Neerja Movie Review

Neerja could have been outstanding. But still, the film holds, and hold us with it. Both Shabana Azmi and Tikku, as the parents hoping for the best and dreading the worst for their Laado (Neerjas pet name), are excellent.

Madhvani’s biggest strength in Neerja may be the way he alternates between letting us relate to the character and making us feel awed by her.

Sonam is of course the lynchpin. Even when pushed well out of her comfort zone, she is completely convincing and real as the bubbly youngster with nerves of steel.

Neerja isn't a movie I want to look back on and think about. I suspect it's meant to be felt - and reacted to - in real time. It doesn't matter if I discover tiny mistakes later. I feel shaken, and moved, and inspired right now.

Apart from the makers' effort to be as true to the event by recreating the aircraft model and paying attention to the nitty-gritty of that timeline, the highlight of Neerja is the emotion quotient.

The film is beautifully made and keeps the drama alive in the first half and then loses steam in the second half and ends on a high emotional note.