STARRING: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani
DIRECTOR: Ram Madhvani
RATING: 4 stars
Neerja movie review will be up in a few hours from now, the much-awaited Sonam Kapoor starrer is a true-life inspired drama. The much-awaited Sonam Kapoor starrer is a true-life inspired drama. Neerja has been banned by Pakistan for allegedly showing the country in bad light, a fact denied by the actress, who portrays slain flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in the film. Neerja, a flight attendant on board a Pan Am Mumbai-New York flight, who was shot dead by terrorists during the hijacking in 1986 while trying to save the lives of passengers. Neerja is directed by Ram Madhvani, produced by Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged.
Neerja is a biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5th, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked at its transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit. This is the story of Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor), a 22 year old part time model, who was the head purser on the flight. Neerja had escaped an abusive marriage at a very young age and as a life change, decided to become an air hostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser. Throughout the horrifying situation, Neerja didn’t succumb to her fears and instead she fought her personal demons from the past and from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, she used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure that the passengers were protected, going as far as to hiding the passports of the American passengers. Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life.
The film, right from the first (though a long one) scene, takes us into the world of Neerja — her family, dog all pottering about a cozy house of the eighties with the stereo system adorning the head bed, the black monster of the landline tring-tringing. They have even got the vinyl chip flooring right.First, it’s a sudden deviation for her character; secondly, the sad song that comes from nowhere breaks the edgy pace of the film.Most likely part about the film was how the director has tried to internalize fear and strength in Neerja’s character. There is a back story of her personal struggle that’s beautifully patched with the crisis on the plane as it gives her enough strength to tackle the situation. Also, there is no melodrama. Her heroism lies in simple things and quick thinking.
Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India’s highest civilian honour for bravery, the Ashoka Chakra, and was bestowed the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism award by U.S.A, Tamgha e Insaaniyat (awarded for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan, Justice for Crimes Award by United States Attorney’s office for the district of Columbia, Special Courage Award by the U.S. government and the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry’s Award as well. This is a portrayal of Neerja’s strength, courage and sacrifice and an attempt to bring before the world this lesser known Indian hero’s story, so that she becomes an example and inspiration to young girls all over for generations to come.
The film does have a couple of flaws. It tends to get a bit slow and manipulative in between. But these are small hiccups in a film that besides telling an inspiring, fearless story briefly comments on the need to bring up our daughters as fearlessly as we bring up our sons. Shabana Azmi nails it in that last scene.
