Expectations
There was a time when our film-makers used to shy away from making official biopics due to various personal and legal reasons attached to it. Though, there have been numerous films which were highly inspired by real life characters, but with lots of cinematic liberties and modifications. Films such as 'Aandhi', 'Chak De India', 'Guru', ‘The Dirty Picture’, 'Tejaswani', 'Godmother', 'Dayavan', ‘Sarkar’, 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbai', 'Company' and many such are perfect example of good films which were inspired from a real life character. Though there were few historical characters based films, but despite of that the genre failed to get the required momentum. But after the back to back arrival of 'Paan Singh Tomar' and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' this genre finally found its way into the heart of Bollywood. The makers were no more worried about the controversies attached to such films and dared to go on their own ways. The latest to join such type of films is 'Neerja' which is based the real life happenings of Neerja Bhanot, the youngest recipient of India’s highest peacetime military award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra. The expectations level are sky high as the first promo seems interesting and has a star power of Sonam Kapoor (who is riding high after the super success of 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo') along with the brilliant actress Shabana Azmi.
Story
'Neerja' is the real life story of Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor), who works as a purser for Pan Am airlines. Neerja stays with her family (Yogendra Tiku & Shabana Azmi). As per her routine, Neerja boards Pan Am Flight 73 which gets hijacked at Karachi, Pakistan by armed Palestinian terrorists. The whole film narrates the real life happenings which took place inside that flight in the year 1986.
Positive Points
The story is real and has been told in a righteous manner. The screenplay is swift and crispy and has been presented in an intriguing manner. Every scene inside the flight is superb along with the flashback scenes related to Sonam’spast and family. The speech by Shabana Azmi in the climax is heart touching and leaves you with a lump in throat. Background music acts as an additional screenplay in the film. 'Jeete Hain Chal' song in the end credits makes your eyes wet with its singing and lyrics. Thanks to the fine detailing of the director the movie never loses it's connect and keeps you glued to your seat throughout the film. He narrates this film in totally thrilling and emotional manner. The makers manage to give us a respectable film based in this genre of hijack drama. Sonam slides easily inside the skin of this real life brave girl and does full justice to it. One can see a huge growth in her as an actor and this movie is till date her best work. Shabana Azmi gives yet another heart touching performance and shines high in the finale part of the film. Yogendra Tiku as Sonam's father is superb and delivers a good performance. Shekhar Ravjiani has very less to offer but lends good support. Casting director deserves a special mention for getting the apt casting.
Negative Points
In the second half of the film, the family scenes should have been trimmed down as they mellow down the intensity of the hijack drama. Also, the jerky camera angles in the start of the film seemed bit distracting. Also, music is not required in such type of films as it affects the flow of the film.
Two Line Review
'Neerja' is one of India's finest hijack based film presented in total thrilling and emotional manner. It narrates the tale of the unsung hero and deserves to be watched and respected by every Indian.
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