Movie Review: ‘Airlift’
Movie Review: ‘Airlift’
Rating: 3/5
Director: Raja Menon
Cast: Nimrat Kaur, Akshay Kumar, Sameer Ali Khan
Raja Krishna Menon’s film is loosely based on the true story of how Indians were evacuated from Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion in 1990. When the going is good, the film is very good, but it is intermittently confusing, as though two directors made it: the first one understood that this subject required realistic treatment slightly removed from the conventional Bollywood film; the second entered the picture after it was completed and spoilt the tone in places by adding loud songs, needlessly heightened the pitch of the romance between the hero and his wife, and ended with a splash of stretched-out, flag-waving patriotism.
The script is tight and the best it does is play with the nuances of its characters. We see Ranjit’s downfall from a proud Kuwaiti to a broken man who is trying hard to save his family and also become the hope for other Indians. Other beautifully written characters are that of Prakash Belawadi who just portrays the human nature of whining and how there always is one such person around in life and death situations. Also, Sanjay Kohli, played by Kumud Mishra is a character that is small script-wise but a powerful one.
Though an action-packed story, Airlift’s strength lies in the turbulent emotions of people at the mercy of each other’s generosity and self-preservation. Ranjit is suddenly acutely aware of the people around him including hundreds of his employees. Touching scenes like the interaction between Ranjit and his family, and with government officials are tightly edited to capture the pathos of the situation.
In a very non-Bollywood fashion, our ‘hero’ fails as well, staying true to the reality of the events. However, though based on true events, Akshay’s character is not based on a single person. Instead, it is a fictional amalgamation of two individuals in Kuwait who mapped out the 1990 evacuation.
Akshay Kumar gives yet another strong performance after Baby. He is impressive as Ranjit going from a proud Kuwaiti to a thankful Indian.
Nimrat Kaur has a smaller role and lesser chance to shine. Yet, she manages to do a fine job and especially the scene where she snubs an over smart man who tries to patronize her husband.
Kumud Mishra plays Sanjay Kohli, a bureaucrat with the external affairs. His contained and subtle act is noteworthy.
Prakash Belawadi as George, a stranded Indian who whines about everything possible all through but hugs Ranjit tightly at the end of the rescue mission is brilliant.
Purab Kohli as Ibrahim, a young Muslim lad from Kuwait who has lost his newly wed wife does a great job and makes up for good supporting cast.
Imaanulhaq plays the Major from Iraq whose accent seems slightly out of place. If only his character was built stronger, his performance too could have been on par with the rest.
An overall engaging watch with a few gritty moments, Airlift does stumble a few times as well. Blame it on the Bollywood audience but the filmmakers couldn’t seem to let go of the masala and song-dance paraphernalia that goes with a moolah-raking star in a lead role. An ‘Arabic’ number is also thrown in for good measure. But in a film that hinges on realism, the songs are jarring.
