MOVIE REVIEW: AIRLIFT

MOVIE REVIEW: AIRLIFT

Since the trailer for this movie was out, I had made up my mind to go watch it as close to the release as possible. & watching this movie has been a correct decision.

Airlift is a movie which has everything- a perfect story (based on a real incident), great direction, perfect acting and the adrenaline rush. It proves to be a complete power packed package which not only entertains you for two and a half hours, but also gets you involved in it, by the end of which you are beaming with joy and some patriotism.

On August 2nd 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and the Iraqi army took over the city within a few hours. The Kuwaiti royal family managed to escape, leaving the state rudderless. The people were subjugated and made to suffer at the hands of the Iraqi army. During that period, Kuwait was also home to almost 1,70,000 Indians, who had nowhere to go. Airlift is a story that covers this incident, and how two of the most powerful Indian men – Sunny Matthew and Vedi (both played under a common head by Akshay Kumar), great business tycoons residing at Kuwait helped these Indians to return back safely to their home country; with the aid of Air India that flew roughly around 488 flights for the evacuation of these stranded Indians.

Akshay Kumar as Ranjit Katyal is just perfect. Undoubtedly one of his finest, delivering a very controlled performance. The change of his nature over the period right up to his body language is obvious and acted perfectly in line. Nimrat Kaur is also excellent, playing her part with ease and never overdoing a bit. The pair definitely makes it seem real. The supporting cast gives Akshay and the film the perfect support. Every actor is cast impeccably and plays his part with ease.

What also works for Airlift is the way it is closely kept tied to the reality, nowhere bringing in the Bollywood necessaries (almost). The predominant concern is to tell a gripping never-told story and that works perfectly well. The songs and music are mostly restricted to the background. The moment where the song "Tu bhula jise" plays in the background, when the Indian flag is hoisted – it definitely makes every Indian swell with pride and love for India.

The only negative for the movie is, the actual Airlift operation- which also finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest and most successful evacuation attempted by any country in the world, is shown only at the very end of the movie (which could have been extended or brought in a bit earlier).

All in all, a definite must watch. It gives you everything- good direction, no-nonsense script, great acting by the lead and a gripping untold story that will make you proud of your country. 

A prefect watch for the Republic Day!

(Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwyb7fT65Ac )