Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A Story of Courage and Dreams
Introduction
Released in 2020, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is an inspiring biographical drama directed by Sharan Sharma. The film is based on the life of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female pilots in the Indian Air Force to serve in combat during the Kargil War in 1999. Starring Janhvi Kapoor in the titular role, the film also features remarkable performances by Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi. It’s a heartwarming tale of determination, breaking stereotypes, and achieving greatness despite all odds.
Key Details of Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Genre | Biography, Drama |
| Director | Sharan Sharma |
| Producers | Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta |
| Writers | Nikhil Mehrotra, Sharan Sharma |
| Music Composer | Amit Trivedi |
| Cinematography | Manush Nandan |
| Runtime | 112 minutes |
| Budget | ₹30 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | Released on Netflix (no theatrical revenue) |
| IMDb Rating | 5.3/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Janhvi Kapoor | Gunjan Saxena |
| Pankaj Tripathi | Anup Saxena (Gunjan’s supportive father) |
| Angad Bedi | Anshuman Saxena (Gunjan’s brother) |
| Manav Vij | Commanding Officer |
| Vineet Kumar Singh | Flight Instructor |
| Ayesha Raza Mishra | Gunjan’s Mother |
Plot Summary
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl chronicles the journey of a young girl from a middle-class family who dreams of becoming a pilot. Despite societal norms and gender biases, Gunjan (played by Janhvi Kapoor) finds support in her father, Anup Saxena (Pankaj Tripathi), who encourages her to follow her dreams.
Gunjan overcomes numerous challenges, including resistance from her brother Anshuman and the struggles of proving her mettle in a male-dominated profession. The film highlights her resilience and determination as she becomes one of the first Indian women to fly into combat during the Kargil War.
The story celebrates Gunjan’s historic achievement, showcasing her courage and her significant role in evacuating wounded soldiers and providing logistical support during the war.
Memorable Aspects of Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl
- Inspiring Story: The film beautifully portrays Gunjan Saxena’s perseverance and bravery, making it an inspiring watch.
- Stellar Performances: Pankaj Tripathi shines as the loving and supportive father, while Janhvi Kapoor delivers a sincere performance as Gunjan.
- Empowering Themes: The film addresses gender bias, societal pressure, and the importance of parental support in achieving dreams.
- Visuals and Music: Manush Nandan’s cinematography captures the grandeur of the Air Force, and Amit Trivedi’s music complements the emotional tone of the film.
Box Office and Legacy
Since Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl was released on Netflix, it didn’t have a theatrical run. However, the film gained attention for its empowering narrative and heartfelt performances. While it faced some controversies regarding factual accuracy, the movie remains a tribute to the bravery of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena and an inspiration for young women to break barriers.
Conclusion
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a moving biographical drama that highlights the strength of a woman determined to achieve her dreams against all odds. With a compelling story and strong performances, the film is a tribute to the courage and resilience of Gunjan Saxena, a true trailblazer in Indian aviation history.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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