Airlift
wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
A dusty desert wrought with equal measure of humanity and inhumanity. A film that shows you both facets without making much ado about either. Ought to be watched because these 'too good to be true' events are true.
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Airlift - Preview
A thriller with politics on the side. A restrained Akshay Kumar. Nimrat Kaur in a film one wouldn't expect to see her in. What's not to look forward to in Airlift? Notwithstanding the jarring potential villainous act and a high chance of invoking jingoism.
Music Reviews:
Bollywood Hungama - "4/5"
glamsham – "3.5/5"
Milliblog - "Acquiescent soundtrack, this."
Music Aloud – "6/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Humans for humans. Humans against humans. The story of every war. The story of this world. Airlift brings forth this story without much aplomb. Even if it is not edge-of-the-seat drama, it engages you through the length of the film, despite becoming repetitive.
Airlift is the kind of story that will make you go, “What nonsense! Stuff like that happens only in Hindi films!” What a coincidence that Ranjit Katiyal meets seemingly the most important person in Iraq's attack on Kuwait, when he was seconds away from being shot (for fun!) by Iraqi teenage soldiers! How can over 1.7 lakh people roam around a city being bombed without getting into more trouble than they did? To top it all off, how can a shrewd businessman who is politically incorrect for political reasons, cares only about profit, refuses to call himself Indian have a change of heart, just like that? Maybe some of the things happened differently from the way Airlift puts it up. But, what is shown must be somewhat close to reality. And that's what makes Airlift watchable.
Sure, there must be thousands of details left out. The story despite being 'too good, yet true' seems to have over-simplified things a bit. Especially, when it comes to the 'don't care' attitude of the bureaucracy. Even so, you are not blind to the fact that all the good happened despite of the Indian political system. Just like the humans who help out in times of tragedy contrast so well with the war-mongers who kill without reason; the handful of cogs in the machinery that make the system contrast well with the other parts wanting to bog the system down. The subtle irony is not to be missed – people, some of whom were happy not to be called Indians, look up to the Indian flag while being saved by the efforts of a handful of people because they thought it was the human (not necessarily Indian) thing to do. Not to mention the nation's leadership seems to be completely missing in action. At least, as far as the film goes.
But, scenes like the one with dramatic raising of the Indian flag, or the turning point in Ranjit Katiyal's attitude, or the misplaced songs seem out-of-place compared with the tone of the rest of the film. Thankfully, these are only a few and far between.
The rest of the film flows smoothly and is peppered with interesting characters. Much like real life, put together a group of people and you will fine a few cynical ones, a few who are overwhelmed, a few who take charge and a few who are outright annoying. Purab Kohli's Ibrahim is the silent elf, who goes about his business without much ado. Prakash Belawadi's George is one from the irritating category. He will remind you of that one uncle who wouldn't do a thing for any one else but carries a high sense of entitlement to being looked after. This last one added a much-need, close-to-real-life quirk, however it got overdone soon and became repetitive thereafter.
However, that doesn't take away from the performances. Not only were Purab Kohli and Prakash Belawadi's performances engaging, those of Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur too. Akshay Kumar is always a pleasure to watch when he is in non-hero mode. Even here, when he gets into a fist-fight, he is a common man reacting to something that got to him. Innamulhaq as the Iraqi major has a very distracting accent though because of which his whole act comes off as over-the-top.
Nimrat Kaur, on the other hand, is as convincing as a bored, rich guy's wife as she is as a bickering one and equally as one who stands up for her husband. You can't blame her or even the script if the role called for her to just be a wife, one way or another. Maybe to counter that she is given a monologue – for her character to seem pertinent and keep Airlift from being a movie with barely any women. Good thing then, that it is directed towards a character who deserves the bashing. But maybe that is why the monologue seems stretched a tad bit, because it seems like it has an ulterior motive.
This holds true of a few other scenes and situations too – a little stretched and repetitive. But fortunately, not enough to hamper the pace of the film too much. The climax seems a little rushed, but that is more about over-simplification than the pace of the film.
