Neerja has its share of flaws and weaknesses, but, to its credit, it does complete justice to the story of the braveheart Neerja Bhanot.

The film seems obviously centred on Sonam. It’s hard to tell if any other actor would’ve cracked this role better. Suffice it to say the fears, mainly drawn from her painfully unendurable recent performances (Khubsoorat etc.), remain unfounded.

Neerja stops being a well-made but rather distant film about a hijack and a hero, and transforms into a souvenir you’ll hold close to your heart. You now have to look at it from the mother’s moist eyes. You’ll have to register the indescribable difficulty of never being able to see her child again. But you’ll also have to comprehend her steeling up to the responsibility her daughter’s sacrifice entails for her – of staying strong and spreading the inspiration.

Bollywood springs a welcome surprise on us with this taunt thriller largely devoid of the trappings of the ‘masala’ formula.

If you’ve read about the real events that have inspired this film, you know how it will fold up. But even so, this one scores for managing to pack in a few surprises.

Aside from telling a story about the events of PAN AM 73, Neerja has a lovely layer of woman empowerment sewed into the fabric of the film. This is not just about the woman’s grit because she is a woman. But also about being wanted as a girl child, about her independent spirit and about her having to stand-up against labels and what was wrong.

The flaws are few and the high points are many. “Neerja” is the best film we’ve seen this year.

True to tradition, Neerja loses a little of its steam after interval, but it continues to be tense until the climax. After that, it seems as though Qadras couldn’t figure out how to end the film and so, Neerja makes some concerted attempts at pulling the heartstrings and stretching the film’s runtime to two hours.

Ram Madhvani steers clear of quintessential Bollywood melodrama, which turns out to be Neerja’s biggest strength. For recreating the beauty of the ’80s with a stunning eye for detail, and for bringing out the best in Sonam Kapoor, this film is a must watch. Go for it with family and friends and a big box of tissues.

A Stunning Masterpiece Overflowing with Emotions…

Neerja is a surefire hit. It is a human drama which will move the audience to tears a number of times. Because the story is not too well-known, the curiosity value of the film will be immense, more so because it presents a realistic account of what happened in the hijack drama of 1986. The film may have started slow but there can be no two opinions about the prediction that the film has wings to take flight and its collections will shoot up on the strength of a hugely positive word of mouth.

There is not a single artiste or technician in Neerja who has bummed out on the job. A whole lot compassion and conviction have made a miracle of a movie called  Neerja happen.

The film is beautifully made and keeps the drama alive in the first half and then loses steam in the second half and ends on a high emotional note.

Ram Madhvani’s restrained direction gives an edge to the film, which takes viewers right into the middle of the action as four men unleash terror on 360 passengers. And Sonam pays a fitting tribute to Neerja’s valour in a career-best.

Neerja is a dream role for any actress and Sonam Kapoor pulls it off, delivering her career-best performance as she assuredly plays an abused wife, a beloved daughter and a flight attendant caught in her worst nightmare.

This movie is many things, certainly, but is also a mother-daughter film for the ages.

Madhvani’s biggest strength in Neerja may be the way he alternates between letting us relate to the character and making us feel awed by her.

This one raises a toast to the daunting spirit of India’s daughters; every one of us must salute Neerja.

A well-intentioned, heartfelt film that pays tribute to a real hero…

NEERJA, the movie, celebrates one of our own. More importantly it celebrates humanity and service before self.

A brave movie! A poignant tale! A movie worth going miles to see!

Neerja has a lot going for it. The brilliant direction and the superb performances are its strongest points. This weekend, make it a point to catch this incredible film. Also, if you haven’t read up on Neerja Bhanot yet, don’t do so now, and let this film take you by surprise.

Apart from the makers’ effort to be as true to the event by recreating the aircraft model and paying attention to the nitty-gritty of that timeline, the highlight of Neerja is the emotion quotient. You will leave the cinema questioning, did this actually happen? If so, Neerja definitely needs each one of our salute and not just her but every person who went through the dreadful ordeal.

The story of Neerja Bhanot is one that needs to be heard. However, don’t forget your tissues if you plan to watch it this weekend. You will be needing them.

For a filmmaker to stir up such a high degree of emotion while making no obvious attempt to manipulate us is an amazing achievement.
Neerja is outstanding.

Neerja is a film not to be missed, not only for the respected martyr Ms Bhanot but for the performances and a good cinematic experience.

Neerja isn’t a movie I want to look back on and think about. I suspect it’s meant to be felt – and reacted to – in real time. It doesn’t matter if I discover tiny mistakes later. I feel shaken, and moved, and inspired right now. And occasionally, the first feeling while walking out the hall is the only analysis required, and the only instinct that matters.

