Mission Raniganj Review: Akshay Kumar Shines In This Edge-Of-The-Seat Thriller

This is a superb film that keeps you engaged from the beginning till the end. It allows the audience to actually experience a coal mine rescue, making them a part of the rescue mission.

There are films that have stories that are important for us to know... because those stories are real... because these are the stories of the real heroes of our country...so that history always remembers them. Mission Raniganj is one such film.  

Story: The film is inspired by a real-life incident at Raniganj Coalfield and by the heroic act of Late Shri Jaswant Singh Gill who led Bharat's coal mine rescue mission. Akshay Kumar plays mining engineer Jaswant Singh Gill. A resident of Amritsar, Gill had received several awards for his act of bravery in 1989. He had volunteered and saved the lives of 64 people from a flooded mine in the Raniganj area of West Bengal. Gill died in 2019 at the age of 80.    

How is the film: This is a superb film that keeps you engaged from the beginning till the end. It allows the audience to actually experience a coal mine rescue, making them a part of the rescue mission. The tone is set in such a manner that you get engrossed in the story and can feel the pain of the workers trapped in the mine, and their families. The film does not give you a chance to breathe and you remain glued to the seat wondering what will happen next in this mission. 

The lighting, camerawork special effects, and the absolutely real-looking set make the film a treat to watch and keep you hooked throughout the film. You also breathe a sigh of relief and clap in joy when the rescue mission is completed successfully and Akshay’s character comes out of the mine.  

Acting: Akshay Kumar has given a brilliant performance in the film. In his last few films, the actor has been accused of lack of preparation, but this film belongs to Akshay Kumar - from his body language to dialogue delivery everything is pitch perfect.  

The supporting cast is also praiseworthy for executing their role with finesse. From Kumud Mishra, who plays Akshay’s boss, to Pawan Malhotra, Ravi Kishan, Jameel Khan all the actors are well-suited in their respective roles. 

Parineeti Chopra, who plays Nirdosh Kaur Gill, Jaswant Singh's wife, does her best within the small time frame of her role. Special mention to Dibyendu Bhattacharya for breathing life into the negative role. 

Direction: Tinu Suresh Desai, who has earlier worked with Akshay in the National Award-winning film 'Rustom', is in very good form and has succeeded in making the film an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The way he has portrayed the character of Akshay Kumar makes it more effective and powerful and your respect for the real-life hero Jaswant Singh Gill increases further. 

Music: The music of the film is good. The song 'Jeetenge' has been written by Kumar Vishwas. 

Overall, this is the story of a real-life hero, of hope, resilience, and teamwork. Stories like these should be known and watched.