Yet, Airlift doesn't suffer too bad because of these issues. After all, anything that instills your faith in humanity can suffer only so much because things like pace and length. Especially, because these 'too good to be true' events are true.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...But Schindler’s List carried a charge of danger. Will he get caught? That is never a question in Airlift, which, after the urgent initial portions, begins to plod towards a wholly expected ending. Even the scenes with the Kuwaiti widow, who’s described as a “time bomb,” don’t really detonate. But none of this takes away from the fact that this is a fine film, a fine example of how it’s possible to incorporate Western understatement into a very Indian movie, and, more importantly, a fine model for how our aging heroes can continue playing the action hero. At least until a time we begin to wonder if the film should really be called… Facelift. ... full review
Thumbs up, by ASIRA TARANNUM, Deccan Chronicle : ...Coming to the glitches, one couldn't understand when Akshay Kumar, who doesn't approve of Hindi music, is seen shaking a leg on a song in the opening sequence of the film. The first half of the film moves smoothly but the hasty evacuation towards the end makes the story lose grip. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Kritika Goel , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Emotionally gripping and an honest narration of what had happened in Kuwait in 1990. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Yatharth Chauhan , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Pure cinema coupled with patriotism brings out Akshay Kumar’s best! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Aneela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Moving. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Kritika Goel , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Emotionally gripping and an honest narration of what had happened in Kuwait in 1990. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sidhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A few flaws don't prevent this from being a must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sethumadhavan Napan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A non jingoistic patriotic tale,this one sees director Raja Menon making it to the big league & has one of Akshay Kumar's best performances. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Watch the film to get to know a slice of history most Indians have largely forgotten... ... full review
Thumbs up, by Gayatri Gauri, FirstPost : ...Kudos to Menon for giving us Akshay Kumar’s Chak De India. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Tanul Thakur , FirstPost : ...These flaws do hurt Airlift, but it still remains a deeply humane film. It is, of course, a straightforward commercial film, which is not unfamiliar to silly compromises, but one that’s also not sheepish about the fact that it cares. Sometimes that’s enough. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Subash K Jha, FirstPost : ...Sometimes, being human comes naturally to cinema. That’s the moment we need to salute celebrate and sanctify so that we get to see more unsung heroes on screen. We didn’t know Ranjit Katyal. But now Akshay Kumar has brought this unclaimed hero out of the rubble of history. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...AIRLIFT brings to mind the HOTEL RWANDA, the 2004 American historical drama film directed by Terry George. In this movie, Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, leads a happy life with his wife and children in Rwanda. He displays immense courage by saving the lives of many helpless refugees during a communal war. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Turbulence aside, Airlift is an engaging movie that keeps it real, emotional and dramatic. ... full review
Thumbs up, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...For the most part, the film feels authentic, and Nimrat Kaur blends right in. Just a wee bit awkward in the early scenes, she comes into her own by the time she must deliver a scathing monologue during a crisis of faith over her husband’s actions. But Airlift, expectedly, rests on Akshay Kumar’s shoulders, and he underplays the heroism beautifully, bringing quiet but steely resolve to the character, even delivering the stray note of humor almost conversationally. There’s almost none of his starry baggage in this performance, which easily counts amongst his best. ... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: Airlift is a commendable and laudable film which deserves to be seen by all Indians on the occasion of Republic Day. It is made with humanity to tell a human story which could have turned out to be a tragedy. A few brave souls saved the lives of 170,000 people and it’s time more Indian directors started telling stories like this which tells Indian stories amidst a global scenario. If you are in the mood to be entertained, watch Airlift. If you are in the mood to be educated, watch Airlift. If you are in a patriotic mood, watch Airlift. You know what? Just watch Airlift. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: Airlift is a perfect Republic day weekend watch. It’s not high on patriotism but has the right amount of it. Also, like always Akshay Kumar never lets you down with films coming from this genre. