Release date: 19th February 2016

Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekar Ravjiani, Jim Sarbh, Yogendra Tiku

Director: Ram Madhvani

In September 1986, Neerja Bhanot(Sonam) saves the lives of 359 passengers on a hijacked Pan Am plane from Mumbai to New York via Karachi. 

The story of this Indian beti is well-known and famous. The in-flight drama between gun-`n’-grenade toting men and a plane-load of hapless victims, leaves you angry. The film makes you weep and mourn the ongoing acts of global terrorism. You also look at Neerja’s troubled marriage. She has her reasons for being the brave heart she is. Having fled from a disastrous alliance to a male chauvinist, Neerja has promised herself that if ever life gives her another opportunity, she will look adversity in the eye. But darn it, 23 is still no age to die.

Sonam’s Neerja quietly seals a place in your heart. There are no theatrics; she’s dignified, strong and real. Shabana as the bereaved mother makes her grief yours, her daughter’s glory also yours. Yogendra Tiku lends able support and Khalil(Jim Sarbh) as the maniacal terrorist is terrific.

This one raises a toast to the daunting spirit of India’s daughters; every one of us must salute Neerja. 

Ratings: 4/5