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Airlift, released in 2016, is a gripping historical drama directed by Raja Krishna Menon. The movie revolves around the real-life incident of the largest human evacuation in history, which occurred during the 1990 Gulf War. The protagonist of the movie, Ranjit Katyal (played by Akshay Kumar), is a shrewd and opportunistic Indian businessman living in Kuwait with his wife Amrita (Nimrat Kaur) and little daughter. He is fully vested in his luxurious life but has little interest in his Indian roots. But as the war intensifies, Ranjit's life turns upside down. He witnesses the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq and his migration becomes a fight for survival.

He puts aside his self-interest and steps up to lead a mission that aims to evacuate 1,70,000 stranded Indians from Kuwait amidst the war. What follows is a thrilling story of courage, resourcefulness, and sheer grit that allowed 1,70,000 Indians to be airlifted within a span of 59 days, making it a Guinness World Record for the biggest human evacuation in history.

The story of Airlift is a tribute to the martyrs who made it possible and to highlight the positive side of human nature that often remains unnoticed amidst the chaos of war. The movie does a great job of capturing the zeitgeist of the period when the Gulf War was at its height, and the uncertainties of that time are reflected through the grit and determination of the evacuees.

Akshay Kumar delivers a remarkable performance as Ranjit Katyal. He plays the role with a steady grace and dignity that are both vulnerable and strong. The natural rhythm of his acting makes Ranjit's journey authentic and relatable, making it easy for the audience to root for him.

Nimrat Kaur, as Amrita, Ranjit's wife, is perfect in her understated role. She successfully portrays the terror, anxiety, and helplessness of the wives who were left behind in Kuwait, waiting for their husbands to return.

The supporting cast of Kumud Mishra, Ferena Wazeir, and others do a great job in portraying the roles of the stranded Indians who, in the midst of the chaos, looked to their leaders for guidance and safety.

The cinematography of Airlift captures the desolation and desperation of the period, and the art direction immerses the audience in the bombed-out, loot-ravaged world of post-war Kuwait.

The movie's soundtrack, composed by Amaal Mallik, Ankit Tiwari, and others, is a great blend of mellifluous melodies and groovy tracks that emphasize the various emotional moments of the storyline, as well as the intense action scenes.

Overall, Airlift is a great film that tells a remarkable story, highlighting the bravery and resilience of people in the face of adversity, and the triumph of hope over despair. It covers a massive heart, profound emotion, and a gripping narrative that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema hall. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, action movies, or simply want to appreciate top-quality acting, Airlift will not disappoint.

Airlift is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.