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...While in no way diminishing close to a dozen excellent supporting turns—Kumud Mishra’s South Block bureaucrat in particular is beautifully written and played—this is undeniably Kumar’s film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Menon's deft execution of the plot in hand, crisp editing (Hemanti Sarkar), dialogues which are perfectly tailored for the script, and good cinematography (Priya Seth) make this film a must watch. Don't miss it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...However, Airlift is not just a taut thriller and does send across a message about patriotism and unity without rubbing your nose in it. The background score and the cinematography does wonders for the plot and renders Airlift one of the most watchable films to have come out this year. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...On an overall basis, ‘Airlift’ is a fine docu-drama with stellar performance and brilliant story telling. I won’t add ‘Airlift’ to the genre of hardcore patriotic films, but, would instead term it as a great human drama. Kudos to the makers, to add and display a forgotten piece of history in its cinematic avatar. Though it mellows down in the middle portion and might not please Akshay’s massy fans, but, for all others who love good cinema, ‘Airlift’ makes you endure the crisis in reality due to its fine cinema. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Airlift is a film that every Indian, and every Bollywood buff despairing for genuinely high quality storytelling, must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Akshay Kumar is fantastic as the businessman who turns into a hero in the moments of crisis. The character goes through an entire gamut of emotions, and Akshay comes out trumps. Kumud Mishra is masterful as the government official who tries his best to make a case for the trapped Indians. Nimrat Kaur impresses as the well-looked after wife who also surprises by displaying real grit by choosing to stay back with the other Indians. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shaheen Raaj, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: Airlift is one classy film well suited for the globe-trotting film festival circuit. And for its popularity amongst the Indian mass audiences it certainly needs a lot of encouragement.... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Yet, Airlift works because it conveys a time when armies will attack civilians - you're struck by how IS was born from the Iraqi army's core - and raises Bollywood's generic bar. Plus, it movingly celebrates the most beautiful flag in the world. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...You must watch ‘Airlift’ for I am sure most of us are oblivious to the magnitude of this real-life incident. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ...A must watch for every Indian. Remember this will make you believe in what Indians can do when 'united'. It can be your January 26—Republic Day delight with family! ... full review
So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Still, with all its flaws, Airlift is head and shoulders, eyebrows and hairline above the last film in which Akshay ventured into India’s foreign affairs, the amateurishly written Baby. This one manages to build up a sense of urgency around the evacuation effort, gets us to feel for its characters and reminds us that the worst of times can bring out the best in ordinary folk. It would be great to see Akshay backing more films like Airlift and Special 26 (2013). This is the best that he has ever been. ... full review
So-So, by Tashar P. Joshi, Bollywood Life : ...Watch Airlift coz it tells a very important story that never got a mention in our history books. And also because the attempt to try out such subjects and storylines is applause worthy. Only if there were less songs and an editor who could tighten the length, Airlift would be soaring newer heights. ... full review
So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...A spirited effort and Akshay Kumar’s performance are the high points of Airlift. ... full review
So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...There’s no doubt that much more could have been done with this story. While gritty and engaging, this is at best a feeble attempt to tell a story about contemporary heroics.... full review
So-So, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...The film signs off with a heart-tugging patriotic feeling. Suddenly it feels so right - you forgive (and possibly forget) the first half and walk away feeling light-headed. It's a splendid feeling to love one's country and it's even better to love it without having to hate anyone. That is perhaps the biggest achievement for Airlift. ... full review
So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...Even when toasting a true story, say our movies, a superstar is worth more than a real hero. ... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...all wrapped up in the tricolour. Airlift would have been a better film without this nationalistic bluster but has a bigger potential at the box office now with the Republic Day just round the corner.... full review
So-So, by Saumil Gandhi, Upper Stall : ...There isn’t a direct reference to any other Indian film, sure. But comparisons with Argo will be inevitable, and Airlift falls well short of that small little big film in the areas that matter. ... full review
Vivianamall: An emotional and gritty thriller, Airlift will surely blow your mind. Watch this movie at Cinepolis at Viviana Mall! https://t.co/bo7FUUWug8
vinodsolid007: सुपर हिट फ़िल्म. — Gold Digital Cinema में Airlift देख रहा/रही है https://t.co/dEqJ1WctEE
vijayjoshi3: watched AIRLIFT must watch movie @akshaykumar thank u sir for making such a wonderful movie
veersingh927: देशभक्ति के जज्बें और अक्षय की एक्टिंग का श्रेष्ठ उदाहरण है एयरलिफ्ट - @akshaykumar #Airlift https://t.co/ySzekcPeWp
vansh_bedi: #airlift #goosebumps The best movie ever seen #AkshayKumar #applauded
VaibhavPuranikk: Airlift review : Must watch if you are a @akshaykumar fan, & also a must watch even if you are not...
