AIRLIFTThe film’s narrative begins on the day – August 1, 1990 when Iraq president Saddam Hussein attacked Kuwait. ranjit, a business tycoon, has closed a few deals, bought one of the most-sought after palaces in town and trumped a friend-cum-business rival. He can’t wait to get home to celebrate. The same night, Iraqi forces attack the city and are running a riot.
Menon peels back the layers to ranjit’s personality. Though of Indian origin, Ranjit detests being identified as an Indian. Also as one of Kuwait’s richest businessmen, he is full of himself and money is all that seems to matter akshay’s first dialogue – ‘Profit explains everything’ – is a key insight into ranjit’s psyche. This is significant as the plot line builds from here.
In a very non bollywood fashion, our ‘hero’ fails as well, staying true to the reality of the events. However, though based on true events, akshay’s character is not based on a single person. Instead, it is a fictional amalgamation of two individuals in Kuwait who mapped out the 1990 evacuation.