Neerja won’t steal your heart or make you hate terrorists. It won’t resort to highlighting the inefficiency of Indian and/or Pakistani governments. It doesn’t over dramatize the story. It takes an emotional and mature stance about its subject. It makes you believe in the power of human beings. That ordinary people can make a difference if they try. That heroes need not be worshipped, but they need to be thanked. That just a little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Neerja rises above for the spirit it portrays – one of bravery, duty and compassion. While it definitely could have been more refined, the film still qualifies for a watch this weekend.

Ram Madhvani’s biopic on air hostess Neerja Bhanot is a lump-in-the-throat account of courage under fire.

Neerja, the film is respectful to the memory of those who lost their lives and doesn’t exploit their tragic end to extract a spectacle. It’s also about a family coping with a crisis, a nightmare for anyone to know their child is in trouble yet helplessly wait and hope.

‘Neerja’ deserves loud applause because not only is it an exceptional story of courage but because it is an ode to the undying spirit of humanity.

The film suggests an unusual emotional impetus for Bhanot’s bravery by linking, through a recurring flashback, her passivity in a recently ended abusive relationship to her decisiveness during the hijacking. It’s a reminder that courage can spring up unbidden, much like the crises that prompt it.

This is one of the few films where the audience was moved enough to applaud together. Highly recommended!

Even as I am writing this review, I still have a lump in my throat. Such is the power of humanity, kindness and good cinema. Please don’t miss this one.

Neerja is clearly among the best films Bollywood has been able to gift viewers with in recent times.

The subject, the performances, and Madhvani’s restrained direction are strong enough to ensure that few will leave theatres dry-eyed. Eat your heart out, Karan Johar — this is how it’s done.

You don’t even realise that it’s the selflessness and courage of real characters you actually end up applauding than the actors playing them. Go for it if you are in the mood for a good cry.

You will be visible shaken in the end and the death of a brave child will leave you teary eyed.

Minus the songs and the excessive schmaltz, ‘Neerja’ could have been outstanding. But still, the film holds, and hold us with it.

Such films where the filmmakers need to work in the same time and space zone are difficult to execute, but you’ll be surprised at the finesse with which Madhvani has shown most sides of Neerja’s personality. She falls, rises, falls again and rises again, until she emerges as that one name which will be associated with Pan Am Flight 73 forever.

‘Neerja’ is definitely a white-knuckle ride, take it if you have the courage for it.

Don’t miss this extraordinary tale of an ordinary young girl who made the nation proud with her incredible courage. Madhvani gives the real-life hero a befitting tribute!

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

It does not go overboard on attacking the lachrymal glands. But when it does, it is bang on.

Neerja is 2016’s best film so far and that makes it a must watch. But more importantly, in a country where heroes are easily forgotten, this one’s for Neerja Bhanot – the bravest and boldest 23-year-old you’ve ever known.

Neerja has a haunting impact. You are terrorized, you are heartbroken, you are overwhelmed but mostly you are deeply influenced by her strength and courage. More than anything else, Neerja is inspiring.

Neerja’s last words to her mother in the film is a famous Rajesh Khanna dialogue about Pushpa and her tears! Even though I hate them a lot, you just can’t leave the hall with dry eyes! Aamir, you have more company in the crying club.

Go watch one of the best Hindi films made in recent times ASAP!

Neerja is emotional, inspiring and truly flawless movie. It will move you, it will change you and it is a must watch.

NEERJA is a must watch ode to the youngest recipient of the highest civilian honour Ashok Chakra for displaying extraordinary courage and human kindness. It is a film that will make you stand up for what’s genuinely Right without bothering about nationality, religion, sex, cast or colour of the skin. Most importantly as a movie watching experience, you’ll be glued to the movie screen with tears and admiration welling up in your eyes. NEERJA is a movie that will make you a better person. Don’t miss it!

Neerja is a heart-felt biopic that rises above ordinary with a great direction and stellar performances. I suggest you fasten your seat belts for this weekend with Neerja.

The film does have a couple of flaws. It tends to get a bit slow and manipulative in between. But these are small hiccups in a film that besides telling an inspiring, fearless story briefly comments on the need to bring up our daughters as fearlessly as we bring up our sons. Shabana Azmi nails it in that last scene.
I walked out with moist eyes and a lump in my throat, and that’s saying a lot.

Watch this if you are looking for an engaging film about love, extraordinary bravery and honour. But keep the tissues near by. You will need them.