with a film in which just like his son, the IAF pilot also lands in Pakistan!

Chennai/Mumbai: The father of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman whose return to India is just moments away had said on Thursday that he was proud of his son's bravery and thanked the people for their support and good wishes. While the parents of brave IAF pilot have reached Attari ahead of their son's return from Pakistan, here's a shocking fact that has come to light about his family. Wing Commander Abhinandan's father S Varthaman who was an Air Marshall himself, has worked as a consultant on Tamil film 'Kaatru Veliyidai' by Mani Ratnam released in 2017 and in which the lead hero 'Sqn Ldr Varun Chakrapani (VC)'(played by actor Karthi) also lands in the territory of Pakistan after his fighter jet was shot down by Pak army. For the preparation of the role, the lead actor Karthi had to understand more about fighter pilots and for this a wing commander friend and S. Varthaman were hired as consultants by Mani Ratnam. He prepared for the role by understanding more about fighter pilots through a wing commander friend including varthaman and analysed their typical fitness routine their body language. For the veteran Air Marshall S Varthaman, who is a recipient of honours including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, an uncanny similarity between reel and real life now appears to be playing out in his own life. In 'Kaatru Veliyidai', the IAF officer played by Karthi lands in Pakistan after his jet was shot. Unlike Abhinandan, the character of Karthi however was imprisoned in Rawalpindi as a Prisoner of War (PoW) and was tortured. The film did have a happy ending with the hero's reunion with his family in though. The female lead opposite Karthi was played by Bollywood actress Aditi Rao Hydari. She played the character of 'Dr. Leela Abraham'. Karthi reminisces about his romance with Leela while being held captive in Pakistan.[WATCH TRAILER at bottom of the article!] The uncanny resemblance between the reel and real life of S Varthman sounds interesting to us but the ex IAF personnel must find this very disturbing. He had said in his statement on Thursday, "I am sure all your hands and blessings are on his head...prayers for his safe return. I pray that he does not get tortured and comes home safe and sound in body and mind," the veteran IAF personnel, whose father was also an air warrior, further said.  He also thanked the people for being with the family in this hour of need. "We draw our strengths from your support and energy," he added. Also reacting to the viral videos of his son Abhinandan in which he is seen being mishandles by the locals in Pakistan, the veteran IAF officer had said his son spoke like a "true soldier" despite being in captivity and that he was praying he would not get tortured in the neighbouring country and return home "safe and sound". "Thank you my friends for your concern and wishes. I thank God for his blessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely...a true soldier...we are so proud of him," his father said. The lead actor of 'Kaatru Veliyidai', Karthi had also tweeted saying, "I'm very fortunate to have met a few of our fighter pilots in #IAF. It's a true honour to know them and they are men of a different league. I sincerely pray for the safe return of our warriors."

I’m very fortunate to have met a few of our fighter pilots in #IAF. It‘s a true honour to know them and they are men of a different league. I sincerely pray for the safe return of our warriors.

— Actor Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) February 27, 2019

Our entire nation stands by the families of our army men. It is their brave hearts and sacrifice that keep us safe in our country. #IAF #IndianArmy

— Actor Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) February 27, 2019

Watch the trailers of 'Kaatru Veliyidai' below:  And while the whole nation waits eagerly for his return, the love and regards showered upon the parents of Abhinandan while on board their flight from Chennai to Delhi ahead of son's release has been going viral too. VIRAL VIDEO: Abhinandan Varthaman’s parents get standing ovation on Chennai-Delhi flight; Bollywood actors Esha Gupta and Richa Chadha find it “heart warming”! (With inputs from PTI)