urbanevey: #Airlift is super amazing film, stellar performance,well executed, goosebumps. Entire hall left applauding #MustWatch film #ProudToBeIndian
twtlikeakhiladi: #Airlift till interval awsm
Tutu0701: "AIRLIFT" A TRUE INDIAN SHOULD WATCH THIS MOVIE..WHAT A MOVIE...AS ALWAYS PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN
TripathiGaurav: A good film seldom comes but a perfect film is a rarity. Don't miss Airlift it's one of the finest films to come... https://t.co/ep7G4gY9sy
thomas_benson11: #Airlift the movie is a must watch @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial @RajaMenon @AkkiFansClub @AKFansGroup https://t.co/783eT9CgWW
thepassionking: Salutes, Hats off, Clap, Clap, Clap Makes Me Proud (9/10 stars) Jai Hind,,, #Airlift @akshaykumar
thenilampatel: #airlift superb! Hats off to all those involved for bringing this to our screens #jaihind
theniksjajodia: #Airlift u cant take your eyes off the screen.Epic movie,brilliant acting from https://t.co/eV0zIZdMQi of his finest performance.Hats off
ThatDesiTeen: Why can't Bollywood audience watch Airlift instead of Kya Kool Hain Hum 3 ? Please don't let Airlift flop. Wth guys!
tafseelahmed121: Nice muvie airlift
SurajsinghSuraj: देशभक्ति से ओत-प्रोत 'एयरलिफ्ट' के बारे में जरूर जानें इसे. फिल्म देखने को लेकर बदल जाएगा मूड और...! https://t.co/CNRrI52kya
surajp01: Akshay Kumar: 'Airlift' is about being a proud Indian https://t.co/fELqSd9oXX
sunyy7: In #Airlift @akshaykumar delivers his best performance ever. (A Classic, Real Film - Do not Miss). 4.5*/5.
SubwaySync: Amazing! AIRLIFT movie. Love it.
StarEntertain: Bollywood digs deeper with Airlift https://t.co/TWJtOUitXp
sri50: #Airlift 3.5/5. #NimritKaur is aptly cast. Supporting actors make it real like Prakash Belwadi & Haq as Iraqi general super. - Rushed ending
spalresha: Must must watch film...#Airlift Adore @akshaykumar for making this kinda film..#Patroism#salute#
snehbhatiajsm: #airlift must watch Thx un hero se milwane ke liye jinpe hum proud feel kar sake
smitdani07: #Airlift @AirliftFilm 5 star movie and awesome performance by @akshaykumar. Crowd in the theatre gave Standing Salute to @airindiain
Skylarkx_Inc: Movie Review: #Airlift The untold story of India’s biggest evacuation mission is certainly worth a watch.... https://t.co/8bkVmu4FO9
sky08081994: watched Airlift the fantastic one for the Indian one and the perfect is this one ....feel the patritiosm in u
SinghRowdysingh: If Interval is awesome ...then after the film u will be in the AIR ...Enjoy 2nd half is the BEST OF BEST #Airlift https://t.co/dBLh6a3nqq
Singh10091993G: Airlift✈ grt movie
shivika_gupta26: Watched #Airlift today. Such a wonderful flick. Fabulous acting @akshaykumar but more than that.. very well directed. Must watch!
shivaok: Thank you @akshaykumar for makin such a nice movie... Enjoyed a lot #Airlift Jai Hind
shaileshkapoor: Akshay Kumar is a delight to watch in Airlift. Simply outstanding. Peak of his career, this.
ShahMrmerciless: After #Baby #Airlift is Akshay Kumar's best heartwarming entertainment movie @akshaykumar Well portrait by @RajaMenon . feels proud
SArora0920: Amazing,terrific,mindboggling movie #Airlift based on a true story. @SohailKhanFC @aajtak @ZeeNews @MTVIndia @ZoomTV @DharmaMovies @TSeries
sambitrocks: #Airlift Hats off @akshaykumar Nobody could have done this role better than you. This movie is a milestone in Indian cinema.
SalmanKObsessed: #Airlift was supposed to be an inspiring and empowering story. And it did just that.
sahab_vakil: what an awesome act by #AkshayKumar in #Airlift #AirliftDay a must watch 4 all.
