The thrill level and visual spectacle that the filmmaker generates in aviation dramas ensure an edge-of-the-seat sensation. Runway 34, the latest film directed by Ajay Devgn, excels in all of these areas. The movie is based on genuine events that occurred in 2015, when a Doha to Kochi airline narrowly avoided disaster after encountering difficulty landing at the airport due to severe weather and low visibility. However, there are significant similarities to Hollywood blockbusters such as Sully (2016) and Flight (2012). Runway 34, on the other hand, delivers a fascinating story and a fantastic cinematic experience.
Although B-town has produced compelling aviation dramas in the past, such as Neerja, Airlift, Bell Bottom, and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Runway is one of the best in terms of technical brilliance, amazing VFX, cinematography, and even direction. Even though there are no “what’s going to occur next” situations, it hooks you from the opening scenes and keeps you hooked as the story unfolds and truths emerge.
Ajay Devgn as Captain Vikrant Khanna and Rakul Preet Singh as first officer Tanya Albuquerque are subjected to an investigative process and interrogation by Narayan Vedant (Amitabh Bachchan) after making a May Day call before landing a flight in challenging conditions, endangering the lives of 150 travellers. The tale revolves around whether or not the aircrew would tell the truth and explain their decision.
Ajay, once again flaunting the director’s hat, performs an outstanding job. I must say, he’s a fantastic storyteller. He offers a seamless experience with Runway 34, rather than just acting. He never wastes time adding unnecessary details to his personas, whether it’s his own as a talented, calm, but cocky pilot who’s overconfident in his abilities, or Rakul Preet as a delighted but fearful co-pilot. He jumps right into the incident that occurred and whisks you away thousands of feet above the ground.
Although Ajay does an excellent job as a performer, I’d want to commend him as a filmmaker for Runway 34. Ajay displays the proper amount of strain and serenity as the pilot struggles to ensure a safe arrival and keep his word of rescuing 150 people. And, while being probed in the courtroom, he talks despite his silence. There are a few situations in which he appears to be emotional, and I believe that these scenes gave depth to his persona rather than making it appear one-dimensional.
In dress code, Rakul Preet looks very realistic as a young pilot. Her portrayal is consistently excellent, but her character journey could have been better developed. You can only watch so much of her onscreen before you suspect something is wrong. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the investigating officer is as tough as they come, and we’ve grown accustomed to hearing him interrogate individuals in a deep voice, so Runway 34 also recalls the countless courtroom plays he’s appeared in. Boman Irani, Angira Dhar, and Aakansha Singh have minor roles, and their contributions to the tale are not given any thought. They do, however, perform admirably in a few scenes.
To summarise, Runway 34 keeps you engaged and makes you feel the chaos while pleasantly sitting. It’s edgy, quick, and fascinating, and it delivers an unforgettable theatrical experience.