Mission Raniganj Movie Review
Film “Mission Raniganj,” directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and written by Vipul K. Rawal, the extraordinary rescue of 65 trapped miners is brought to life, but the movie falls short in its execution. While it attempts to depict the heroic efforts of a Coal India officer, Jaswant Singh Gill, it does so with excesses that overshadow the deeper themes of the story.
Set in the backdrop of Mahabir Colliery in West Bengal’s Raniganj area, the film fails to dig deep into the character of Jaswant Singh Gill, whose bravery is legendary in Indian mining history. Instead, Gill’s character is one-dimensional, and his remarkable story is turned into a loud spectacle. Akshay Kumar’s performance, while energetic, lacks the emotional depth required to portray Gill’s complexity.
“Mission Raniganj” reinforces the notion that Hindi cinema often struggles to do justice to true stories, especially when big stars like Akshay Kumar are at the center of the action. The film ends up focusing more on star power than on the critical issues surrounding the mining disaster.
Comparing it to Yash Chopra’s 1979 film, “Kala Patthar,” which drew inspiration from the Chasnala mining tragedy and Joseph Conrad’s “Lord Jim,” the contrast is striking. “Kala Patthar” delved into layers of its principal character and story, creating a powerful narrative.
In contrast, “Mission Raniganj” lacks depth, presenting a simplistic narrative of a virtuous hero versus a group of antagonistic and lazy characters in the backdrop of a mining disaster. The film falls short in offering a more profound exploration of its characters and their motivations.
Jaswant Singh Gill is portrayed as a single-minded hero who never wavers, even in the face of chaos and danger. His incredible achievement, devising an untested rescue method, and his unwavering courage are undermined by the film’s treatment.
The film also simplifies the portrayal of Gill’s pregnant wife, Nirdosh Kaur, as an epitome of strength, contrasting her with the locals who are depicted as either helpless or negative stereotypes.
The trapped miners, portrayed by actors like Ravi Kishan, Sudhir Pandey, Jameel Khan, and Omkar Das Manikpuri, engage in constant bickering as their chances of survival diminish. Their family members, mostly women and elderly men, are shown in a state of distress, often resorting to dramatic expressions of emotion.
One of them even slaps Gill in a moment of desperation, only to regret it later. Gill, however, continues with his mission, undeterred by the chaos around him, while the film portrays the local Bengali characters in a negative light, with the mining engineer D. Sen (Dibyendu Bhattacharya) as the main antagonist.
Sen’s disruptive actions border on the farcical, as he tries to sabotage Gill’s rescue operation. The film doesn’t explore the nuances of the characters or the complexities of their relationships.
The film’s setting, the Raniganj mine crisis of 1989, offers glimpses of political elements with red party flags in the background. However, it fails to delve into the impact of trade unionism on the mines, safety concerns, or working conditions.
“Mission Raniganj” opts for an easier route, pitting a fearless North Indian hero against unhelpful and corrupt local characters, including a smarmy politician. The portrayal of Bengalis takes a literal turn when one character is subjected to violence, reinforcing stereotypes.
In conclusion, “Mission Raniganj” is a missed opportunity to tell a compelling story of courage and resilience. It prioritizes star power and sensationalism over meaningful storytelling, undermining the true heroism it aims to depict. The film’s superficial treatment detracts from the inherently dramatic narrative, resulting in a disappointing and underwhelming cinematic experience.
