Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a biographical Bollywood drama released in 2020. The movie, directed by Sharan Sharma, stars actors such as Janhvi Kapoor in the titular role, Pankaj Tripathi, Angad Bedi, Vineet Kumar Singh, Ayesha Raza Mishra, and Manav Vij among others. The film has been produced under the banner of Dharma Productions and Zee Studios, with the pacy and soul-stirring music given by Rachita Arora and Amit Trivedi.

At the heart of the film is the real-life story of Gunjan Saxena, a former Indian Air Force pilot and the first Indian female airforce pilot in combat. Ms. Saxena made history during the Kargil War in 1999 and her life and experiences have been portrayed impressively in this movie.

The film begins by beautifully capturing the journey of a young Gunjan, keenly interested in aviation, played by the young and talented Riva Arora. Her dreams know no boundaries and despite facing resistance from her mother and elder brother, who both haunt her with the stereotypical gender roles of society, she draws an enormous amount of support and motivation from her father, as revealed through some emotionally-charged moments in the film.

The young Gunjan grows up to be a gritty woman who consistently breaks down barriers and stereotypes associated with her gender. Janhvi Kapoor steps into the shoes of the adult Gunjan with utmost conviction, showcasing the character’s resilience, courage, and determination. Her performance is bolstered by the robust acting chops of Pankaj Tripathi who plays her father. Tripathi delivers another memorable performance in the film, with his character not only supporting Gunjan but also challenging societal norms and traditions.

The narrative follows Gunjan Saxena’s journey as she makes her way into the Indian Air Force, the challenges that come her way and her never-give-up spirit. The director has managed to portray both her struggles and her triumphs in a balanced manner. Each scene plays a pivotal role in detailing Gunjan's journey and understanding her character's tenacity. While the film does not shy away from showcasing the blatant sexism and unfair treatment Gunjan has to face within the Air Force, it avoids being overly dramatic and stays true to its reality-based narrative.

Angad Bedi, who plays Gunjan’s elder brother, offers a significant contrast to Pankaj Tripathi’s character. Bedi's character Anshuman Saxena, although initially supportive of his sister's dreams, is resistant to her joining the Air Force due to the prevailing gender perspective of that time.

The second half of the film delves into the Kargil War. The war sequences are well-executed, along with the drama and emotion that come when soldiers put themselves on the line for their country. While Janhvi Kapoor captures the essence of being a fighter pilot, the nuances of the technicalities involved in flying have also been showcased.

The film also subtly explores the theme of feminism. The story aims at challenging and changing age-long established notions of gender roles. It highlights the struggle that a woman must face when she steps into a male-dominated profession. It beautifully captures the strength, resilience, and spirit of a woman, who, against all odds, pursues her dreams and breaks barriers.

The cinematography by R. Dee is praiseworthy, capturing not only the stunning aerial shots but also the grit and determination on the actors' faces. The film also boasts a high-paced and melodic score that doesn’t overwhelm the narrative. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a film that packs high action, strong emotions, and an inspiring story, making it worth watching.

In summary, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is not just a tale about a brave Indian woman creating history. It is a heartfelt tribute to dreamers who don't let societal norms and stereotypes cloud their judgment and deter their aspirations. As a movie, it aims to inspire, and it largely accomplishes this goal through its honest storytelling and remarkable performances.