Monday 22 February 2016

10 things that make Neerja a must watch biopic!



"Neerja" is a biopic made on the life of an extraordinary brave woman, Neerja Bhanot, a 23 year old bubbly and beautiful model and air hostess who lost her life saving the lives of her passengers in the ill fated Pan Am Flight 73 which got hijacked in Karachi on 5 September, 1986. She was the youngest and the first woman recipient of the Ashok Chakra award.

The movie has been made with a lot of heart and soul, which makes "Neerja" an outstanding biopic and a movie to remember. Here are the 10 things which make Neerja a MUST WATCH biopic:

1. More Fact, Minimal Fiction

In order to commercialize movies, Bollywood often pours a lot of fiction, even while making a biopic or a movie based on a real incident. However, Neerja relies heavily on fact and that is the reason why you will be able to connect to this movie on an emotional level.

2. Sonam Kapoor's credible performance

Just like everyone, I was also skeptical about Sonam's acting skills and doubted whether she can do justice to the character of Neerja Bhanot. Sonam surprises immensely with this movie. Right from the first scene when we spot her, talking to a cabbie and telling him "Babumoshai! Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi", it feels we are watching Neerja on screen, not Fashionista Sonam Kapoor. Her performance is honest and touching. We can see her reading two letters at two different situations and she impresses both the time. Her vulnerability is palpable and her liveliness is infectious. Sonam makes us believe that she is Neerja and that no other actor would have looked more believable as Neerja than her.



3. Shabana Azmi as Neerja's mother

The speech of Shabana Azmi during the last few minutes of the movie will move anyone to tears. She reminisces how Neerja was a simple and a bubbly girl who was fond of Rajesh Khanna's movies. She can't fathom how Neerja got the courage to save so many passengers, without caring for her own life. But even when she died, she taught her mother how to live life by sending a message to her through a kid "Pushpa, I hate tears". 




4. Perfect screenplay and cinematography

The movie could have been easily boring as all we see is more than 350 passengers hijacked in a plane, but the screenplay is so tight that you don't get bored for even a minute. The flashback scenes of Neerja's abusive marriage are wonderfully weaved with the scenes where she battles with her fear against the terrorists.
The cinematography makes things look realistic and believable.

5. No subplots and every actor justified in his/her role

Unlike most Bollywood movies, Neerja is not crowded with several subplots of the passengers in the flight that could have taken away the soul of the biopic. Each and every actor was justified in his/her role, be it Yogender Tiku as Neerja's father or Shekhar Ravjiani as Neerja's lover. The terrorists were really terrifying.



6. Top notch direction

Ram Madhvani's top notch direction made this movie outstanding. The director knows how to tell the story of a hero, without any melodrama and exaggeration.

7. Neerja teaches you to love life

Neerja is in love with life. She spreads happiness and love all around. Her infectious energy and liveliness makes you adore her. She believes that life needs to be worthy and notable, not lengthy.



8. Nothing is more important than being a good human being

Neerja inspires you to find the humanity within yourself. She inspires you to be kind and compassionate. She makes you feel that there is nothing more important than being a good human being. We all will die one day...leaving back our small acts of kindness. The scene where she dies saving the lives of three kids will teach you the essence of humanity.



9. Think of solutions without getting nervous

During danger, we panic and tend to lose our judgment. This movie teaches you that it's okay to panic, but when you are in a problem, you should first think of solutions.Instead of getting paralyzed with fear, Neerja gives the hijack code to the pilots that helps them to escape. She also saves more than 350 lives due to her wit and quick thinking.

10. You need to know the story of Neerja Bhanot

Lastly and most importantly, you need to know the story of Neerja Bhanot. Her incredible bravery and kindness stems from her own personal struggle. She is a hero, a true Indian and a beautiful human being, Watch this movie to know her story!


What did you like the most in Neerja? Haven't watched it, yet? Then please go see the movie!
Indian Bloggers

31 comments:

  1. very well put sweetie... I am hoping we can catch it soon :-) xx

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  2. The movie has got good review from most and thanks for your points. Need to see it.

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  3. Thanks for the Highlights. I'm going to watch the movie soon. Neerja's sacrifice was really remarkable. She deserves respect and admiration.

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    1. Really...such an extraordinary human being she was. I am sure you will like the movie :)

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  4. I was also skeptical regarding Sonam's acting but your post made my mind to watch the movie. Thanks, Purba, for such a wonderfully detailed pinpointed review :)

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  5. I am looking forward to this movie after your review.

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  6. I'm going this weekend. The review says that you loved the film and I believe so will I... :-)

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  7. Not yet watched it but am definitely going to after this :D

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    1. Thank you so much. I am sure you will like it :)

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  8. Great review.
    Will definitely watch it ASAP.
    Thanks Purba!

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  9. Thank you Purba.Your review is so persuasive that one just needs to watch it!

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  10. Yes, you make me feel as if it will be a miss if I don't see it. Very good review done Purba.

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    1. ha ha :D Thank you dear. The movie really touched me :)

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  11. Heard many positive reviews about this one, still have to see ☺️

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  12. I really liked your review :)
    No doubt, one of the best movie of the year. Love the way "Neerja" team has executed it.Ironically,it takes a movie to remind us our unsung heroes.

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    1. I totally agree with you. I did not expect that the movie will be executed with so much honesty.
      Glad you liked the review :)

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  13. I was waiting for a detailed review of Neerja, so that I could make my mind up to watch this much awaited movie in the theater ( I hardly get time to go to a movie hall). And your review has made my mind clear to steal that time for my tough schedule.
    Very beautifully done and such a detail review Purba ! For a person like me, who has always adored Neerja Bhanot for her chivalry, your review is a sigh of relief that the makers have done ample justice to the character.
    Thanks Purba for this in-depth insight of the movie. :)

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    1. Exactly Ma'am. I am so happy that the movie is made with a lot of honesty and devoid of any over-the-top melodrama.
      Thank you so much. I am so glad that you liked my review. I am sure you will like the movie. It touched my soul. My Dad hardly watches a Bollywood movie in theater and even he liked the movie to bits.

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  14. I have to go and watch the movie! Nice review.

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  15. I loved this movie a lot. It touched my soul. I didn't sleep for two days and was thinking a lot for real Neerja Bhanot. I searched internet and got more and more info about her.
    She is the true symbol of "Nari Shakti". Not every girl but all human being should be like Neerja Bhanot.

    A great salute to the brave girl.

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