When the Indian Air Force (IAF) has written to film certification body Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), thereby objecting to its alleged negative portrayal in the biographical film, one knows that Dharma Productions have taken creative liberties or artistic freedom, to show things as they are not exactly in real life. Sounds common? Despite all its technical flaws, this woman centric flick manages to please the audience as it was designed to do exactly that. Director Sharan Sharma researches less but dramatizes more. Janhvi Kapoor delivers an above average performance by playing a character who ages from 16 to 25 years (1975-1999). However, many could not connect her with the real Gunjan Saxena. Pankaj Tripathi steals the show and proves his talent by playing the father. Vineet Kumar and Angad Bedi perform as required. It definitely deserves a watch because of its dramatization, emotional turmoil and stunning aerial photography and in doing so, it allows viewers to experience themes such as patriotism, feminism, fatherhood and passion. It could have been more powerful if more war operations were shown and more details about her real life were exposed. One thing is for sure – this is not a biopic. Selling hardships of women in IAF is what Bollywood adores.
Rating: 2/5
