Critics’ Verdict: ‘Airlift’ Is a Must-Watch, Akshay’s Best Yet

Read how film critics are reacting to Akshay Kumar’s new release ‘Airlift’

Film: Airlift
Director: Raja Krishna Menon
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur

Excerpts from reviews of Airlift:

Airlift is compelling, thanks largely to a sterling performance from Kumar — who is both suitably weary and suitably level-headed for the part — enough to anchor the proceedings. The actor is always fine when reined in, and Menon plays to his strengths and Kumar only snaps once, almost reflexively, into Bollywood hero mode, but he is mostly calm and grown-up and holding on. The problem with Airlift, however, cinematically speaking, is that its protagonist, while messianic, might be reined in too far: there is not much Kumar has to do besides have faith and talk to people; there is no audacious plan, there is no stroke of genius — it’s all just hope and humanity.

Raja Sen (Rediff.com)

The movie might have collapsed under the weight of its own conceit if it hadn’t been for the taut writing and the strong performances by the cast. Nimrat Kaur is a fine foil to Akshay Kumar, who delivers his best performance in ages. Kumar has been lining his own bank balance with comedies and action thrillers for years, and Airlift indicates that he remains capable of playing a conflicted character who is transformed by circumstances into a man of action.

Airlift soars on its own merits, but it is ultimately a flight of fantasy.

Nandini Ramnath (Scroll.in)

‪Airlift is one helluva ride. Terrific writing, direction. Easily Akshay Kumar’s best performance and film till date. As seen before, the switch from indie to mainstream filmmaking isn’t always smooth, but Raja Krishna Menon makes the jump effortlessly. Everything aside, I feel, Airlift is the kind of populist entertainment we must aim for more, superstar, et al.

Aniruddha Guha