"Neerja" is an outstanding film.
Part of that verdict arises from a long-held desire to understand the full story of that incredible act of heroism; part of it is because one's heart goes out to that achingly young life that is snuffed out with a single callous act by a soulless, animalistic being. But the rest of that opinion is entirely attributable to the genius of Ram Madhvani.
With skilful use of lighting (mostly dim, in keeping with the mood of the film) and camerawork (you sometimes feel that a handheld camera is being used), and with some brilliant editing, enabling several stories to be seamlessly told at once, the director virtually transports you into the interior of the plane and straps you to your seat.
A number of reviews have been quite unkind to Sonam, but I am forced to disagree. In a role that was largely about body language rather than speech, she hasn't done badly at all - and the resemblance of her screen character to the original heroine is actually quite remarkable. The film leans strongly on her, and she proves equal to the task. Like her last release (reviewed elsewhere in this blog) Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, but for vastly different reasons, this film will be good for Sonam's morale, her filmography and her future.Shabana Azmi was a jewel, as always. The scene-stealer, however (and this is strictly my opinion) was the person who played the role of the rebellious terrorist, the primary villain, (I didn't get the actor's name, unfortunately) - his demoniac hatred was so tangible that, at times, it seemed to jump out of the screen and grab you by the throat.
"Neerja" is a story that needed to be told, and is a movie that should have been made long ago. There are few who could have made it better. Go see it.
