Movie review: AIRLIFT

An Indian flag being hoisted anywhere(and especially on foreign soil) is a sight which will always get you misty eyed.The joy and the pride associated with it is beyond any explanation.The feeling of being a part of the Nation and contributing to it in any which form is almost an obligation, and should not merely be an option.

AIRLIFT then, is one such film we can actually be quite proud of. Based on Indians turned refugees in Kuwait due to Iraq and the events leading to their rescue, the movie tells us a tale which stays engaging and gripping till the very end.

Surely it lacks the cerebral approach of an ARGO, but it more than makes up for it by having a big Indian heart.(After all, it is a bollywood enterprise and we, the people are more emotionally driven than cerebral acting.)

Bollywood has had a bad history of projecting real-life incidents on celluloid.
Almost involuntarily, they seem to inject melodrama, too much cinematic liberties and way too many contrivances in their portrayal, thereby diluting and hampering the narrative.
Thankfully, the film stays immune to these aspects and carefully steers away from the sensationalised and overly decorative display.

"Jab chot lagti hai tab Maa hi yaad aati hai", vocals Akshay kumar when questioned about his transformed approach towards the motherland.
No chest thumping, no pompous and no over the top nationalism. Pure and quite natural response to an adverse situation on an alien soil.

The entire tale of the sorry state of Indians in Kuwait is very well-executed.There is genuine concern and a palpable tension laden undertone.The proceedings stay engaging and gripping in the first half and dialogues(though minimal) keep the narrative upbeat.
The transformation of Akshay kumar(from outright rejection of Indian songs and proclaiming himself as a Kuwaitian to developing concern and sticking together as one big Indian family) is beautifully done. In the process, his gradual bonding with his wife too comes off quite natural and heart-warming.

Surely, the approach is more emotionally enriching rather than intelligent, innovative and smart. There is only one real smart scene when Akshay kumar turns Poker face and fools the Iraqi-general. One would have wished more scenes like this. Nonetheless, the poignant drama stays touching all the time gradually consuming us along.You begin to feel and care for the people. ( the biggest triumph of the script)

The only big disappointment lies in the pre-climax when Akshay does a bollywood heroism enroute to Oman. What should have been a real impact scene and could have turned into a clap worthy moment, sadly sticks out like a sore thumb.

Akshay kumar performs brilliantly and bares out his soul in displaying the anguish and helplessness of a man responsible for lakhs of Indians.Truly, a splendid performance.

Barring very few and minor contrivances, the movie stays thoroughly appealing and in the end, gets you all misty eyed, moving and stirring you all along
What a great beginning to 2016.

Do not miss it.

Movie review: WAZIR

Suspense is gold if it builds up gradually and bursts out outwitting you completely.  The entire emotional turbulence of anxiety, anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome of a situation can be quite enticing and satiating.
But the same Suspense can be a terrible disappointment if it becomes predictable from the word go, takes way too many loopholes to pan out and can't surprise you.

WAZIR then, commits the same old sin of being way too predictable for a suspense drama and way too leisurely for an edge-of-the-seat thriller. It suffers on account of an incompetent script and a genuine lack of substance.

The film begins promisingly with the two lead protagonists, suffering from grief and guilt (of losing their children), uniting and bonding over the game of chess.
Both Mr.Bachhan and Farhan in terrific form and their moods in perfect sync.Add to this, Mr.Bachhan vocalling some of the film's best lines with so much finesse(the way only he can) makes you invest in the narrative and even condone the leisurely pace.
But all this eventually is a recipe on the lines of 'flattering to decieve'. Game of chess against the game of life, the pawn against the king, all the style and swag-All this buildup for nothing.

Given the predicaments of both the leads, our sympathies for both, not for once surfaces. Blame it on the poorly sketched out characters or a weak script, the emotions of grief stricken parents does not find a way in our hearts.
All this could have easily been swept under the carpet if the thriller element had been up to the mark. One could easily miss the flaws and shortcomings if the pace is healthy and the proceedings have the required urgency. But sadly, the unravelling of the plot happens without any major twists or turns taking away any intrigue left whatsoever. The latter half of the film merely becomes a routine revenge drama.

The big final revelation could be seen from miles away. Nothing startling and nothing surprising. To make it even worse, the director spoon-feeds us the entire details as if we hadn't any clue. High time the filmmakers start trusting the audience's intelligence.

In the end, what should have been a well made noir cum suspense drama turns out low on substance and even low on intelligence.

Give it a miss.