Mission Raniganj: Akshay Kumar shines in a gripping survival thriller with a touch of extravagance

Akshay Kumar takes on the role of a hero once again in filmmaker Tinu Suresh Desai’s latest movie, “Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Escape.” This film is inspired by a true event in Raniganj, West Bengal, focusing on the courageous actions of mining engineer and rescue expert Jaswant Singh. He orchestrated a daring mission to save 65 miners who were trapped for 48 hours back in 1989.

Survival stories really draw in a dedicated audience, and it’s true that the outcome can often be anticipated. However, it’s the way the filmmakers handle the narrative that truly sets the film apart.

In “Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue,” Akshay Kumar portrays Jaswant Singh, a junior engineer who leads a remarkable mission to save 65 trapped miners using an improvised capsule. The film delves into the harrowing events of 1989 when miners found themselves in a perilous situation due to a collapse in the coalfield.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including internal sabotage and time constraints, Jaswant Singh steps up to the task of orchestrating a daring rescue. Overcoming these obstacles, he establishes communication with the miners and successfully brings them to safety, showcasing his unwavering determination and courage throughout the operation.

The storyline of “Mission Raniganj” unfolds swiftly, diving straight into the gripping rescue mission led by Jaswant and his team. The film, with a runtime of just over 2 hours, focuses entirely on the high-stakes operation. While Jaswant emerges as the humble hero orchestrating the rescue on the surface, the film also sheds light on the miners’ desperate situation underground, cut off from communication and uncertain of their fate.

Actors Sudhir Pandey, Jamil Khan, Ravi Kishan, and Varun Badola deliver powerful performances as the miners, showcasing solidarity and resilience as they band together to survive while awaiting rescue.

The narrative maintains a brisk pace, engaging viewers by minimizing subplots. Although glimpses of Jaswant’s personal life and the miners’ families are woven in, along with tensions among mine management, these elements enhance rather than distract from the main storyline.

On the downside, the film falls short in its visual effects and melodramatic background score, with some characters veering into exaggerated performances. While Akshay Kumar shines, other actors like Kumud Mishra, Arif Zakaria, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Rajesh Kumar occasionally overplay their roles, diluting the authenticity of the portrayals.