Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl was among the 17 films and series that were all set to premiere on Netflix India. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Vineet Kumar Singh and Manav Vij in the lead roles, is based on the inspiring life story of Gunjan Saxena, the first woman combat aviator to fly into a war zone during the 1999 Kargil War. Directed by debutant director Sharan Sharma, the movie traces the journey of a woman who showed unparalleled courage, breaking stereotypes against women by becoming the first woman INDIAN Air Force Officer to go to war. This one’s a reality check for all those who think women cannot become a pilot.
Little Gunjan Saxena, who loved Hindi film songs, and kasatta ice creams, simply had one dream in her life- to become a pilot. However, back then, women weren't considered good enough to become pilots. At every step, Gunjan had to face a million obstacles- from her family members, to her senior officers in the Air Force- while on her way to making history! It was solely Gunjan’s father (Pankaj Tripathi) who supported her every step of the way to help realize Gunjan’s dream. With some brilliant performances and great direction by Sharan Sharma, this film is a huge winner. It is a simply told story with zero frills and all heart! Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal as a young girl who, despite adversities and naysayers, stayed the course, kept her dream alive and chased it could very well go on to be her first iconic performance in a potentially long career! This one's for the ages, Janhvi!
As for Vineet Kumar Singh, who plays Flight Commander Dilleep Singh- a khadoos, sexist Air Force officer- he delivers an optimum performance as a negative force that Gunjan has to constantly battle with building up to an interesting climax!
Manav Vij has terrific abilities as an actor. While he has strangely stayed under the radar and away from the limelight all these years, he will walk away with as many accolades as Janhvi - as he plays just the perfect enabler that gives Gunjan wings to fly as her Commanding Officer Gautam Sinha!
The makers didn't indulge and got the duration spot on at an hour and 45 minutes + 7 minutes of end credits which also has a lovely montage of some awe-inspiring pictures of real-life Gunjan Saxena! Netflix scores another big winner after Raat Akeli Hai! Gunjan Saxena - The Kargil Girl on Netflix is totally Bingeworthy! Watch it and feel the urge to whistle and offer a standing ovation from home for a great story well depicted and optimally performed!
We rate this film, 4 out of 5 Stars!
Image Source: IMDb