I belong to the generation(now nostalgically famous) of Indian kids of 90's. Early nineties, Akshay Kumar was trying to break into the film industry, and me into this new world. Late nineties, I knew Akshay Kumar but never heard of Kuwait evacuation of 1,70,000 stranded Indians by our hit and miss government. A number big enough to propel this writer to present the figures numerically instead of words. But not big enough to find mention in our history books. Out of the two, one thing kept changing during the last twenty five years(you know it and agree with), my view of Akshay Kumar. Not only mine but anyone who has been watching Bollywood movies would agree to the ever changing onscreen avataar of this man. From an action king to comedic king and now a superstar foraying into the world of meaningful cinema, he has always grown through the years. An indication of life well lived. But it took a man named Raja Krishna Menon(just two film old) to make us all aware of this historic feat, an evacuation of 1,70,000 people from a war torn country in just 59 days. Thank you, Sir.
So now when we are done with a bit of history, lets talk about the present. An Akshay Kumar film always manages to draw the attention of audience but to create the hype/buzz, a strong trailer is must today when on an average four films are releasing every Friday. Airlift teaser released in Nov 2015, was one of the best of the year. Building up with the hard-hitting dialogues to the sight of goose-bump-inducing Indian flag, we all were sold. Dialogues were strong(not the cheesy ones we usually get in Bollywood) and emotions even more stronger. Nothing but the feeling of being Indian brings us together so strongly, and deservedly Airlift became one of the most anticipated films of 2016.
Watching Airlift in theatre on Republic day made for the perfect outing. Except for the songs, movie was strongly rooted to the reality. Raja Menon presented the story strictly in a manner which was required, not a tear-jerker or a melodrama but an inspiring tale of human spirit in crisis time. From writers point of view, its very difficult to write a story which finds very few mentions in the records, so cinematic liberties are forgiven. Of course the character of Ranjit Katiyal was the driving force but other characters of like Amrita Katiyal, George, Ibrahim, Sanjiv Kohli, Major Khalaf Bin Zayad and many more completed the whole spectrum of mankind and its spirit. The situations and the little talks between the characters made the story compelling and touched the right spots of human heart.
Why do crisis brings people close to each other ? Will to phase out the bad times, believe in Unity in Strength, true spirit of humanity, realization of being small in front of time & course of nature or just survival instincts. Combination of these, maybe. But I have a very pessimistic view about it. When you are the only one experiencing rough weather, the others won't take notice of you as they have to come out of their bubble of happiness. Of course you will return the same favor. But when in crisis, when everyone is being hunted down, when everyone is in the same boat, only then and then people held onto each-others hand genuinely. As shown in the film Ranjit Katiyal lost the power his name commanded and he was just an Indian, helping his fellow brothers and determined to fight the crisis and survive it. It is just an irony that you can truly differentiate the right from the wrong, only in such times. Maybe we should test the waters more to get the better perspective of human life. We can keep on creating hierarchies but it would take just one blow from the Mother nature to remind us all that we are just a damn human in the end.
A big applause to the guy who conceived the idea of making this film, for now we know what importance one's motherland holds in one's life. Barah Aana(2009), by Raja Menon was a fair attempt but inconsistent in parts but here in Airlift, his direction works big time. Airlift should not be compared with Argo, as the latter was thriller and the former is pure drama. Priya Seth's exemplary cinematography is visible in war scenes and aerial shots. Background music is okay. For me, this is Akshay Kumar's best. Vulnerability is something we can all identify with and Akshay brought it alive onscreen impeccably.
“In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage, understanding and love.”
― Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
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