Airlift Movie Review (2016): An Epic Tale of Courage and Humanity

Synopsis

“Airlift,” directed by Raja Krishna Menon, is a cinematic retelling of the remarkable true story of Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar), an affluent Indian businessman residing in Kuwait. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, a pivotal moment in modern history that plunged the region into turmoil. As Iraqi forces seize control of Kuwait City and chaos ensues, Ranjit Katyal finds himself thrust into a desperate struggle for survival along with thousands of other Indians caught in the crossfire.

Ranjit Katyal, initially insulated by his wealth and success, identifies himself more as a Kuwaiti than an Indian. However, the invasion shatters his world, forcing him to confront his identity and responsibility towards his fellow countrymen. What follows is a gripping saga of resilience, resourcefulness, and redemption as Ranjit Katyal embarks on an extraordinary mission to organize the evacuation of over 170,000 stranded Indians from Kuwait, marking the largest airlift in history.

Story

The heart of “Airlift” lies in its portrayal of Ranjit Katyal’s transformation from a pragmatic businessman focused on profits to a selfless leader driven by compassion and duty. The film skillfully navigates through the complexities of bureaucratic red tape, logistical nightmares, and personal sacrifices as Ranjit Katyal emerges as the unlikely hero of this harrowing chapter in Indian history.

The screenplay deftly blends historical accuracy with fictional elements to heighten dramatic tension and emotional resonance. While the core events are based on real-life accounts, the narrative introduces fictional characters and subplots to weave a cohesive and compelling storyline. Through Ranjit Katyal’s journey, the film explores themes of identity, patriotism, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Review

Performances

At the center of “Airlift” is Akshay Kumar’s commanding performance as Ranjit Katyal. Kumar brings a depth of emotion and authenticity to the character, portraying Ranjit’s evolution from a man motivated by self-preservation to a charismatic leader rallying his community in a time of crisis. His portrayal is marked by moments of vulnerability and strength, capturing the internal conflict and external challenges faced by his character with remarkable finesse.

Nimrat Kaur delivers a poignant performance as Amrita Katyal, Ranjit’s wife, whose journey mirrors her husband’s transformation. Kaur imbues her character with a quiet resilience and emotional depth, depicting the anguish and resolve of a woman navigating uncertain and perilous circumstances. Her chemistry with Akshay Kumar adds a layer of emotional authenticity to the film, grounding the narrative in personal stakes amidst the larger geopolitical backdrop.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Raja Krishna Menon skillfully crafts a narrative that balances intimate human drama with grand-scale spectacle. The cinematography by Priya Seth captures the stark contrasts of war-torn Kuwait, from the opulence of pre-invasion life to the devastation and chaos wrought by conflict. Menon’s direction maintains a steady pace, effectively building tension and emotional resonance throughout the film’s runtime.

The film’s visual storytelling is enhanced by meticulous attention to historical detail and atmospheric authenticity. From the bustling streets of pre-war Kuwait to the haunting silence of besieged neighborhoods, “Airlift” immerses viewers in the visceral realities of war and evacuation. Priya Seth’s cinematography lends a visual richness to the narrative, complemented by seamless editing that enhances the film’s narrative flow and emotional impact.

Script and Dialogues

The screenplay of “Airlift” is a testament to effective storytelling, balancing historical accuracy with narrative propulsion. While some fictional liberties are taken to streamline the plot, the script remains grounded in the real-life events that inspired it. The dialogues are poignant and resonant, capturing the moral dilemmas, personal sacrifices, and collective heroism of its characters with authenticity and depth.

The film’s exploration of patriotism, duty, and the universal struggle for survival resonates with audiences, offering a nuanced portrayal of heroism beyond conventional warfare. While the script occasionally leans towards melodrama, particularly in its portrayal of emotional conflicts and interpersonal dynamics, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative that honors the courage and resilience of those involved in the Kuwait evacuation.

Personal Opinion

“Airlift” emerges as a poignant tribute to courage, compassion, and national pride, resonating with audiences for its historical significance and thematic depth. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Ranjit Katyal stands out as a career-defining performance, anchoring a narrative that is both emotionally gripping and intellectually stimulating. The film’s depiction of India’s largest civilian evacuation operation serves as a powerful reminder of human resilience in the face of adversity.

What’s Good

• Performances: Akshay Kumar delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, supported by Nimrat Kaur’s understated yet impactful portrayal.
• Direction: Raja Krishna Menon effectively captures the urgency and emotional depth of the evacuation mission, balancing spectacle with intimate human drama.
• Cinematography: Priya Seth’s cinematography enhances the film’s visual impact, immersing viewers in the wartime setting of Kuwait and underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

What’s Bad

• Antagonist: The film lacks a strong antagonist, which could have added more depth to the conflict and heightened narrative tension.
• Pacing: Some sequences could benefit from tighter editing to maintain audience engagement throughout, particularly in the middle act where the narrative momentum dips.

Rating

“Airlift” is a poignant portrayal of heroism and humanity amidst crisis, anchored by Akshay Kumar’s standout performance and Raja Krishna Menon’s adept direction. While it excels in capturing the emotional and logistical challenges of India’s historic airlift operation, the film occasionally falters in pacing and narrative depth. Overall, it remains a compelling watch for its historical significance and thematic resonance.