Today marks nine years since the biographical thriller Neerja first hit the big screen. Directed by Ram Madhvani and with a stellar cast with Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh, and Shekhar Ravjiani. The film remains a powerful tribute to the courage and inspiring story of Neerja Bhanot. She was a brave Pan Am flight attendant who bravely sacrificed her life to save the lives of 359 passengers during the 1986 hijacking of Flight 73.
Released in 2016, Neerja resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, accomplishing 31 awards like the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, International Indian Film Academy Awards, and Zee Cine Awards, amongst others. The film also performed exceptionally at the box office, grossing over ₹135.52 crore. Beyond its cinematic success, the film sparked conversations about selflessness, heroism, and the impact of one individual’s bravery.
Nine years later, Neerja continues to inspire the audience with its message of resilience across generations. As fans revisit this poignant story, the film’s legacy stands strong—a reminder that true courage is timeless and heroism never fades. As director Ram Madhvani shares his thoughts on this tribute through a heartfelt post on his social media, Neerja’s leading lady, Sonam Kapoor, too, honored the film’s legacy by sharing a tribute video on her Instagram story, celebrating Neerja Bhanot and her act of bravery.
Director Ram Madhvani, marking this significant milestone, shares, "Nine years on, Neerja remains an incredibly special project for me and I am very grateful to the Bhanot family and the full Neerja team because it tells the story of how ordinary individuals can discover extraordinary courage, rise above adversity, and stand against the most heinous acts of violence. What my team and I aimed to do was bring Neerja Bhanot's selfless heroism to life on screen, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come. Her life stands as a shining testament of the power of bravery and humanity, and it was an honor to share her story with the world. A profound reminder of the strength of human courage, Neerja's story still lives on.”
Reflecting on this milestone, co-producer Amita Madhvani shares, “Neerja, the national award film, completes 9 years today - “Neerja” still resonates the power of self-bravery to save lives, to rise above your call of duty—to be Nidaar #Sonam Kapoor Ahuja to portraying this truth with vulnerability and honesty- Ram Madhvani’s search of truth to create a reality in the shoot to honour the lives lost, the emotions of the Neerja family—on screen and in reality while telling a heart wrenching story of strength within.” She further adds, “As co-producers RMF we believe in the search for truth in every story we tell and honour every protection needed to preserve the integrity of the creator. Neerja set the path for this quest as we walk towards our next series, “The Waking of a Nation”.
Known for the critically acclaimed biopic Neerja, Ram Madhvani now embarks on his next ambitious project, The Waking of a Nation. This series promises to be another powerful and thought-provoking addition to his journey of cinematic excellence. If you're a fan of historical thrillers, mark your calendars for 7th March, 2025!