Neerja
Tags: tragedy

Plot synopsis:
The film opens with 22-year-old Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor) arriving late for a house party. Later that evening, her mother Rama Bhanot (Shabana Azmi) expresses concern about Neerja's job as a flight attendant, suggesting that Neerja should return to her old modeling career. Neerja insists on keeping her job. She is driven to the airport by her friend Jaideep (Shekhar Ravjiani).
Neerja reflects on her brief, unhappy arranged marriage to Naresh (Kavi Shastri), a professional in Doha, Qatar, who abused her over her small dowry and inability to perform household work. She eventually returned home for a modeling contract. Naresh sent her parents a letter complaining about the dowry and their daughter's lack of domestic skills, demanding that Neerja either bring back money or not return at all. Neerja left Naresh and landed a job with Pan Am Airways.
As Neerja boards Pan Am 73, it is revealed that the Abu Nidal organization, a Libyan-sponsored terrorist group, plans to hijack the plane in Karachi. The plane takes off from Mumbai's Sahar International Airport and lands in Karachi, where the four Abu Nidal terrorists, disguised as security officers escorting a Libyan diplomat, hijack the plane. Neerja quickly alerts the cockpit, and the three American pilots escape through the overhead hatch, fleeing to the terminal under fire from the hijackers. The American pilots had just enough time to escape, as the hijackers did not realize that the cockpit of a Boeing 747 is located upstairs.
When an Indian American passenger reveals himself as an American, one of the terrorists murders him and throws his body off the aircraft in front of the Pakistani negotiators. The terrorists try to locate a radio engineer among the passengers by ordering Neerja to make an announcement over the intercom. When Emran Ali (Shashi Bhushan), a Pakistani radio engineer, begins to stand up, Neerja signals for him to sit down. The terrorists have the flight attendants collect all passports to identify the American passengers and hold them hostage; Neerja and her colleagues collect the passports, disposing of any American passports by throwing them down trash chutes or hiding them under seats. Dejected over not finding any American passports, the hijackers locate a British passenger and hold him hostage.
The Pakistani negotiators inadvertently reveal the name of radio engineer Ali, whom the hijackers bring to the cockpit to use the radio for negotiations. Meanwhile, the Pakistani authorities try to stall for time. When a younger terrorist assaults the passengers and molests the attendants, the terrorist leader chastises him; humiliated, the younger terrorist storms into the cockpit and shoots Ali, screaming wild threats over the radio. While negotiations with the Pakistani air controllers drag on, the negotiators slowly lose control of the situation, with the hijackers becoming more agitated by the minute.
Around 17 hours later, the plane loses auxiliary power, and the lights go out inside. Despite Neerja and the other attendants' attempts to explain, the terrorists assume the Pakistanis cut the power deliberately, and anticipate an imminent Pakistani raid on the plane. The panicking hijackers begin shooting down passengers indiscriminately; at great peril to her own life, Neerja opens the rear door and deploys the chute, directing passengers out of the plane. Choosing to let the passengers escape first, Neerja is fatally shot by the terrorists when she tries to shield young children from the gunfire. The film ends with a tribute to Neerja, who was eventually honoured posthumously with the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest military decoration awarded for peacetime valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice.

Review: And that trend is still on with latest Neerja.Director Ram Madhvani's debut feature film is a strong well acted biopic with emotions filled to its core.
The Youngest recipient of India's highest Bravery Award for saving hundreds of lives in a plane hijack.Sonam Kapoor blends right into the core of Neerja's character, this is clearly her best movie of the career leaving her acting in Raanjhana way behind.
Her first flight as a purser gets hijacked by terrorists.Another actor who has done a commendable job is Shabana Azmi, she is so compassionate as the mother of Neerja that you can feel the pain and loss through her character.In its essence Neerja is not just a biopic, its a drama with thrilling ride of tension.
You feel a sense of pride knowing that she cared about saving as many lives as possible on that day.The story was well done and I have to applaud the cast, especially Sonam Kapoor and Shabana Azmi, who played their respected roles amazingly.
Besides releasing this tribute, the noteworthy achievement of the movie has been the construction of the hijacked plane(looks amazingly convincing on screen), the music, the edge of the seat tension and the heartwarming mother-daughter relationship.Although the film has its share of flaws(including the weak final moments in the plane), it's a work that's to be appreciated for the attempt to show us what it must have been like for a young lady to make split second decisions to save hundreds of lives under extreme circumstances.
