Director: Sharan Sharma
Rating: ***
"Plane Ladka Udaaye.. Yaa Ladki Dono Ko Pilot Hi Bolte Hai" 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' this dialogue reminds us of Aamir Khan's film, 'Dangal' where Mahavir Singh Phogat says "Gold Toh Gold Hove Hai Chhora Lave Ya Chori". Well, 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' beautifully narrates the chronicled life of the braveheart Gunjan from 1984 to 1999, from the dreamy-eyed little girl who dreams to touch the sky to the moment when she creates history and makes India proud, this film will inspire you to achieve your dreams.
The Lucknow-born Saxena, (Janhvi Kapoor), is sky-struck from an early age, fighting for a window seat with her older brother (Angad Bedi) during a flight, pulling away from the conventional route of good girls getting a degree-and-getting married, and being buoyed by a supportive father (Pankaj Tripathi), in her determination to become a pilot. With her hard work and efforts, she becomes the part of the Indian Air Force but her dreams fall apart when her deep conviction of being an Air Force pilot gets shattered by the male dominating society.
Despite the patriarchal grip, how Gunjan proves her mettle and how she makes make her presence felt in a typical man's world is the crux of this Sharan Sharma directorial. Gunjan Saxena's biopic unfolds all the aspects of the life of the first woman Air Force Pilot of the IAF who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
Sharan Sharma's directorial debut marks his presence with an inspiring story and an elegantly narrated the screenplay while showcasing the actual scenario of the Air Force base and the Kargil War. Co-writer Nikhil Mehrotra has also braced the story with Sharan Sharma and turned the film into a power horse.
Three films old Janhvi Kapoor who is portraying Gunjan Saxena in the film is still a work-in-progress when it comes to acting and more than 3 expressions and can be seen looking fragile at many points whether it a war scene or interaction with Manav Vij's character.
In the first half, Pankaj Tripathi as Gunjan Saxena's father Anup Saxena acts as a soul of the story and in the second half, it is Manav Vij as Commanding officer Gautam Sinha who holds the story with his power-packed performance. Vineet Kumar Singh has also done justice in his role as the chauvinistic Fight commander officer Dileep Singh. The rest of the supporting cast also equally contribute their efforts to take the story to the conclusion. Angad Bedi's performance as Gunjan brother Anshuman Saxena is fine.
Amit Trivedi's music gives more pace to the storyline and the songs never break the flow of the story. Special mention to Arijit Singh's 'Bharat Ki Beti' will bring tears to your eyes.
Overall, 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' is an inspiring story of a courageous girl chasing her dreams with utmost affection which beautifully embraces a father-daughter relationship. Although in several scenes, the film goes over the top, the story keeps you gripped and delivers an effective message of women empowerment. A must watch!
