An aviation thriller

‘ Runway 34’, Bollywood thriller said to be based on a true story directed and produced by Ajay Devgn is now being screened in theatres in Colombo. A release for the Ramadan festival, the film is imported by Aiswariya Films and distributed by CEL.

The film features Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh with Boman Irani, Angira Dhar, Aakanksha Singh and Devgn himself.

‘Runway 34’ is said to have inspired by the true event of the Jet Airways Doha to Kochi flight 9W 555, a Boeing 737- 800 aircraft that had a narrow escape on 18 August 2015, after facing difficulties to land at the Cochin International Airport due to bad weather and unclear visibility at 5: 45 in the morning and had to be diverted to Trivandrum International Airport.

However following the release of the film, the Federation of Indian Pilots ( FIP) contradicted film’s authenticity as a true event. Media report stated that that the film portrayed pilots in an unrealistic way and FIP in a statement criticised the film.

“Pilots are committed to abide by the highest standards of professionalism. While we all enjoy being entertained and appreciate the artistic licence of a movie director, a thrilling tale should not be perceived as a true depiction of the extraordinary professionalism among airline pilots who fly thousands of flights every day responsibly and safely without incident and fanfare,” FIP stated.