RocKstrGirl: OMG Holiday Special 26 Baby Gabbar Is Back now Airlift.... @akshaykumar.... _/\_ you are the BEST..<3
ritukarwa: Plz Don't Leave The Cinema Hall After Movie Gets Over Do Watch Out For End Credits & Pics From Evacuation Off 1990 #Airlift
rinks_s: Watched Airlift ....gud job Akki n nimi ..luv u for tht
RebDeCosta: #Airlift must watch movie
RaviTejaDevotee: will watch again #Airlift
Ravikumar8055: Go and watch AIRLIFT and feel proud to be Indian
Ravigandha: Done with #Airlift ing, super movie humanity and patriotism at peaks. Must watch movie. #AirliftDay
ratikarani: just watch #airlift ,love it
RatanSaBarli: Finally watched #Airlift! What a film! Brilliant screenplay, incredibly written dialogues, fast paced, high octane drama! My rating: 4*/5*
RajAlwani1: Must watch airlift......
rahul4mittal89: #Airlift- Superb! most of the scenes gives you goosebumps and in the end, left you smiling with wet eyes. Kudos... https://t.co/4t5vMAiPUL
pratibha5550: #Airlift a movie of is a great motivation. @akshaykumar @nikkhiladvani @NimratOfficial @RajaMenon @AkkiFansClub https://t.co/nWBhvuxlXU
prasj1234: #Airlift Awesome Movie.. Great Acting.. Proud to be an Indian.. Well Done Akki.. @akshaykumar @AirliftFilm #JaiHind
praneetsamaiya: What an amazing movie @AirliftFilm Must watch.. Feel proud to be an Indian.. Brilliant acting @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial #Airlift
PawanAkki425: Oscar award for @akshaykumar MASTERPIECE AIRLIFT
patiyal23: Saw the first show of Airlift and Proud to be an Indian. Hats off for Akshay for his finest acting in Airlift. https://t.co/BVAJqVJbRD
parthiv9: #Airlift is a must must watch. One of the finest film...very well written true story...super acting by @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial
paneri_sandeep: #Airlift gave me the jitters! Hats off guys Fab job by @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial & @AirliftFilm #ProudToBeIndian
panditshridhar: #Airlift one of the best film seen recent years. Thank you @akshaykumar for the film.
pabitrasaikia1: what an amazing movie #Airlift
niteshajmer: Airlift.. must watch movie.. fantastic performances.. akshay .. u r the best.. best movie of all time..
NHAcharya: Go watch #Airlift. Just go.
Nainaaidasani: Its movies such as #Airlift that make people believe in the power of cinema. @akshaykumar you spectacular man take a bow!
MyTalentBazaar: #AirliftReview: Emotions blended with Personal stories 4.5/5* => https://t.co/4LwxPG7QgY #AirliftDay #Airlift https://t.co/7NwnC4XxLI
mr_khiladi24: ✈ #Airlift is a good film, solidly plotted, well executed and well-acted by @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial must watch
monutiwari1994: Awesome and delightful movie #airlift #proudtobeindian https://t.co/BgjEf0cmAN
Mohitkumar_prt: Good Evening Mitro,,, jai shree Radhe. The one thing i would recommend u plz a must watch the best movie airlift. Akshay sir (*ˉ︶ˉ*) लव यू
mohammed53aabid: એરલિફ્ટ ઇન્ડિયન હોવાનો ગર્વ કરાવે છે https://t.co/P3ZzsBXKYm via @navgujaratsamay
manishk900: #Airlift it's a must watch with such a inspiring story of our country @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial too good with entire creators of this!!!
ManekGadhvi: Please do not compare #Airlift with shit #KyaKoolHainHum3 movie. Is that really a movie? I wouldn't watch it. Good night.