For one, like I said, the movie makers failed Sonam Kapoor especially in few very difficult to do scenes where she could have been guided better(and also with some of the child actors).
Hollywood, THIS is how you tell a true story.Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor) is a 22-year-old flight attendant, about to celebrate her 23rd birthday.
In doing so, she puts her own life at risk – increasingly so when she secretly works against them and as the terrorists become more and more agitated until this true story reaches its dramatic and shocking conclusion.From an American perspective, "Neerja" is a combination of 2006's "United 93" and 2013's "Captain Phillips", but it's even more remarkable when you realize that what Neerja accomplished was through her own singular strength of character and force of will and with the help of only a handful of similarly brave flight attendants.
The first few scenes of the film and the flashbacks that we see during the hijacking are well-placed and, more importantly, provide excellent character development which makes the audience feel that they are really starting to get to know Neerja as a person.
The moment all the credits rolled up and that rock song started playing, I felt like killing all those users and critics -_-**Camera** 20 minutes into the movie and you'll realize the cameraman had some personal grudges with Sonam Kapoor.
**Music** There was this very gripping emotional moment when Sonam reads the letter, overall aura of the scene was very dramatic and kinda helpless depressing, just when I was about to connect to her character this song started playing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39W9cxXZwPM -_- I could imagine the choir vocalist, smiling while recording this song!
If they would have removed that "AA AA EE", slowed the tempo and then added that song, I definitely would have cried like Aamir Khan, instead they thought only 10-15 year old will watch this movie and it would be too depressing for them -_- **Sonam Kapoor** Biggest disappointment!
I mean that is the only thing anyone can act, except Sonam -_- while reading her husband rant letters she was so blunt that Shabana Azmi had to literally stand and shut her up by covering her face (saying "Beta Tumse Na ho Paega" in her mind) They way she replied to terrorists before distributing water, no voice modulation, no pauses -_- a news anchor reads teleprompter screen better than her.
Except Sonam, everyone in the movie acted brilliantly (even Shekhar, a musician in real life)Editing, storyline, screenplay, dialogues everything seemed so non-appealing that now I think they just made the movie for the sake of it, like making biopics is the new sexy.
I had high expectations for this movie, mainly due to the fact that the story is based on true and tragic events, but also for telling the heroic and devastating tale of Neerja Bhanot.
Sonam Kapoor was perhaps not the right choice for this role, but I understand the casting: they wanted to make her look like Neerja Bhanot.
An old lady asks to air hostess about her marital status, supposedly looking for bride for her grand son travelling with her, it looks real and makes you smile but this approach goes over board in many scenes too, like the flash cut of Mother doing a bit melodrama after getting the news of plane hijack, boy friend crying in the front of her hoarding, as if they were sure about the end.
One time watch is my request to support and pay respect to such type of selfless and brave human being like Neeraja Bhanot, who got bravery award from India, Pakistan and US, very rare combination of nations coming together to salute one person..
The movie direction was very good By Ram Madhvani and terrific performance not only by Sonam but also the ones who portrayed the terrorists.
Such films are rarely made in Bollywood and it feels good to watch movies based on real life incidents.
Director Ram Madhvani's long overdue return (where did he go missing all these years, after his terrific debut 'Let's Talk'?) to the screen is invested with the urgency and the sense of impending doom which tells us just how those terror-filled hours must have been like for Neerja, who was on that hopping Pan Am flight, New Delhi-Karachi-Frankfurt-New York, celebrating her first time as chief purser.
The film slides swiftly into its stride, taking us back and forth between the early morning of the 5th of September, with Neerja (Sonam Kapoor) getting ready for the flight, with her parents up and gently fussing around her, and a terrorist cell in Karachi, packing guns and grenades and gearing up for the hijacking of the Pan Am jet from Karachi airport.
Sonam Kapoor is very good in the title role, Neerja Bhanot, the heroine of the Pan Am flight 73.
Somewhat overratedI watched this on TV yesterday.This film is based on the real life 1986 Panam flight hijack incident at Karachi airport when Neerja Bhanot a flight attendant was killed by the hijackers.I remember the news reports from that time when the pilots who immediately escaped via the cockpit escape ropes leaving the cabin crew and passengers to their fate, were not given a good press.Sonam Kapoor acted very well in her role as Neerja.
