Film-maker Neeraj Pandey has given some of the best series and movies. Seeing the starcast, it can be said that Neeraj Pandey has always been content-centric, not star-centric. For the unversed, Neeraj Pandey has created Akshay Kumar starrer movie Baby, Special Ops, and Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Singh Story which are among the most loved and watched series on streaming platforms. Now, Neeraj Pandey is making his comeback with a bang and again the film-maker has opted for his successful content-centric mantra. Neeraj Pandey's latest upcoming project is The Freelancer. Directed by Bhav Dhulia, The Freelancer features Mohit Raina, Anupam Kher, Kashmira Pardeshi, Sushant Singh, John Kokken, Gauri Balaji, Navneet Malik and more in the lead roles. Talking about The Freelancer's OTT release date, the series will be available for streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar from 1 September 2023. Notably, the speciality of Neeraj Pandey's series or movies are they are very close to reality. Now, the question arises whether The Freelancer is a true story or The Feelancer is a real story or not? To know the answer continue readind-
Is The Freelancer a true story?
The answer is yes. The Freelancer is a true story based on the book A Ticket to Syria by Shirish Thorat. A Ticket to Syria by Shirish Thorat narrates the story of the rise of ISIS and its recruitment process especially in the Maldives. For the unversed, Shirish Thorat served with the Goa Police for a decade before traveling to the UK to study at the Royal Military College at Cranfield University. After a stint in the aviation sector in the Middle East, he returned to India where he was a consultant subject matter expert in security and risk and also ventured into the innovative software applications sector for law enforcement agencies.
Coming back to Neeraj Pandey's The Freelancer's true story, its trailer suggests that the series revolves around a mercenary which is being played by Mohit Raina who is on a mission to rescue an Indian girl named Aliya who was lured into a marriage and following that she was forcefully recruited to the terror group ISIS. Notably, the concept of marrying a girl and then luring her into joining terror groups is somewhat controversial in India today due to politics. However, as The Freelancer is a real story written by none other than a former Goa Police official, there will be no denying it. Ultimately, The Freelancer will show how Mohit Raina will go against all the odds to save Aliya from the clutches of her in-laws and ISIS terrorists.
Talking about A Ticket to Syria, the overview of the book says-
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"Beneath the clear blue skies of Maldives, a beast slouches towards Syria to be born...Zahi has led a perfectly normal life until one day she heads out for a family vacation but finds herself in the conflict stricken sands of Syria. Unknowingly signed up for Jihad along with her family, Zahi is now the newest recruit of the Islamic State. In a hostile environment with no support and where a single misplaced word could mean death, she is able to make contact with her brother back home. Thus is set in motion a web of deception, courage and tragedy as she attempts to escape.
"Based on the little known and insidious operations of the Islamic State this book is a startling account of how the Islamic State has perfected a cross-country operation that converts thousands to a depraved cause. Taken from real life events, this gritty account describes in horrifying detail not only the very real and very elaborate functioning of the Islamic State but the motivations that operate behind it. An authentically written portrait of life in the Islam State, this book will force you to tread carefully as it shatters your illusions. Combining research and accurate information with the heady pace of a political intrigue, this is a ticket that you cannot miss out on. In a world that is rocked by the violence of a rising Islamic fundamentalism, A Ticket to Syria is that disturbing thriller which is actually true."
Watch The Freelancer Trailer