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.
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