Also Saiwyn Qadras' story adds dimensions to hijackers thus making the proceedings interesting.Shabana Azmi and Yogendra Tiku (already famous as Queen's father) leave strong impact as the helpless yet proud parents of Neerja.
the last speech by Neerja mother is a also a good part of the movie...Overall a very nice story of a brave girl which shows how she has performed her duties even in the worst situations of life and saved as many passengers she can save till the end.The truth behind the movie makes its an awesome movie, Director has done a great work to show Neerja a martyr.
the last speech by Neerja mother is a also a good part of the movie...Overall a very nice story of a brave girl which shows how she has performed her duties even in the worst situations of life and saved as many passengers she can save till the end.
Shabana Azmi is that another pillar, who has played the role of a mom to perfection, shaking with horror as the news of hijack is announced, cuddling her daughter as if that's the only wealth she has possessed; and cooking that aloo paratha as if her life depends on them.The best Indian cinema ever shot in an airplane (director spent Rs 3 crore to recreate that Pan Am aircraft), this movie has those moments, when you gasp with horror, feel terrorized as those passengers must have felt, when AK47 and grenade were shown to them; and also those nostalgic moments of 80s, when love was delivered with chocolate and letter.Neerja will touch you, inspire you..
Neerja was another untold story which proclaims the brave and courageous act by a 23 year old flight attendant and deserves to be lauded for its sheer direction and brilliant screenplay.Neerja tells the story of last 17 hours of an ordinary girl Neerja Bhanot (played by Sonam Kapoor) who was the flight attendant and took the courage to fight against four armed men and sacrificed her life to save 359 passengers on board at the time of crisis on the fateful Pan Flight 73 traveling from Mumbai to New York via Karachi in 1986.Directed by Ram Madhvani, who made the critical acclaimed Let's Talk (2002), Neerja spares no moment and takes you to dive into the event that changed the lives of 359 passengers on-board.
Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot had brought us in front of our eyes what the real lady hero had done to save the passengers with her out of the world performance.
Finally Bollywood has come up with a project which entertains, enlightens and inspires you at the same time.When a forgotten act of ultimate gallantry shown by a lady at the age of only 23 and the sheer sacrifice she made to save the lives of others become the central theme of a movie, it is bound to strike a chord in your heart right from the word go.And there the director steals the show.In only his second outing, ad film director Ram Madhvani gifts you one of the finest cinematic experiences of your lifetime.Sublime, subtle yet heart-wrenchingly poignant, 'Neerja' is an epic saga of humanity when the nation starves of it.The soul of this movie is dazzling beauty Sonam Kapoor in the title role Neerja Bhanot.She is sparklingly beautiful throughout.And she lights up every frame of the movie with her brilliant acting potentials.Her voice modulations perfectly simulate that of a flight purser.Neerja was sensitive and sensible.So is Sonam in choosing this role at this age of her otherwise bleak Bollywood career.Shabana Azmi does a wonderful portrayal of Neerja's mother.The climax scene where she talks about her daughter and the way she had raised her will keep no eyes in the theater dry.Other actors, too do justice to their roles.The use of hue and shade in the movie is remarkable.Throughout the length, it remains a bit dark in shades, true to the emotional ride in the story itself.Towards the end, screen gradually brightens up.A perfect metaphor for the transformation of an ordinary lady to an angel.This is a movie, which is made to stay in your heart for a very long time.Watch it for the courageous Neerja.Watch it to awaken the slept angel in you.A perfect 10 for the entire crew.This is a must watch..
Sonam kapoor acted very well in this movie, a damn sure - her best performance in her movie lot.Along with her Shabana Azmi, Shekar Ravijiani - made their roles outstanding.
The story of Neerja was untold..The moment Sonam kapoor signed the film and she came across her Cannes interviews, to be honest it seemed difficult that she will live upto her memories and make justice to her sacrifice..The movie begins with the party and the mother daughter relationship is brilliant!
The entire hijack scene portrayed looks real..the reaction of children..that fear..children crying..all seemed real..I am personally Sonam's fan, but to be honest I was scared that will she live up to the expectations of Neerja memory and sacrifice..but quoting on Anupama Chopra review..she dived deep into the character yes she nailed it completely!Shabana Azmi has been outstanding and will definitely bring tears in your eyes for the last scene!
The things I like about the movie are, the way it tells the story of Neerja Bhanot, without adding any masala Elements to it as we expect in Hindi movies, the acting by Sonam Kapoor was really fantastic for me it's her best performance at least she came out of her rich girl boots, Shabana Azim's is always as best in the movie, technically there was no fault in the movie, but if you watching int in sort of perfection there could be some non understandable things, the silent motto of the movie is also Women Empowerment which I liked.
