Neerja is a Hindi foreign language film which centres around the hijacking of India's Pan Am flight 73 in 1986.
The film follows the real-life story of Neerja Bhanot, a brave flight attendant who was bestowed India's highest gallantry award for bravery by the Indian government.
The role of Neerja Bhanot is played by Bollywood actress and model Sonam Kapoor, bringing the story to the international big screen.
Synopsis & Themes
Neerja is a film which most importantly focuses on the events which transpired in India and Pakistan, away from typical western influence.
Not many people in North America and Europe are even aware that terrorist activity have the largest effects on people in Asia (image from the Global Terrorism Database).
Neerja is a film which tells the story of such a hijacking that received little to no media attention outside of India.
Films like this are very important on shedding light on events outside the typical western narrative and belief of terrorism seen in our society today which has been passed down through popular sentiment.
More Important Themes
Fantastically directed, the film keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. Watching it you feel the suspense and are completely ensnared into the action.
Neerja is a prime example of how Bollywood films can make it big in international cinema.
Neerja is almost like a fusion between a traditional American biopic and a Bollywood drama. It begs the question of why there aren't more productions like this, showing that diversity of film, story and culture are things that we should celebrate more often.
Conclusion
As a whole, the film is a very well written ode to Neerja Bhanot, who would be 53 years old today (her birthday having passed a few days prior to the date of this posting).
It is a great production depicting the story of a strong, courageous, hard-working woman who was a real life hero responsible for saving over 300 lives on board Pan Am flight 73.
Her story is one that strikes a real cord on your heartstrings.
For me, I found Neerja to be very personal.
Not very often do I get to watch films celebrating people from a similar background as myself. Representation in media can be a very powerful thing.
I cannot say enough about how much I admire the Neerja Bhanot's story and how much I respect the film adaptation of her courageous efforts.
