There is nothing in the movie and then THERE IS EVERYTHING IN THE MOVIE.
It is like a docudrama of a real time event. Timing it with 26th Jan when the patriotic feelings is at its peak is a good move. Not surprising that people clapped at the end of the movie- which anyway was Houseful at Growel mall – Mumbai.
It maybe the best of Akshay as a producer and may count as best of Akshay as an actor.
It is a simple story of Ranjit katiyal ( Akshay Kumar) a business man in Kuwait – who does not consider and remember his roots. He is dismissive of the Indians who long to remain rooted in their motherland.
When Iraq attacks Kuwait , his first reaction is to save his family. Circumstances lead to some 1.5 Lakh indians looking upto him for their safety. He is moved to lead them to safety. And this gradual transformation of him seems natural to the situation. His disappointmenst and failure but yet willing to try in the situation is an interplay that is defltly portrayed by Akshay.
Initially no help is promised from India. The government has other priorities. But his persistence working and dedicated work by some officers in India makes possible the world largest civilian evacuation. Air India flew 488 flights over 59 days, carrying 111,711 passengers.
It Is Not An Action Packed Or A Heart Stopping Film. It Is A Simple Narrative And A Good Stringing Together Of A Real Life Incidence. It Does Have Moments When You Want Things To Really Go Smooth For The Indians Who Are Trying To Get Out Of The War Zone. And That Is A Victory In Itself.
Hats off to Raja Menon for directing it so well. Taking care sall nuggets of characters and short stories by the side of the main character- who never seem to overshadow others.
Akshay is amply supported by Ibrahim (Purab Kohli), Deepti (Lena), Sanjiv Kohli (Kumud Mishra) and George (Prakash Belawadi) they all have a character that is well sketched and stories that move along. Prakash is a character you will love to hate but he is so real. Kumud Mishra playes the Foreign ministry offical who take the challenge and pushes for the operation. His act of indffernce at the start seems so natural. There is a turning point in his character and that scene is somewhat underplayed without histronics. His father reminds him of the the time of partition and shares what the loss of homeland means to an individual.
Nimrat kaur the leading lady does justice to her short role with a powerful performance. She has to play the second fiddle but in the two-three shiots where she gets an opportunity- she delivers to show he class. The chemistry between Akshay and her is simply superb- and it is the real life type.
Though casting seems to have worked wonders for the film, the Iraqi Republican Army senior , Khalaf Bin Zayd (Inaamulhaq) seems un-natral and a bit forced. I can say that even when I have no knowledge how the people from Iraq look or sound. But it is a mimiced kind of role where the person is forcing himself to perform. Thankfully it is not a dragged long.
The music is fine and the songs just short enough not to irritae you. They infact suggestive of emotional expressions, which does strengthen the narrative.
Before I end, two things I must say. One- I appreciate the stylist who styled Akshay, the action hero looks the role of businessman and the slightly lowered trousers with his shirt combinations make him that more relateable. And TWO- I pity that in over simplifying the narative many stories remained untld and it became as f Katiyal and Kohli single handedly like Rocky worked out the solution. I understand the real portrayal would have complicated an ddragged the story.
OVERALL– GO SEE- FEEL A LOT MORE PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY. And yes, Ask what the country has done for you, once you can answer, what have you done for the country. I do not believe in giving stars to movies but will make an exception and say AIRLIFT gets a four star salute. ★★★★
Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Inaamulhaq, Prakash Belawadi, Kumud Mishra, Purab Kohli, Director : Raja Krishna Menon