There's nothing absolutely to hate about the movie but for me this is Sonam Kapoor's Best performance yet, but she needs to improve more as actors if she wants more meaningful roles.
Those who love Masala Movie would not understand and would fail to recognize the movie as a GEM This is Biopic of Neerja Bhanot, the Air Hostress of PAN AM Airlines, and a successful Model and a great fan of Rajesh Khanna aka KAKA) Great Content, With near Perfect Direction, Great Background score, Terrific performance by all Actors At some point of time you will feel Sonam Kapoor is Neerja Bhanot She is Hero and Heroine of the Movie The Due (Recognition) for Sonam Kapoor was pending and this movie would get bang on in spot of Leading Ladies in Bollywood judged for their Performance.1st Half is well paced, 2nd half is bit slow but such stories requires time to build characters.
Shabana Azmi needs no explicit mention here, she as a mother here makes you believe that there is no relationship as beautiful and as pure like that of a mother-daughter relationship.After watching this movie I am in no mood of giving any reviews, instead keep talking about it.
Loved the nuances of where through radio Engineer they have shown the conflict of Rajesh Khanna and Amitab bachan Era. real hero of the Film is Director Acting:- Shabana Win's the heart, Terriost guy (Khalil) nailed it with Acting, the best in Movie.
The movie captures the emotions of Neerja's mother and family brilliantly and the acting of Shabana Azmi as her mother is brilliant.
The movie gets into the serious business pretty quickly with the whole hijack drama unfolding in front of your eyes not only makes you feel for the characters but also makes you think of the helplessness of the passengers that would have been in that situation, some of the scenes are really sad and brutally true and makes you hate the Palestine terrorists that were involved.
Neerja Bhanot, a young purser, gave her life in her attempt to save the lives of many dozens of passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked by terrorists in September 1986.
+ After watching such emotional ending, i just cant get Neerja out of my mind..thats how great the movie was!!.
Neerja is a true story of a 23 year old girl who is a head purser of Pan Am flight which got hijacked by 4 terrorist in Karachi in 1986 and how bravely she manages to save the lives of 359 passenger's and loses her while saving.Neerja which is played by Sonam Kapoor pulls it very well and undoubtedly this becomes the finest movie of her career.
But the impact this movie has made on me was that after watching, I just read every article I can found on the life of Neerja Bhanot.
Courage Has No Age. Once in a few years comes a story so compelling and true that one needs to watch it...and when you get treated with sheer brilliance on screen from the direction to acting to casting, you could not ask for a better deal..The soft hearted ones like me will need a lot of tissue throughout the movie and there will be moments when you would want to cry out loud for the helplessness of a Mother who has no option but to stay strong...The relation of Mother-Daughter is portrayed beautifully and Sonam does justice to a role tailor made for her (and I say this not being a fan of Sonam's acting)...Shabana Azmi delivers a power-packed performance just as was expected of her..All in All a wonderful movie...a movie that jolts you somewhere and make you want to rise to a few occasions in your daily life too, where a little bravery if not as much as Neerja showed can be portrayed..Must Watch!.
Neerja Bhanot saved the lives of 350+ passengers when a Pan AM flight was hijacked in Karachi Pakistan,by Libyan terrorists.She gave her life to save the lives of everyone on that flight and she was just a 22 year old, air hostess.
Story wise the film is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot who was shot dead by terrorists when trying to save 3 children who hijacked Pan Am flight 73 in Karachi on 5 September 1986.
This movie is based on the final moments of a model cum air hostess Neerja Bhanot, where she died on a hijacked plane in an attempt to save the passengers.
Sonam Kapoor left the comfort zone of romantic movie , it's her career best performance till now.Shabana G makes me so emotional at that moment but give a strong message to all.Indian cinema awaken us of real heroes of past and give us inspiration.Watch the real stories not reel..
When movie end they are showing real picture of the neerja behnot at that time I really believe she was very beautiful even more beautiful than sonam kapoor..
This movie is based on a real life of Neerja Bhanot.
Overall this is a beautiful movie directed by Ram Madhvani and played well by Sonam Kapoor and a huge salute to NEERJA BHANOT!.
Neerja, is a film by Ram Madhvani, which is based on the real hijacking incident of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan in 1986.