Mainak25: Amazing acting!!!! @akshaykumar. Again first day imdb rating 9.7/10 after Baby #airlift
LyronFernandes1: #Airlift Is such a amazing movie! @akshaykumar was fabulous in the movie! And @NimratOfficial is such a talented actor.
luckyrohra: Watched #airlift a brilliant movie and every indian should watch this movie @akshaykumar your acting is best
looking4manish: #Airlift awesome movie....
kushbedwal: Everyone should watch this movie #Airlift
kurnool_city: #Airlift good film
KhiladiForever: Muje Airlift dobara dekhna hei abhi
khiladi_satish: #Airlift ka #Imdb rating 9.7/10 :o :o Awesome @akshaykumar Sir :*
KaranjeShubham: watched #Airlift b2b 2times. gr8 work by @Akshaykumar. epic movie @Airlift #FDFS
JayPurani1: Airlift ✈
jayantadas10: Everything in the movie #Airlift looks real, this is TOP CLASS PERFORMANCE from whole team. Audience should go to Multiplex at least once.
iSubodhSharma: #Airlift Must watch movie of this year. Masterpiece Airlift
Ipikainaskar: What a movie #Airlift @akshaykumar sir jst take a bow!! Proud to be a Indian!! Hats off #AirliftDay
info_future: What a movie!!!! #Airlift. Hats off to the best Actor @akshaykumar.
imabhimehta: Superhit airlift
IAmKumarManoj: शानदार जबरदस्त जिंदाबाद एक शानदार मूवी एक सच्चे भारतीय की जिसकी कहानी आपके रोंगटे खड़ी कर देगी @akshaykumar #Airlift
Huss_Master: When You Watch Movies Lyk #Airlift U Can Say That 'Acche Din' Is Back In Bollywood
ht_Rupee1: Airlift review | Akshay Kumar’s acting impresses, worth a watch https://t.co/T1nIPFk3SZ
GurmeetSingh42: Akshay Kumar On Airlift: The Biggest Human Evacuation In History https://t.co/nZbcsKGHJK via @YouTube AWESOME SOOOO HAPPY #AirliftDay
gupta_saloni15: Amazing storyline! Brilliant presentation! #Airlift #AirIndia @OYERJALOK @harshkumarsays @hip_soul_dancer @risabbothra1 @kamanrahul @iAjKP
Ekta_hinduja: #airlift a Movie for those whole believe they can survive anywhere without their motherland... Well Watch it to believe it .... #indialove
dryeyes4docs: Airlift is a must watch...the story of a PROUD INDIAN should be known to every1!!
DRSUNILTIWARI2: your acting is superrrbbb .. one day u will be no. 1 actressess in bollywood. @Nimratofficial . #Airlift
DKBabbar: what a classic movie ! wow! glad akki sir ! MASTERPIECE AIRLIFT
djain15: Go and watch it please. You wil feel proud to be an indian. @akshaykumar You nailed it Bro!
Dhiraj14Sharma: The #Airlift has lifted everybody's mood to #Patriotism.
coolajjurana: i watched #Airlift well done @akshaykumar u r hero of the nation keep it up superb movie . 5/5.
cinedabba: krish praises #Airlift movie https://t.co/OLxROzVjsa https://t.co/sHpndubUXE
chilkoti2: Airlift: Movie Review : Sez - Gr8 !!
chiintan89: After watchin #Airlift movie the only thing comes in mind #PROUD and true #INDIAN movie worth #Oscar
bose_suprateek: MASTERPIECE AIRLIFT , no Khan can beat @akshaykumar , Jai Hind
bhavyasharma: Saw #Airlift today..great movie with amazing performances
bhanutyag: #airlift awesome movie @akshaykumar awesome acting sir.. the flag uplifted at jordan scene is best #respect #proudtobeindian
BeingAban: Liked #Airlift * Good performances * Slow paced but enjoyable * Much better than Baby
BazanDam: #Airlift the movie is a must watch https://t.co/aB0PfCu7Tb https://t.co/7hPieh7mTw
bansalat: Watched Airlift in London, Excellent movie, Thanks @akshaykumar @NimratOfficial Well done. #VandeMatram #JaiHind
BANASREEGHOSH: #Airlift wow!!!!hatoff @akshaykumar ...guys u have to watch it...for me 5 out of 5....
