Janhvi Kapoor’s Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is one of the finest three-act-structure films of recent times. It’s clearly and neatly composed of three different structures, i.e. the formative years, the struggle phase, and the fortitude. The outcome of all three portions is satisfying, and it perfectly served its purpose.
The first part of the film saw Gunjan’s Father supporting her unexpected dream of becoming a pilot from a very early age. She grows to clear the entrance exam of the Indian Air Force. The first part set the perfect foundation for the latter parts with some light and humorous tone.
The second part displayed the misogyny and sexism faced bu Gunjan at Udhampur airbase. Her older brother (Angad) already warned her about these events. Janhvi navigates microaggression, obvious accusations, and exclusion from the boys club with patience.
But it was the third part, which is the highlight of the movie. The third part is set in the 1999 Kargil War in which Gunjan Saxena was deployed as an only female pilot. The climax of the film is great, and it is enough to increase your respect for Gunjan Saxena.
Pankaj Tripathi did splendid work as an actor. His screen presence is enough to make any scene better. Angad Bedi also performed her part very well. Janhvi Kapoor was also good, but we expect more from her after her performance in Ghost Stories.
