A soaring tale of courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a biographical drama starring Janhvi Kapoor in the titular role, alongside Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi. Set primarily in the 1990s, the film chronicles the real-life journey of Gunjan Saxena, one of the first Indian female pilots to serve in a combat zone during the Kargil War. Directed by Sharan Sharma, the film falls under the genre of biographical war drama, while focusing more on Gunjan’s personal battles than the battlefield itself.
The story follows Gunjan, a young woman with an unshakable dream of becoming a pilot, despite societal pressures and the male-dominated world of aviation. From her childhood fascination with planes to facing discouragement from almost every corner, including her own brother, Gunjan’s journey is not just about flying but about proving her worth as a woman in a profession where she is constantly undermined. The narrative picks up as Gunjan joins the Indian Air Force, navigating challenges like gender discrimination, physical tests, and war duties. While the story takes her to the skies of Kargil, the heart of the film remains grounded in her determination to achieve her dreams against all odds.
One of the film’s standout aspects is the performance of Janhvi, who, manages to bring a sincerity and vulnerability to her portrayal of Gunjan. While her performance may not be as powerful or polished as her veteran co-stars, Janhvi succeeds in making the audience root for her character’s journey. Pankaj Tripathi, as Gunjan’s supportive father, is the soul of the film. His portrayal of Anup Saxena, a gentle, progressive man who believes in his daughter’s dreams, is heartwarming and provides the emotional foundation of the film. His calm demeanor and subtle humor bring a softness to an otherwise intense storyline, and their father-daughter relationship feels authentic and inspiring. Angad Bedi, as Gunjan’s brother, plays the role of the more traditional, protective figure, adding tension to the family dynamics.
From a technical standpoint, the film excels in its cinematography, especially in the aerial sequences. Manush Nandan’s camera work beautifully captures the vastness of the sky and the claustrophobia inside the cockpit, making the flight scenes visually compelling. The Kargil War sequences are shot with enough tension and realism to keep the audience on edge, though the film never strays too far into action territory. Instead, the focus remains on Gunjan’s emotional state during these critical moments. The use of special effects during the flight scenes is seamless, blending CGI with practical effects to create a believable war environment. The sound design complements the visuals effectively, particularly during the war sequences, where the hum of the aircraft and the distant sounds of explosions create an immersive experience.
The direction by Sharan Sharma is tight and focused, with the film successfully balancing the personal and professional struggles of its protagonist. Sharma wisely avoids turning the film into a typical war movie; instead, he allows Gunjan’s story to unfold in a more intimate manner. The pacing of the film is steady, though it slows down slightly in the middle. The narrative remains emotionally engaging, with the screenplay giving ample space for character development. Gunjan’s moments of self-doubt, frustration, and eventual triumph are handled with sensitivity, and the film never feels overly melodramatic.
The music, composed by Amit Trivedi, complements the film’s tone perfectly. While not overly memorable, the songs serve their purpose in advancing the narrative and underscoring Gunjan’s internal journey. Tracks like “Bharat Ki Beti” are rousing and inspirational, matching the patriotic theme of the film. The background score also does a commendable job of heightening the emotional tension during key moments, particularly during Gunjan’s first solo flight and the war scenes in Kargil.
Costume design and production values are commendable, as the film successfully recreates the era of the 90s without overdoing it. The simplicity of the Air Force uniforms and Gunjan’s casual attire reflect her grounded personality. The military bases, helicopters, and war zones are all designed to be as realistic as possible, without overshadowing the personal journey of the characters. The editing by Nitin Baid is crisp for the most part, although a few scenes, particularly in the training academy, could have been trimmed to maintain a faster pace.
At its core, the film is about breaking barriers, both external and internal. The theme of gender equality is evident throughout, but it is handled with subtlety rather than being overly preachy. Gunjan’s struggle is not just about proving herself to the world but also overcoming her own insecurities and doubts. The film also touches upon the idea of patriotism, not as a loud declaration, but as a quiet determination to serve the country in whatever way possible. The narrative consistently emphasizes that Gunjan’s fight is not against her male colleagues, but against a system that doubts her capabilities purely because of her gender.
In conclusion, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a heartfelt and inspiring film that celebrates the spirit of perseverance and the breaking of societal norms. Janhvi’s performance, while not without its flaws, is earnest and relatable, and Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of her father adds emotional depth to the film. The direction, cinematography, and technical aspects all contribute to making the movie an engaging watch. While it may not be a groundbreaking film in terms of storytelling, its sincerity and focus on character make it stand out in the genre of biographical dramas. For those looking for an inspirational tale with strong performances and a patriotic undercurrent, this film is a worthwhile watch.
