Standout lead performances steer aviation drama to a safe landing
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, Rakul Preet Singh, Boman Irani Director: Ajay Devgn
THE aviation drama released recently in cinemas revolves around a skilled pilot, who after a night of heavy partying takes control of a plane flying from Dubai to India. Bad weather means he is unable to land in one location and must go elsewhere where it is equally horrendous, and he is left with no choice, but to make an emergency landing with a plane full of passengers.
What follows is an inquiry led by a dedicated investigator determined to unravel the truth. The interesting film starts off as a thriller in the skies before evolving into a legal drama and character study of the morally grey protagonist. The unique storyline sets it apart from most other Bollywood films released in recent years, but it is unable to maintain the early momentum and kind of starts falling flat in the second half, as most of the tension is slowly removed. It just becomes a dialogue heavy drama that gets weighed down.
What keeps you engaged is the standout performances from lead stars Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan. Both are on fine form in their respective roles, but you can’t help wondering how much better Runway 34 could have been if the screenplay was stronger and a better director than lead star Devgn was at the helm. The supporting cast members are decent enough in their respective roles. Those who have seen 2012 Denzel Washington Hollywood film Flight will feel this is a poor copy and some may find similarities with Tom Hanks starrer Sully (2016).
Although better than most commercial Bollywood releases from the past year, this is ultimately another film that promises more than it actually delivers and turns out to be a massive, missed opportunity. The main thing that prevents this aviation drama from crash-landing is gripping performances from Bachchan and Devgn.