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Critics: 9 Panel: 7 User: 25

Overall: 3.6 from 41 users

Neerja

Synopsis/Plot : Neerja is a biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5th, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked at its transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal's terrorist outfit. This is the story of Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor), a 22 year old part time model, who was the head purser on the flight. Neerja had escaped an abusive marriage at a very young age and as a life change, decided to become an air hostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser. Throughout the horrifying situation, Neerja didn't succumb to her fears and instead she fought her personal demons from the past and from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, she used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure that the passengers were protected, going as far as to hiding the passports of the American passengers. Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life. Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian honour for bravery, the Ashoka Chakra, and was bestowed the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism award by U.S.A, Tamgha e Insaaniyat (awarded for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan, Justice for Crimes Award by United States Attorney's office for the district of Columbia, Special Courage Award by the U.S. government and the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry's Award as well. This is a portrayal of Neerja's strength, courage and sacrifice and an attempt to bring before the world this lesser known Indian hero's story, so that she becomes an example and inspiration to young girls all over for generations to come.

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Critics Review All critic Reviews(9)

4.00

This courageous tale of Neerja Bhanot�s life is a must watch!

This film is an out and out a director�s film. With his honesty, creative skills, very real treatment and the ability to take out the best from his actors, Ram Madhvani brings to you the incredible story that deserved to be told to Indian public, especially the younger generation. He not only tells ...(more)

Source: Divay Agarwal, MovieCrow

3.50

Do watch! The film has been crafted with a lot of honesty.

Ram Madhvani relies less on drama while handling this story and that is good. Shabana Azmi and Yogendra Tikku�s performance as the parents is top notch.(more)

Source: Surabhi Redkar , Koimoi

4.00

Courage is not A virtue, but The virtue

Saiwyn Quadras' smart and gripping screenplay is the backbone of NEERJA. The narrative goes back and forth in a very interesting manner. Ram Madhvani brings amazing perspective to the real life story by giving various points of view. When Neerja tells the head of the terrorist group that she's just ...(more)

Source: Bollywood Hungama News Network, Bollywood Hungama

4.00

It is a powerful story that tugs gently and delicately at the heartstrings.

The three main actors in the cast � Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi and Yogendra Tiku � are on top of their game. Sonam is of course the lynchpin. Even when pushed well out of her comfort zone, she is completely convincing and real as the bubbly youngster with nerves of steel. Shabana Azmi informs her...(more)

Source: Saibal Chatterjee , NDTV Movies

4.00

A career-best portrayal by Sonam Kapoor captures a true hero's grit!

It�s really a surprise that a film on Neerja Bhanot�s life took such a long time to be made � there couldn�t be a more heroic story than this. And the greatest part about the film is that director Ram Madhvani stays absolutely true to his subject without diluting any of the impact. Neerja is quite e...(more)

Source: SARITA A TANWAR , DNA

4.00

Best tribute to India�s daughter by director Ram Madhvani

Ram Madhvani�s detailed research on this topic is commendable and he brings out all the sides of her life but keeps himself detached from it. Even the scenes inside the plane don�t seem to be just from a single perspective. Ram has managed to bring out all perspectives to ensure the most accurate po...(more)

Source: MEHUL S THAKKAR, Deccan Chronicle

4.00

Neerja is an absolute must-watch

am Madhvani's film captures Neerja's effervescence and her professionalism, getting us invested in the character long before we see her take wing and be astonishing, inspirational and incredible in the face of fear.(more)

Source: Raja Sen, Rediff.com

4.00

As gripping as it is poignant!

Director Ram Madhvani and writer Saiwyn Quadras tell us the story flitting between time-lines. It�s masterful how the central character�s present situation (the hijack) takes her back to the days of her abusive marriage. These intercuts show us a unique insight into the probable workings of her mind...(more)

Source: Sonia Chopra, Sify.com

User Reviews

3.5

Arun Sundar

Really excellent thriller film with the right dose of human emotions. Hats off director Ram Madhavani. (more)

3.5

Gowtham Viswanath

Neerja, the film too braved out soulfully like the brave woman. The Direction rode on the cozy and heartwarming Writing truly and gracefully yet left a thought of wanting more. The Performances did their parts absolutely well in especial the Lead. The Lead Lady elated the choices of the Character po... (more)

BO Report World Wide

Country 2nd Weekend 3rd Weekend 4th Weekend 5thweekend 6th Weekend Life Time Collection Opening Day Opening Weekend
Australia (A$) 133800.00 44057.00 12251.00 2081.00 --- --- --- 117715.00
Malaysia (MYR) 23316.00 11179.00 --- --- --- --- --- 23706.00
India (Rs) --- --- --- --- --- 741600000.00 47000000.00 220100000.00
USA ($) 526526.00 231260.00 97301.00 34208.00 8752.00 --- --- 523777.00
Canada ($) 102752.00 46956.00 23336.00 14110.00 --- --- --- 95408.00
UK (€ ) 104149.00 47120.00 20464.00 6999.00 2624.00 --- --- 102879.00

Music Tracks

No. Song Title Lyric Writer Performer(s) Listen here
1 “GEHRA ISHQ” SHEKHAR RAVJIANI Listen
2 “AISA KYUN MAA” Prasoon Joshi SUNIDHI CHAUHAN Listen
3 “Audio Juke Box” Listen