Set in the heart of Raniganj, West Bengal, in 1989, Mission Raniganj is an edge-of-the-seat thriller led by Additional Chief Mining Engineer Jaswant Singh Gill and essayed by Akshay Kumar. The mission becomes the epitome of hope as Gill and his indomitable team take up the insurmountable challenge of rescuing 65 mine workers trapped in a flooded coal mine with hardly any odds favouring their survival. With three days that put them facing challenges at every step over boulders, wall collapses, and slimy paths filled with mud through the flood waters, they exemplified courage and resilience, pulling off one of the most remarkable rescue operations in India's history.

The movie is based on the real-life rescue operation that took place in 1989. It unfolds the heroic tale of one man who saves as many as 65 workers trapped inside an inundated coal mine at Raniganj, West Bengal.

Mission Raniganj is a gripping and suspenseful cinematic experience, with a runtime of just over 2 hours that seamlessly unfolds. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves audiences with spine-tingling moments. The coal mine scenes are claustrophobic, successfully conveying a fraction of the miners' harrowing ordeal. The film also sheds light on systemic corruption and the plight of the labour class in India. It starkly portrays how human lives are often devalued by corrupt officials more interested in filling their own pockets.

From the technical front, it is well made, with an exceptional part played by mining sequences. Editing is razor-sharp. The background score enhances the blood rush in you, while 'Jeetega' induces goosebumps.

Though Mission Raniganj surely comes up with a thrilling story, at certain points it's clichéd and convenient at storytelling. It sometimes gets too loud while its antagonist remains underdeveloped and stereotypical character-wise. The film stands as a well-executed production, despite the cliche moments it carries.

Akshay Kumar is as reliable as Jaswant Singh Gill, and he adds the punch in the film's final half hour. Parineeti Chopra, though with restricted screen space, makes a mark each time she comes on screen to perform. The supporting cast, comprising Kumud Mishra, Ravi Kishan, and the mine workers, has offered top-notch performances that bring colour to the film. Also worth mentioning are some cute moments that find themselves through a loyal canine companion.

While Mission Raniganj attempts to be an engaging evacuation thriller, it falters in emotionally involving the viewers. It gets melodramatic and lacks that depth, which can aptly show how important this rescue mission is. The intentions of the film may be good, but the sentiment that wants to be stirred doesn't receive the required attention.

Compared with Netflix's 'Thai Cave Rescue', compelling real-life rescue stories are made with greater impact for sure from such films.

'Mission Raniganj- The Great Bharat Rescue,' produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Ajay Kapoor. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai is expected to do well at the box office, since there are no big movies present around.

Verdict: Mission Raniganj delivers a compelling and emotional tribute to the unsung heroes of a daring real-life rescue mission.

Rating : 4/5