arunwagesh: #Airlift Worth watch. Only for patriotic ppl. Not for pseudo seculars. After all bakhwas Khan's movies, Airlift - a treat on Republic day
AnupSukumaran: #MustWatchAirLift https://t.co/AvwFgUi8DL #NarendraModiJindabad
ansari_zoya_: #Airlift MasterPiece Airlift. @AirliftFilm #proud https://t.co/fzF5HpLWkT
Ankit1606Singh: Really a nice movie Airlift @akshaykumar what a acting done by you really good work . After ths only this come to mind Vande Matram Jai Hind
Aniruddhsippy: Watched #Airlift #AirliftDay It's #jolly_good....#such a #Masterpiece @akshaykumar MASTERPIECE AIRLIFT
amitshukla81: What an amazingly patriotic film. Biggest ever rescue operation by India. Airlift is all about being a proud... https://t.co/JRN7QzoKOS
akshay_nepal: Oww great feeling. Hats off you akki sir #Airlift 5/5
akkolapkar: Nice movie
akkiankumar: MASTERPIECE AIRLIFT https://t.co/jFfnAzgiXo
AKFansGroup: For ur money & time,#AkshayKumar is most watchable star in Bolywood today.#RanjitKatiyal is Bahubali of his crisis (SKJ) AIRLIFT IN CINEMAS
ajitkrsinhaa: Watched 'Airlift'..... Well done Akshay Kumar and the team.
ajit1113: Retweeted Damiana Bazan (@BazanDam): #Airlift the movie is a must watch https://t.co/FYyLU8TiLJ... https://t.co/avJsCEYQys
ajaydevgnfan: Wishing all the very best to @akshaykumar for #Airlift will be watch it this weekend.
Adil12346: The urge to go and watch 'Airlift' right now rather than be revising
aasthatomar: #Airlift...must watch...not only for the movie but to realise how #Refugees suffer and how lucky we are to sit in our homes comfortably
AaRVverma9: Airlift!!!What A Outstanding Movie @akshaykumar Sir U r Always My ideal.Ur acting Is Outstanding U Make us Proud Sir Ji.. IProudtobeIndian.
AanyaSaar: Feel proud we have such good heroes in our country ! #AirIndia evacuated 170k humans #Airlift @sabsebadakhiladi @IndusSpirit @Abundantia_Ent
91_9033757176: Watched movie #Airlift awesome movie.. #AkshayKumar rocks.. #superlikes must watch movie.
28aaaoxo_g: Had the best day ever!#AirLift was such a great movie. Left me… https://t.co/xLBU0Kast3
25de03c6f6b744a: #Airlift released today with excellent reports! Superb performance @Akshay kumar !Must watch...
_shaayraana: #Airlift is honestly one of the most enduring films ever, set amidst a war backdrop. So earnestly conveyed by @RajaMenon @nikkhiladvani
santosh0929: Airlift has super performance by Akshay Kumar. But weak direction and execution spoils the narrative.Akshay is in top form and life of movie
amol4: #Airlift is a good film. Documentary-ish. Could hv been faster. The 'tension' isnt there as much as is reqd fr a thriller. Akshay is superb!
ambitious_amar: Hmm yaar 1time acha laga par 2nd time yeh irritating lag raha tha
archanackapoor: Airlift Movie Review: High on Drama https://t.co/i3NT87msIE via @prasannabidkar
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: War scenes. One fist fight.
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: One scene with molestation.
- Concept: A true life story of one good Samaritan taking charge of getting 170,000 people out of danger from a war zone
- General Look and Feel: A dusty desert wrought with equal measure of humanity and inhumanity.
![[Facebook page of Airlift]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Airlift]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Airlift]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Airlift]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Airlift]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (16)
The film's trailer tout it as based on a real story. As far as my memory stretches, and common sense stretches too, I don't think that an evacuation on the scale of a Guiness World Record could be done without agreement of the prevailing government of the country (Kuwait) at that time. And if there is an agreement from the government then there is no drama in the evacuation, it is a classic official evacuation - okay behind a backdrop of war.
So I wonder what kind of fictional story has been concocted around the real life evacuation. I hope that the producer / director is not misleading audience by hyping on the "real story".
The story is indeed a mix of fiction and reality but in my city, i was unable to get the tickets for the first day today.
Friends told me that the movie is not bad but not that good too. It's an average muvi.
Thanks for your review. I was searching for a genuine review to console me for not getting the tickets.
Early trends suggest a huge growth in the evening and night shows among the metropolitan cities. Word of mouth in metros seems to be strong. Kudos Akshay Kumar!
