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In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, a large number of Indian expatriates were stranded in Kuwait. The Indian government then launched the largest evacuation mission in the world, code-named ‘Operation Vijay’. The story of this mission has been portrayed in the Bollywood movie ‘Air Lift’. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon and starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur, the movie was released in 2016 and was a box office success. In this article, we will take a closer look at the movie and the true events that inspired it.
The Plot
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The movie revolves around the character of Ranjit Katyal (played by Akshay Kumar), a wealthy businessman settled in Kuwait. When Iraq invades Kuwait, Ranjit finds himself in a difficult situation as he is responsible for the safety of thousands of Indian expatriates. Initially reluctant to get involved in their evacuation, Ranjit eventually takes up the task and works with the Indian government to help bring back his fellow countrymen to safety.
The Characters
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Apart from Akshay Kumar’s character of Ranjit Katyal, the movie features several other characters who play a crucial role in the evacuation mission. Nimrat Kaur plays the character of Amrita Katyal, Ranjit’s wife who supports him throughout the mission. Purab Kohli plays Ibrahim Durrani, a young man who helps Ranjit in the evacuation process. In addition, there are several other characters who represent the diverse group of Indians stranded in Kuwait.
The Real Events
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The movie is based on the true events of ‘Operation Vijay’, which was launched by the Indian government to evacuate its citizens from Kuwait during the Gulf War. Over 170,000 Indians were evacuated from Kuwait and Iraq in a span of 59 days, making it the largest civilian evacuation mission in history. The mission was carried out by the Indian Air Force and Air India, with support from the Indian Navy and Army.
The Making of the Movie
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The movie was directed by Raja Krishna Menon and produced by Nikhil Advani, Bhushan Kumar, and Vikram Malhotra. The script was written by Ritesh Shah and Suresh Nair. The movie was shot in various locations including Mumbai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Rajasthan. The movie’s music was composed by Amaal Mallik and Ankit Tiwari.
The Reception
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The movie was a commercial success, grossing over 2 billion rupees at the box office. The movie also received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the events and the performances of the cast. Akshay Kumar’s performance in particular was praised by critics and audiences alike. The movie won several awards including the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.
The Legacy
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The movie has become a cultural reference point for the Indian diaspora and the Indian government’s ability to carry out large-scale evacuation missions. The success of the movie has also sparked interest in other such missions carried out by the Indian government. The movie has also spurred discussions on the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of India and its relations with other countries.
Conclusion
‘Air Lift’ is a movie that tells the story of one of India’s greatest achievements – the successful evacuation of its citizens from Kuwait during the Gulf War. The movie is a testament to the courage and determination of the Indian government and its people. It is also a reminder that in times of crisis, the human spirit prevails and people come together to help each other. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about this incredible event in Indian history.