Gunjan saxena

Movie Review

Movie- Gunjan Saxena-The Kargil Girl

Director- Sharan Sharma

Genre- War/ Drama/ Adaptation of true story

Hai saare jahaanse pyaari, mere Bharat ki beti, hai saare jahaan pe bhaari, mere Bharat ki beti......

I always have a soft corner for patriotic films and more so when it is female-oriented. This film was no different. Having been to the Kargil War Museum, I have tremendous respect for all soldiers and their dedication and sacrifice. This story of Gunjan Saxena was a revelation for me and I am sure, for many of us. It's a shame that we don't know about our real heroes who are out there at the borders protecting us. It is a must to have such films so that we understand about their heroism and they inspire other Indians. This and such movies are a true dedication for the spirit and valour of our bravehearts, be it of the Army, Navy or Air Force.

About the film. It is a moving and inspirational film about Gunjan Saxena-a fighter pilot, who at the age of 24 was in a mission at the Kargil War. She conducted and saw through about 40 missions successfully. Janhavi Kapoor was just about average as Gunjan Saxena, but Pankaj Tripathi who played the role of her father was exceptional. He was a natural! Janhavi looked authentic in the training scenes at the training academy and when she is trying to lose weight. After watching some really well-filmed Hollywood war movies, this film looks lack lustre and mediocre in the scenes connected to the war, but emotions behind the story mean a lot for me, so this was a hit in spite of that drawback. I just read that the IAF have raised objections about the wrongful portrayal of the treatment of women in the Air Force. I think the film-makers took some artistic liberties in that area. Also some scenes at the pre-tests, like the interviews, made a mockery of the other lady participants at the test. The late night partying, drinking and dancing to item songs and the attitude shown by the male pilots at the academy was also too hard to accept. I think it's an insult to portray then like that.

Special mention of the songs that had great lyrics and good music. This is a good watch during the Independence Day week. It evokes a surge of patriotic emotions and also makes us wonder whether there has been a change in the way the world looks at females who are out to prove themselves. Have things really changed ?

Do watch this one!

Salute to our bravehearts!

Jai Hind!