About 30 years ago, Pan Am Flight 73 carrying 359 passengers, on its way to New York, via Karachi was hijacked by terrorists at Karachi Airport , during its stop over there. But, due to courage shown by Head Purser of the crew, Neerja Bhanot, the hijacking was prevented ; but in the process, she was shot dead by the terrorists . Later she was awarded the highest award ‘Ashok Chakra’ posthumously, by the Government.
Now, renowned photographer Atul kasbekar has produced a Hindi biographical thriller drama ‘Neerja’, under the banner of Fox Star Studios; which is inspired by the bravery act of Neerja Bhanot. Sonam Kapoor has portrayed the character of Neerja Bhanot, while her mother’s role is played by Shabana Azmi and father’s role by Yogendra Tiku. Shekhar Ravjiani, of the music director duo Vishal Shekhar, who makes his acting debut through this film, plays the boyfriend of Neerja in this film.
The film begins with a party in the housing society, with Neerja returning from an ad shoot and joining them all and taking a nap, before getting ready for her duty, to catch her early morning flight. She assures her family members that on her return, she would celebrate her 23rd birthday. But, it turns out to be the ill fated day in her life.
As the plane reaches Karachi airport, few terrorists manage to enter the plane and declare the plane as hijacked. Thereafter, we notice, the worst torture of Neerja, other staff members and passengers on board, at the hands of these terrorists. Neerja foils their plan of asking the pilots to fly the plane to a destination of their choice, as she timely alerts the cockpit crew, who flee the plane, from the top emergency escape route. They then demand provision of pilots, from the ground staff at Karachi airport, who keep asking for time. To pressurize the ground staff, they identify US citizens on the board, by asking the staff members including Neerja to collect the passports of the passengers and start attacking them, one by one.
Finally, when the ground staff of Karachi seek security help and start rescue operation, the terrorists counter attack and blow part of the plane. While the terrorists were busy defending themselves, Neerja opens the emergency door to flung a chute and assists the passengers to escape. When she is about to slide the remaining three children, one terrorists aims at them; but Neerja in an attempt to shield the children, takes the bullets on her, sacrificing her life.
Director Ram Madhvani has very cleverly presented the happening of all these events , including this fateful day, in the life of Neerja, by showing her past story , in the flashback. Cinematographer Mitesh Mirchandani has managed to capture all the actions scenes during hijack, very well. Sonam Kapoor is highly impressive as Neerja. It’s a lifetime role for her. Shabana Azmi has found few scenes to prove her class as a versatile actress, including the concluding scene, when she makes an emotion filled speech at a function. Yogendra Tiku, playing Neerja’s father, has also done a good job, through his limited role.
All in all ‘Neerja’ is a realistic and very gripping film, which creates an impact on the audience, as if they were themselves the passengers, witness to this horrifying event.
Rating (****)