Airlift

Rating: 3.5/5

The evacuation of Indians in Kuwait to India when the former is attacked by Iraq forms the base of this well intentioned and well executed movie. Starring Akshay Kumar as Ranjit Katiyal and Nimrat Kaur (Amrita) as his wife in the lead roles, the film stays true to its plot and delivers the adventure strongly to the audience.

Ranjit is a business tycoon in Kuwait and has a strong presence in the political arena. Someone who is proud to be a Kuwaiti, he briefly displays himself as someone completely disinterested of his origin, India. Suddenly faced with a disastrous situation where Kuwait is under siege and Kuwaitis were shamelessly killed at any place by Iraqi soldiers aging from 15-16 years, his true identity of being an Indian becomes his only protection. A change of character and humanity arises and he plans to help all the Indians stuck in Kuwait to safety and negotiates with officials of several countries to rescue them from the war zone. Suffering, anguish, short-lived happiness and efforts of unsung heroes follow as the movie depicts the journey of those Indians and the entire evacuation which subsequently happens.

Airlift works mainly because it has its heart in the right place. There are several very realistic points projected which hits its mark perfectly- how policies can't be worked out in few hours or how refugees can't be brought into a country without knowing accurately who they actually are. But the truly defining moment which received humungous applause is definitely when the tricolour is hoisted at the end. The last 10 minutes definitely leaves a lump in the throat.

The movie definitely belongs to Akshay Kumar and his character Ranjit. Akshay proves no one other than him could have played the character with such power. Yet, the entire supporting cast leaves their etch at the end. Nimrat Kaur's Amrita initially displays selfish behaviour which comes across very honest but later strongly stands by her husband and admires his work. It's great to see Nimrat back on screen after Lunchbox and she delivers her scenes very elegantly. Kumud Mishra as the Ministry of External Affair's joint secretary impresses well by his depiction of a helpless but a hopeful officer who single-handedly takes the initiative to lead the rest of the senior officers into action. Inaamulhaq as the Iraqi major, Purab Kohli as Ibrahim and Prakash Belwadi as George adds loads of interest and emotion into the film.

Music is good and situational. The graphics for the bomb blasts and other attacks looks very video-gamish. Writing is steady. Dialogues are impactful.

Airlift is a must watch film. It's a truly inspiring movie and does complete justice to the actual incident. 

Wazir

Rating: 4/5

"Khel khel mein, Khel khel ke, Khel khel ye aa jaayega

 Haar jeet se, Haar jeet ke, Jeet haar sikhaayega."

The above words in Amitabh Bachchan's baritone sets this steady emotional thriller.

Two mourning fathers delving for revenge with Chess playing their mentor constitutes the basic premise of Wazir. Poignant story, crisp writing, runs high on diverse emotions painted beautifully by excellent performances, Wazir tops in almost all departments.

Danish (Farhan), an officer in anti-terrorism squad, loses his daughter in a shootout resulting in his wife, Ruhaana (Aditi Hydari) distancing herself from him, blaming him for the loss of their little daughter. Deep in grief and boiling in need for revenge, Danish sabotages an encounter operation leading in his suspension. He meets Omkarnath Dhar (Amitabh) who is a wheelchair ridden, queer chess master, who slowly brings Danish out of his depression. Omkar subsequently shares his own grief at the loss of his wife in an accident, his own handicap and then the death of his daughter under mysterious circumstances.

The movie begins with a beautiful song "Tere Bin" picturised on Danish and Ruhaana- their marriage, their daughter and their happy life in slow motion. A perfect happy family. The first half offers thrill and is gripping. The shootout scenes and action sequences are sharply done. Danish's sorrow and rage are established effectively in quick time. On the other hand, Omkar's practical approach yet the sadness in his eyes not concealed, his witty remarks and words with deeply hidden meaning easily makes him lovable. The friendship between Danish and Omkar build effortlessly especially in the scene when they get drunk. The moments when Omkar says "Yaara" automatically brings a smile. Omkar's attempts in finding truth is met with hurdles as his own life comes under threat. Danish, who had been in mourning finally gets a motive in life. To get justice for Omkar- to find the truth behind the death of Omkar's daughter.

The film's only little flaw would be the second half- not completely, but the story falters a bit, not meeting the standards set by the first half. Chess plays its role but not to the extent anticipated.

Standout moments : Danish playing chess with kids, attacks on Omkar and his house, Omkar and Danish's friendship and of course the climax.

Music is fair. Dialogues are clever. Cinematography does its part perfectly. Writing - though good could have been better especially in the second half. The writing of the play and the direction in the climax deserves an extra point. Aditi Rao Hydari plays her role elegantly. Neil Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham do guest appearances but doesn't leave a mark. But what makes the movie work superlatively is the masterly performances from Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan. Farhan plays his role with extreme sincerity while Amitabh portrays his character with finesse. They shoulder the entire movie with diligence.

Wazir is a welcome watch after a dry run of mindless movies.