The taut script is the highlight

Rating: 9/10 (23 January 2016)

It could have been an all-out action movie with all the usual Akshay Kumar moves. But here's a script that describes aided by a background and the story concisely and clearly - - the oil politics, the national politics, the reluctance of the External Affairs Ministry to get involved, the migrant experience, the rich-poor divide even amongst Indian expats. And the story keeps moving, maintaining the tension (even though every Indian knows the outcome). There are some moments of biting humour was well. Akshay Kumar respects this script in a nuanced performance supported by Belawadi, Mishra and Inaamul Haq. As for Director Menon (is he a rookie?), superb job. Some favourite moments have been mentioned by others. But see how Menon handles this 5-second bit. The airlift pilots (from Air- India) briskly walk into the aircraft; the rescued passengers already seated watch them come in. They break into applause by way of thanks. The (volunteer) pilots stop, surprised, and then their faces light up when they realise what the passengers are conveying to them. No words, just applause, all in just 5 seconds. And a lump in my throat.