Mission Raniganj Movie Review: A Heroic Tale of Rescue Gone Wrong

"Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue" is a biographical drama that revolves around the real-life rescue mission of engineer Jaswant Singh Gill. In 1989, Gill saved the lives of 65 miners who were trapped in a submerged coal mine in Raniganj, West Bengal.

The movie features Akshay Kumar as Gill and Parineeti Chopra as his wife, Nirdosh. It was released on October 6th, 2023 and has received mixed reviews. While some praise the inspiring story and Akshay's performance, others criticize the film for its lack of depth, realism, and nuance.

The Plot

Opening with the vibrant tunes of a Punjabi wedding, we're introduced to the enamoured couple, Gill and Nirdosh. Employed by Coal India Limited, Gill is a patriotic and fearless engineer. His new assignment in Raniganj involves overseeing blasting operations at the Mahabir Colliery.

Tragedy strikes on 13 November 1989 when excessive blasting caused a flood in the mine, trapping 65 miners. Undeterred, Gill volunteers for the perilous rescue, proposing innovative solutions. Yet, he faces numerous obstacles, from corrupt CIL officials and aggressive local politicians to the overzealous media, all while grappling with personal challenges.

The Cast

Akshay Kumar, as Jaswant Singh Gill, delivers a genuine portrayal that reflects the character's valour and ingenuity. However, the script’s portrayal leans towards making him a larger-than-life figure, sidelining the deeper aspects of Gill’s character. Parineeti Chopra, in her role as Nirdosh, is supportive yet lacks narrative depth.