Way back in 1989, Additional Chief Mining Engineer Jaswant Singh Gill led a rescue operation to evacuate 65 mine workers out of a flooded coal mine in West Bengal's Raniganj. The task was so challenging, dangerous and a near-impossibility, that Gill's daredevilry became a legend in itself.
In Mission Raniganj, Akshay Kumar plays Gill, in a script that aims to chronicle the story of the braveheart who believed that even if one worker was alive down under, it was his duty to save him. When almost everyone had given up on the thought of their survival, Gill followed his conviction that the men might be awaiting help and that without having seen with his own eyes he could not conclude that they were dead. The rescue operation which went on for three days, became significantly historical, and one of the bravest rescue operations in the country.
The film aims to narrate this story, which it does beautifully, but not without its over-the-top 'chaotic drama' that is characteristic of every Akshay Kumar film.
The plot is highly engrossing but the screenplay by Vipul Rawal lacks the punch to keep one hooked throughout. Dance sequences are loud and flashy, and at times, too many characters occupy the screen space leading to chaos and confusion. Yet, director Tinu Suresh Desai tries to keep the central narrative going strong and Kumar's larger than life persona adds heft to Gill's character.
The first half is dedicated to explaining the entire structure and framework of the mines, at a reasonably good pace that does not bore you out. The second half is rather slow, and by the end of the film, one comes out thinking that this was an entirely one man driven operation, and not a team effort by everyone involved including government agencies. In terms of his own character, Kumar does exceedingly well but everyone else seems to be playing second fiddle to him, in the film.
Supporting cast is stellar—there's Kumud Mishra in the role of a senior mining officer who works tirelessly alongside Gill sifting through government procedures in a bid to get things going, then there is also the highly able Pawan Malhotra as T.P. Bindal, a 'jugadu' who has a welding workshop. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is convincing as the pessimist and cantankerous mining officer who is against this rescue mission.
There is no doubt that Mission Raniganj is a highly absorbing and engaging thriller taken from a true story, just that, if we were to ignore Kumar's imposing persona that largely dominates the narrative, we'd appreciate the storyline much more.
Yet, one cannot deny the beautifully portrayed steely resolve of which Gill became known for, post his success with the rescue mission. Kumar internalises that emotion, beautifully. He underplays the heroism and appears very close to the "real hero" he essays in the film. Parineeti Chopra who plays Gill's wife (Nirdosh Gill) hardly has anything to do in the film.
Although there are several forgetful moments in the film, it never goes astray; it largely maintains the focus on the human tragedy in question. This story of human triumph is overall, an engaging experience.
Movie: Mission Raniganj
Director: Tinu Suresh Desai
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kumud Mishra, Pawan Malhotra, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Parineeti Chopra
Rating: 3.5/ 5