Word of mouth at the end of day 1 is very strong. Good luck to the team.
Although AIRLIFT has the same genre & target audience as BABY, it scores over the latter in 2 regards. Firstly unlike Baby, Airlift has been publicized and promoted exceptionally well which has created a great sense of awareness & anticipation amongst its target audience. One of the biggest problems with Baby was that there was hardly any pre-release hype for that film. And hence we find Airlift opening to much better collections than Baby. Secondly, Akshay Kumar was never a popular enough actor among the urban audiences until Baby happened. The positive word of mouth & the goodwill factor from Baby has indeed rubbed off on Airlift which has enabled Airlift to soar to strong heights. Although Baby was just an Average grosser at the ticket windows (81 cr), it went on to become one of the most watched and admired films of 2015 in the digital television circuit. This goodwill factor has rubbed off well on AIRLIFT.
Well! Can anybody tell if Ranjit Katyal alive or not? Failed to get any news of him on net. Maybe movie throws some light on his present status.
I wonder why during the time of real evacuation in 90's, papers hardly mentioned Mr. Katyal's name.
@Raj : You have never heard of Ranjit Katyal because he is a fictitious character. There was no person by the name of Ranjit Katyal during the 1990 evacuation. The evacuation was synchronized by 5-6 wealthy Indian businessmen based in Kuwaith along with the then external affairs minister IK Gujaral's negotiations with Saddam Hussain.
http://www.bhaskar.com/news/INT-airlift-ranjit-katyal-is-fictional-character-no-role-in-1990-evacuation-5230379-PHO.html
http://www.newscrunch.in/2016/01/the-mystery-of-ranjit-katyal-man-does.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_airlift_of_Indians_from_Kuwait
He generated adequate box office numbers and popularity via mass entertainers like the Khiladi series, Welcome, Singh is King, Housefull series and Rowdy Rathore. And now just like a responsible superstar actor with experience should do, he is giving importance to content oriented films like OMG, Special 26, Baby and Airlift. While his contemporaries continue to involve themselves in stupid box office number games and festival releases by doing films like Dhoom 3, Kick, Dilwale, HNY and PRDP, Akshay Kumar is one superstar who is breaking new ground and exploring himself further in his 3rd decade as a main lead.
@Meeta & co : For everyone (including myself) who accused WAZIR of being a thriller full of loopholes, I recommend you people go through the rules of Chess and try associating that with the movie. A weak pawn (Amitabh Bachchan) moves one step at a time from one end of the chess board to another which finally allows him to invoke the all powerful Queen (Wazir-Farhan Akhtar) in order to destroy the opponent king (Manav Kaul). That's good, smart and extremely tactical use of chess as a metaphor in the movie by writer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Unfortunately, only avid chess players and followers would understand and apply this in context of the film!
Airlift is a "fictional" masterpiece. Read my review on :
http://thesimplemoviereviewer.blogspot.in/2016/01/airlift-movie-review-brilliant-fiction.html
Airlift is a "fictional" masterpiece. Read my review on :
http://thesimplemoviereviewer.blogspot.in/2016/01/airlift-movie-review-brilliant-fiction.html
Direction: 3
Story: 3.5
Lead Actors: 3
Character Artists: 3
Dialogues: 3.5
Screenplay: 2.5
Music Director: 0.5
Lyrics: 0.5
The keen watch on screen : I consider myself keen.
I did watch it and the patriotic moment when the Indians are airlifted did give me goosebumps. But then that was it. The rest of the movie's execution came across as a documentary.
I would like to reserve a few words of appreciation for Akshay Kumar. He is restrained and of the top quality. For the first time I realised how good he is to have survived and excelled in Hindi film industry for 20 years. His dance movements, his successful and to an extent arrogant business man act, his fight to get his countrymen safe, etc. all came across as top quality. He has never been given his due respect in the industry and I feel that is unjust. This movie should help his career and esteem in the industry climb up few notches.
Engaging film. The Iraqi Major seemed to belong to some other film. Akshay has probably never looked better.
Full of cliches. Not much to say about acting. Direction is too loose. Could have been much more with tighter direction and scripts.
@Anuj I get the symbolism, still doesn't work. Too in-the-face, too obvious.
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