Neerja will open in theaters on February 19, 2016.
AB Wire
The world premiere trailer for the thriller ‘Neerja’, based on the life of the courageous Pan Am plane purser Neerja Bhanot, who was on the ill-fated flight from Bombay to New York that was hijacked in Karachi, in 1986, makes it amply clear – even in the couple of minutes duration it plays – that Sonam Kapoor has done an outstanding job in the film.
Directed by Ram Madhvani, and also starring Shabana Azmi and Yogendra Tiku in lead roles, Neerja, produced by Fox Star studios, brings to the big screen the true story of Bhanot whose swift thinking and brave actions helped save the lives of 359 passengers and crew, all at the cost of her own life.
The biopic is a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit.
Bhanot, a 22 year old part time model, who was the head purser on the flight, fought back with exceptional courage. She had escaped an abusive marriage at a very young age and as a life change, decided to become an air hostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser.
Throughout the horrifying situation, Bhanot didn’t succumb to her fears and instead she fought her personal demons from the past and from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, she used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure that the passengers were protected, going as far as to hiding the passports of the American passengers.
Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life.
Bhanot was subsequently hailed internationally as ‘the heroine of the hijack’ and posthumously became the youngest recipient of India’s highest civilian honor for bravery, the Ashoka Chakra.
Bhanot was also bestowed the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism award by the United States, Tamgha–e-Insaaniyat (awarded for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan, Justice for Crimes Award by United States Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia, Special Courage Award by the U.S. government and the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry’s Award.
‘Neerja’ is a portrayal of Bhanot’s strength, courage and sacrifice and an attempt to bring before the world this lesser known real life Indian heroine’s story, so that she becomes an example and inspiration to young girls globally for generations to come.
The film releases in theaters in select countries on February 19, 2016.
Watch the trailer: