Neerja (2016)
They always say that we all have that 'selfish gene' in us that helps us and our dependents to survive and continue our progeny. It is our inborn safety mechanism. This 'gene' theory just remains a theory and has never been identified. There are, however, certain chemicals and hormones in our body that are secreted in abundance at certain times to initiate 'proactive' gestures to build that bond that paves the way to the 'protected list'. Progestrogenic hormones during pregnancy, parturient and lactational times ensure the protection of unborn and newborn. Flooding of the blood and brain with feel-good hormone of oxytocin during passionate and intimate moments cements the closeness of two individuals to provide security for one another. To go the whole nine yard, to endanger one's self for someone unrelated for humanity sake is a feat often praised relentlessly. Why do some go beyond the call of duty, risking one's life is anybody's guess? Is it not being alive the most valuable thing in life? Our body is geared with various reflexes to safeguard its internal organs, so the idea of self-sacrifice can be quite unnerving.
Hence, the countable accolades, honours and immortalisation of her name in the airline industry -Purser Neerja Bhanot of Pan Am. In 1986, 5th September, two days short of her 23rd birthday, Bhanot was flying as the head flight attendant on Pan Am flight 73 from Bombay to New York via Karachi and Frankfurt. During their stop-over at Karachi, the plane is boarded by four Palestinian terrorists disguised as Pakistani airport security forces.
The movie builds up showing Neerja as a lovable family girl much loved by her family and friends. She had a failed marriage (dowry is the issue) which is told in instalments as the main story is unveiled. There is also a prospect of a new boyfriend who may be proposing to her soon.
The flight which she thought would be an another routine before she returns home for her birthday turns out to be anything but ordinary. The terrorists had intended to divert the plane to Cyprus to bargain for the release of their friends imprisoned in Israel and Cyprus. Apparently green and ill-planned they fumbled. Bhanot alerted the pilots when they entered the flight forcefully who escaped via the safety hatchet. Stranded on the tarmac with no pilots and engineer to man the radio as the lethargic Pakistani authorities drag their feet to organise things, the armed-to-the-teeth terrorists get hot under the collar. They start brandishing their guns and shooting the passengers to get things moving.
Bhanot role in saving the day is hiding the passengers passports to protect Americans, comforting distressed passenger, trying to reason out with the hijackers and finally helping passengers to slide down the emergency exit in the last part of the story as the armed forces ambushed the aeroplane. She is fatally wounded.
The trend is slowly changing. Gone are the typical story build-up of boy meets girl, songs, obstacles in love and love finally appearing triumphant. This is a venture of realistic movie making with the element of suspense evenly maintained interspersed with flashbacks to put Bhanot's past history in perspective to explain her courage to stand up in the face of adversity.
Hence, the countable accolades, honours and immortalisation of her name in the airline industry -Purser Neerja Bhanot of Pan Am. In 1986, 5th September, two days short of her 23rd birthday, Bhanot was flying as the head flight attendant on Pan Am flight 73 from Bombay to New York via Karachi and Frankfurt. During their stop-over at Karachi, the plane is boarded by four Palestinian terrorists disguised as Pakistani airport security forces.
The movie builds up showing Neerja as a lovable family girl much loved by her family and friends. She had a failed marriage (dowry is the issue) which is told in instalments as the main story is unveiled. There is also a prospect of a new boyfriend who may be proposing to her soon.
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| Neerja Bhanot 1963 - 1986. |
Bhanot role in saving the day is hiding the passengers passports to protect Americans, comforting distressed passenger, trying to reason out with the hijackers and finally helping passengers to slide down the emergency exit in the last part of the story as the armed forces ambushed the aeroplane. She is fatally wounded.
The trend is slowly changing. Gone are the typical story build-up of boy meets girl, songs, obstacles in love and love finally appearing triumphant. This is a venture of realistic movie making with the element of suspense evenly maintained interspersed with flashbacks to put Bhanot's past history in perspective to explain her courage to stand up in the face of adversity.
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