Marking a decade of cinematic brilliance, ‘Airlift’ continues to echo the thunder of India’s unprecedented 1990 Kuwait evacuation. Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur’s gripping portrayal of real events has fans revisiting the saga, courtesy of Kaur’s anniversary social media tribute.
Sharing rare set photos, Nimrat reminisced: ‘A decade ago, this celluloid dream took flight. The songs, cherished times, and affection have multiplied since.’ Her post spotlights the film’s role in preserving a near-forgotten epic.
Context: Saddam Hussein’s 1990 blitz on Kuwait trapped 170,000 Indians amid looting, shelling, and executions. With commercial flights grounded, desperation peaked as families scavenged for survival.
India rose to the challenge with Operation Rahat – a 59-day airlift extravaganza involving Air India, navy ships, and army logistics. Over 488 flights later, every soul was accounted for, clinching Guinness fame for the biggest civilian movement by air.
The movie pivots on Ranjit Katyal, Akshay’s character: a Kuwait fat-cat ignoring distant strife until it invades his home. With spouse Amrita (Nimrat) and kid in tow, personal devastation – his driver’s murder – flips the switch.
Ranjit’s odyssey is pure adrenaline: smuggling documents, rallying expats, outsmarting Iraqi guards for boarding passes. Director Raja Menon’s vision fuses historical fidelity with Bollywood polish – think pulse-pounding raids and tear-jerking reunions.
Akshay delivers career-best intensity, morphing from elitist to everyman savior. Nimrat’s poise grounds the frenzy, highlighting spousal bonds in apocalypse.
‘Airlift’s’ longevity stems from authenticity; consultants included survivors. It grossed big, won hearts, and embedded itself in school curriculums.
At 10, it reaffirms cinema’s power to etch history. In turbulent times, ‘Airlift’ whispers: nations thrive on heroes who act, not just applaud.