I never write movie reviews, but watching NEERJA last night just made me attempt writing one. Director Ram Madhvani has done a fabulous job bringing out this real story of courage and humanity shown by Neerja Bhanot and making her known amongst grateful Indians. It's a poignant story of mother-daughter relationship which is definite to leave one teary eyed at many moments. Shabana Azmi is an actress beyond par but in her role as a mother, she just doesn't let you off even for a milisecond. As for Sonam Kapoor, I think its her best performance till date. I have liked her always but this performance will be etched forever, Sonam!
Amidst present JNU controversy stuck with rationals, nationals, liberals or anit-nationals, Neerja Bhanot's story is an epitome of courage and gumption of human spirit. Movie starts with connecting us slowly with Neerja- a lively, full of life girl coming tired from work, mother patting her and checking if she ate anything- like your most often conversation with your mom. Neerja loves her job- she is diligent and passionate about what she does. We often catch morning flights with half open eyes, get irritated if the flight is delayed, hate going through umpteen security checks but as a flight attendant/ crew, you have to look good, fresh, polite and cheerful. A challenge indeed!
Life is unpredictable, no one boarding PanAm 73 in 1986 would have ever imagined such a horrifying and traumatic experience. It brings on the frugality of life and I loved Rajesh Khanna's punchline used ofetn in the movie- "Zindagi lambi nahi, badi honi chaiye!" Ever imagined how dreadful a moment can be when a decision has to be taken in a quick second while you have a gun pointed towards your head! During the whole movie you will be glued to your seat, in every scene you kind of reflect yourself and the people you love. Helplessness and fear abound, and you earn for clinging to a single ray of hope. In the tough times, hope and courage can come from anything- be it your survival in your past, a lesson from your parent or a phone conversation (as happens in the movie). Towards the end, you will feel so connected to Neerja and her mother Rama (played by Shabana Azmi) that her loss will make you feel losing someone of your own.
Putting a real life incident on a canvas as big as cinema is a colossal task. Credit goes to director Ram Madhvani and his team for bringing Neerja Bhanot's story and making us know this braveheart. This weekend don't miss out watching this movie carrying a beautiful story of a mother & daughter. With current times embroiled in selfishness, hatred, meaningless debates, socialist, capitalist or communist theories, this film will sure reaffirm your belief in one thing which is above any theory - and that is, courage and humanity!
