Neerja (2016): 120 Minutes
Director: Ram Madhvani
Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shekhar Ravjiani, Shabana Azmi, Yogendra Tiku, Kavi Shastri & Jim Sarbh
Neerja is a powerful portrayal of Neerja Bhanot, the brave flight purser who gave her life to save 359 of the 380 passengers aboard Pan Am Flight 73 when it was hijacked by the Abu Nidal Organization in Pakistan in 1986. Her selfless courage earned her posthumous honours from India, Pakistan, and the U.S.
The film delves into Neerja’s personal life, highlighting her career as a flight attendant, a decision made against her mother’s wishes, and her failed marriage to a controlling husband. On September 5, 1986, Neerja boards Pan Am Flight 73, flying from Mumbai to New York via Karachi and Frankfurt. The hijackers, posing as security officers, infiltrate the plane at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Neerja quickly informs the crew, enabling the pilots to escape through the cockpit hatch, foiling the terrorists’ plan.
The terrorists, seeking to identify American passengers, demand passports, but Neerja hides several American passports, preventing more targeted attacks. Tensions escalate when an Indian-American passenger is shot, and the radio engineer Ali is forced to negotiate on behalf of the hijackers.
After 17 gruelling hours, a power failure plunges the plane into darkness, causing panic among the terrorists. Seizing the opportunity, Neerja opens the emergency exits, guiding passengers to safety. In a final act of heroism, she shields three children from gunfire, sacrificing her own life to save theirs. The Pakistani Special Service ultimately storms the plane, capturing the terrorists.
Neerja is a poignant tribute to a real-life heroine, capturing her remarkable courage and selflessness in the face of terror, making it a moving and emotional watch.
A Little Princess (1995): 97 minutes
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Cast: Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Rusty Schwimmer, Arthur Malet, Vanessa Chester, Errol Sitahal
Alfonso Cuarón’s A Little Princess, adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story, is a touching children’s fantasy about resilience, love, and kindness amidst adversity. Set in early 20th century London, the film follows young Sara Crewe, the daughter of Captain Crewe of the Indian colonial army. When World War I breaks out, Sara is sent to a strict private school run by the cold and snobbish headmistress, Miss Minchin, who showers Sara with false affection, hoping to benefit from her father’s wealth.
At the school, Sara experiences class and racial discrimination but forms deep friendships with Becky, a Black servant girl, and Ermengarde, a fellow student mistreated due to her social status. Known for her storytelling, Sara captivates her peers with tales of Indian mythology, earning their admiration. However, her world collapses when, during her birthday celebration, she learns her father is presumed dead in battle.
With no money left, Miss Minchin strips Sara of her privileges and forces her to live in the attic with Becky. Despite her hardships, Sara remains kind-hearted, befriending those in the market and earning the nickname ‘Princess’ from a local vendor. She also meets Randolph, a grieving old man, and his Indian servant, Ram Dass, who helps her in times of need.
The story reaches its heartwarming conclusion when Sara discovers her father is alive and recovering from war wounds in Randolph’s home. The film ends on a joyful note as Sara, Becky, and Captain Crewe prepare to return to India, celebrating the triumph of hope and love over adversity.
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