A patriotic cinematic gem, that has one of Akshay Kumar's best performances till date.

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2016)

Airlift is an amazing film and I like to state that in the beginning. Airlift evokes a sense of patriotism that is so real, and not gimmicky as we see with other Indian films. Here everything is extremely sharp, real, gritty and raw. One feels as they have been thrown into a war zone, its a very film authentic. Hence its a very brutal, and sometimes hard to stomach, but its exhilarating. We rarely (if ever) get to see a film like this made in India which is made on such a huge scale, and talks of a real story of how 1,70,000 Indians were stuck in Kuwait during the time Iraq and Saddam Hussain attacked Kuwait in 1990. Its of international standards. What ones sees in the film will leave you teary eyed, you will be left gasping, and finally all Indians will feel proud of Airlift. This film is a gem that should be watched by all Indians, it left me speechless because we rarely get to see good cinema nowadays but Airlift is what we categorize as a classic. The human emotions, the amazing camera work, the great visual effects, the thrilling screenplay, and above all the best acting I have seen in a film for awhile by Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar deserves a national award for this film, the man is the film, he has given his all to Airlift. His act has a goose bump arising affect.
Story wise Ranjit Katyal is a shrewd businessman who liked enjoying the high society life of Kuwait. His wife Amrita Katyal is happy in her own world with her little daughter. Their world is turned upside down as Iraq invades Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Circumstances get the best or worst out of people. Ranjit who was a selfish businessman turns a new leaf as he watches his driver murdered in front of his own eyes. He along with a group of rich friends organizes a camp for 1, 70, 000 Indians. The subsequent days are a glorious account of his powerful negotiating skills with enemies as well as friends.
Acting wise Airlift probably has one of the best ensembles seen in a Hindi film after a long time. Akshay Kumar like stated before is MINDBLOWING. He is completely restraint, but what he conveys in his eyes, is what you call acting. I cant single out one scene,but he is outstanding in the whole film. Give him all the Indian film awards he deserves them. Nimrat Kaur character is completely real and she stands out in her monologue just after the interval when Tipu Sultan the ship is sent back. She is at her fiery best in that speech.Kumud Mishra is a revelation,this mans relentless act will leave you in awe. Prakash Belawadi is first rate as the annoying, but eager helpless south Indian wanting to go back home. Purab Kohli is good. Inaamulhaq is the only miscast, and is a caricature of a Iraqi general, his accent was horrible.
Airlift shows the true grim side of war, the stuff news channels don't want to cover, the reality of how thousands of Indians were left stranded in Kuwait during the 1990s in a oil war with Iraq. Within 24 hours all Indians rich or poor were left to beg on the streets, and Kuwaitis were being killed with no regard. When this is shown 15 min into the film, one knows an amazing film is coming and that Airlift shows all this in a extremely honest and true light. Nothing has been commercialized, or shown out of perspective. And thats the film biggest strength, being truthful, and not taking cinematic liberties. The film is gritty, raw, and real. Airlift is also very thrilling, and will leave you at the edge of your seat with your heat pounding at many instances. You cant move your eyes from the screen for even a second, its that gripping.The camera-work is amazing, and has shown war time Kuwait amazingly, everything just looks so real, and grim. The sets, the clothing, the cars, the production values in general are of international standards. The visual affects are first rate. The film has almost no negatives.The only thing that bothered me was the slow pace at times and the casting of Inaamulhaq as the general he was a complete miscast, and annoying. But were Airlift wins your heart is in the films true message of how brave India, and Indians are, we are responsible for the biggest evacuation in the history of the world. Its truly inspiring to think India actually airlifted 1, 70, 000 people out of a war zone. Its truly a bravo moment. The film is a classic piece of cinema for India. If America has saving private Ryan, Argo etc We have Airlift. We can proudly say that, thanks to Director Raja Menon who made such a inspiring true tale about India. He created such a huge canvas its truly applaud worthy. He made sure the film was of international standards in all aspects. The dialogues also standout especially my favourite " Aadmi ki fitrat hi aisi hai Ibrahim,Jab chot lagti hai tab ma ma hi chillata hai."That dialogue gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. The song tu bhoola jise is going to be the new Indian anthem, its a beautiful patriotic song. Finally the films biggest highlight is the last 20-30 min, and when you see the first flight take off, you will be left in tears. Once again bravo Mr. Akshay Kumar, what you did with this film, has made sure I am a fan forever.
Finally I will not preach anymore just go watch Airlift this republic day, and do yourself a favor. Its a must watch for all Indians, not because its a film that will make you feel patriotic, because its a cinematic masterpiece. Vande Mataram!!!
5/5* or 10/10