Airlift Review
Airlift reminded many of us of the evacuation mission of India that took place in Kuwait in 1990 to save fellow Indians; a film that informs us about the brave acts of Indian Airlines, Air India and Indian Air Force which earned them a position in Guiness Book of World Records for conducting the largest evacuation operation on foreging soil. This enough can ensure a good run for the film at the box office during the Repuublic Day week, but the movie has more to offer.
To begin with, Airlift seems to be an honest effort by the director Krishna Raja Menon to tell the story of the plight of Indians in Kuwait during Iraqi invasion and how a person rises to the occasion to save 1, 70, 000 stranded Indians on foerign soil. So, he gets into the task without wasting any time. Right from the beginning we see how Ranjit Katyal manoeuvers his way to reach the top in his business and that he hates India and is a Kuwaiti by heart. However, as the dialogue in the film rightly points out- everyone remembers his/her mother when hurt, AK along with his family resort to their Indian origin to protect themselves from being slaughtered by Iraqi soldiers.
The film introduces the plot early and establishes the tension 15 minutes into the film. The narrative is filled with moments where one can sympathize with the characters going through the turmoil. Here, our hero Ranjit Katyal for a change is unlike Bollywood film heroes who never fail in their attempts. Ranjit Katyal fails quite a few times to negotiate a deal creating a safety net for the fellow Indians. Though he is reluctant in the beginning yet as an expert negotiator he rises to the occasion leaving no stone unturned to send the families back to their homeland. That takes him to Kohli, the reluctant External Affairs officer who finally helps Ranjit with his persistent efforts and conviction. He also manages to convince the commercial pilots to fly to the warzone and save their fellow countrymen.
Akshay delivers a matured performance and looks every inch the businesshead in his salt n pepper look. Purab Kohli as the silent supporter and Inaamulhaq as the Major justify their roles. Kutty as Belawadi also impresses with his acting skills for the annoying character who unacknowledges Ranjit's efforts. Kumud Mishra deserves a special mention as Kohli who is understated and endearing. The only sore thumb that stuck out was that of Nimrat Kaur who does not have to do much other than roam around in stylish attires. The only scene where we find a glimpse of the actress we relish watching onscreen is the confrontation between Belawadi and her. Other than that, sadly she is almost present through her absence in the entire movie.
Bollywood films still have not been able to come out entirely from their formula of song and dance and hence an Arabic number which was totally irrelevant. The romantic number by Arijit is nice and hummable, but again redundant.
Overall Verdict:
Airlift is a great affort from AK's production which will be rememebred for some time by the audience.
