Although I’m not a big fan of Indian cinema, but movies or series based on real-life incidents, have always caught my eye. Whether it’s ‘The Railway Men’ or ‘Article 370’, this genre has always been on my radar. Furthermore, how could I miss the much talked about movie ‘Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue’? 

The movie ‘Mission Raniganj’, is based on a true event, that happened back in 1989. The Additional Chief Mining Engineer, Jaswant Singh Gill, led a daring rescue operation that freed 65 trapped miners from a flooded coal mine in Raniganj, West Bengal. The mission was fraught with extreme risk and complexity. Gill’s heroism turned into a legendary history of tenacity and bravery.  

Gill is portrayed by Ashay Kumar with remarkable subtlety, balancing between confidence and modesty. His skill shines in scenes where he seems to be struggling with an invisible force- time. As he waits for orders from Ujjwal, portrayed by Kumud Mishra, it shows the boundary of planning and limiting the rescue plan, under the said protocols.  

Even if Gill is the clear hero of the rescue mission, the film also emphasizes other key characters. Kumud Mishra tirelessly works with Gill in overcoming hurdles. Pawan Malhotra excels in the role of T.P. Bindal as ‘jugadu’ contributes crucially.  ‘Sen’, played by Dibyendu Bhattacharya, plays an irritable mining officer who is against the rescue mission. Parineeti Chopra, played the role of Gill’s wife ‘Nirdosh Gill’, has limited screen time.  

‘Mission Raniganj’ candidly exposes administrative negligence and shows how personal interests often overshadow the deed of humanity.  

If I talk about the movie, watching it was totally worth my time. Not a single scene was monotonous or distracting. With every minute that went by, I couldn’t help but wonder, what will happen next?