Volo Pan Am 73

Without being a fan, I've seen some Bollywood films in the past few months. Not bad at all. But, this is by far the best of them. And, most difficult to achieve as a genre, thriller with a big plane hijack. True story. Very touching. I almost cried. And I'm not a guy who cries easily. Bollywood filmmakers are experts in tearjerker stories and they have a long tradition in melodrama(remember Raj Kapoor?) But, this is not, as usual, a fiction story, this is truth, it happened for real in 1986. Sonam Kapoor is very good in the title role, Neerja Bhanot, the heroine of the Pan Am flight 73. Then the actors interpreting the terrorists, they are all very natural and convincing, you feel like living that hijack, assisting those real terrorists in full action in front of you. Shabana Azmi, impressive as the mother of Neerja. There have been many movies, most of them made in USA, with the same subject, airplane hijacking: "Ransom" (1975), "Raid on Entebbe" (1977), "Airport" 77 "(1977), "Passenger 57 "(1992), " Con Air "(1997), " Air Force One "(1997), to name just a few. This one is better than all. It made me think also at "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), directed by Sidney Lumet. Last but not least, Jim Sarbh, the actor who plays the terrorist Khalil, not only physically resembles very well Gian Maria Volonté in "For a Few Dollars More" (1965), but has something of his style of acting and his personality. One last thing, the real Neerja Bhanot, who gave her life to save 359 passengers, was also a model and, except for her inner beauty, was of a great outer beauty.

As i have discussed before, there has been a change in Indian Audience's movie choices last few years. Indians have started to appreciate Contemporary Cinema and is separating slowly from its cliché filled days of musicals. Bollywood for last few years have been evolving into something bigger and better. The trend it seems is still going strong.

Another trend which has been set since last 4 or 5 years: We have had many movies with strong female lead, having feminist approach. From English Vinglish(2012) to Queen(2013) and from last year's Dil Dhadakne Do to Masaan. We have had so many movies with positive perspective of females. 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 Movie will leave many viewers teary eyed. I want to thank the whole cast and production team of Neerja for introducing me to the brave and fearless Neerja Bhanot. 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. She plays the character of a flight purser of a Pan Am flight who is also a struggling model. Neerja has recently been divorced from an arrange marriage and is a huge Rajesh Khanna's fan. 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. Perfectly paced and well directed, the movie is a must watch. I have not discussed much because i do not want to spoil the ,movie for you. So go and watch it. Neerja- 9/10:Must watch www . filmicsite.wordpress .com

The story of Neerja Bhanot is one of courage in the face of grave danger. It is a story that needed to be told and should have been told much earlier. Sonam's acting capabilities will surely be silenced by her portrayal of Neerja. But there is room for improvement. Neerja epitomizes professionalism. There are moments in the second half where the plot seems to drag. But the climax is powerful and makes up for that. Very touchy scene in which she reads out a letter by her abusive husband. Azmi, gave a knock-out performance as Bhanot's mother. With hardly any sign of self-indulgence, Sonam gives a solid performance. Good screenplay by Saiwyn Quadras. Excellent direction by Directed Ram Madhvani. Much much better than Mary kom.

"A fact of life we all die. But the positive impact you have on others will be a living legacy. Catherine Pulsifer.

Neerja is the true story of Air-Hostess Neerja Bhanot. Not revealing any spoiler because you already know How this film is going to end. Sonam Kapoor deserved a film like this in her career because She was trying very hard to play a strong character from the beginning. The part of Neerja was little under acted but it was visible that She was giving her best. The direction was great too but I can't figure this out why tense films like this requires Songs? I hated that moment of film very much. I hope this film don't flop so more quality driven film will be made. Thank You Neerja team for telling the tale of Neerja Bhanot to Indian masses.

Life has to be bigger not longer! The film, Neerja is a portrayal on the life of the courageous Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life while protecting the lives of 359 passengers in 1986. The flight was hijacked by a terrorist organization in Karachi. How she bravely handled the situation is what the film has been made on.

Director is the real hero of this movie. Ram Madhvani describes every part, every scene of the film very wonderfully. Along with the writers, he is not giving outside of the track and thus, this film is a gem of 2016! Shabana Azmi has done a fantabulous job in the character of Neerja's mother. Though, she has not much dialogues, but her expressions show her emotions, and they are very real that everyone was crying literally. When she gave a speech on Neerja in the end, I was not able to control my emotions. Tears were flowing continuously. She will be the winner of best supporting actress in the major award ceremony undoubtedly.

Sonam Kapoor has given career best performance. She could've been portrayed her well. But, whatever she has given is acceptable. Yogendra Tikku as Neerja's father and Shekhar as Neerja's friend are good and suitable. The man who portrayed Khalil, the angriest terrorist, has done a fantastic job. He looks like a pure terrorist. Others are good, too.

Music is given by Vishal Khurana and lyrics has been penned by Prasoon Joshi. All the songs are listenable again and again. Background score is also suitable and helps to build the terror as well as the excitement.

Connection with Rajesh Khanna, Neerja's past describing her marriage issue, her father's advises, her handling of the passengers, her smartness of not taking the U.S. citizens' passports, her calmness, her love letter written by her lover, her love towards her duty, her sacrifice - everything is just so perfect. I'm no getting over from it. This is probably one of the best films of this year.

I salute you from the bottom of my heart to Neerja Bhanot, the actual one. She has been rewarded Ashok Chakra by the government of India. Though, Airlift was a good one, but, this deserves support from the audience. This is definitely better than Airlift. Please, it's my humble request to all that go and watch out the story of the brave girl, Neerja. Her mother told that Neerja was prettier than Sonam. Yes, the photographs in the end credits give the approval to this statement. A girl, aged 23, lost her life while saving the passengers during her job. Watch it and think that where we reached till now! Massive respect!