Divya
Directed by: Sharan Sharma
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ratings: 4/5
Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Pankaj Tripathi
The Kargil Girl, who blossomed into a highly respected IAF officer over the period of 40 air rescue missions, has shown the audience that absolutely nothing is impossible. This true story is depicted perfectly with emotions, dialogues and more importantly, it shows us true love; that between a father and his daughter.
Gunjan Saxena is a young determined girl who helped save a Nation and all that began with her love of flying. From swapping dolls for aeroplanes, somewhere a little girl grew up and little did she know her destiny would one day save the lives of war heroes which lead to her being one herself.
A Doting Daughter, A Warrior Father
With perfect grades and a well-mannered personality, Gunjan is portrayed as the perfect daughter who makes her parents proud. However, with an irreplaceable fever for flights and aircrafts, Gunjan sets off on an adventure to become a pilot in her own right.
Colonel Ashok Kumar Saxena, the father of Gunjan, is nothing but supportive of his daughter’s wildest dreams and desires. From fighting for her wishes against all social odds to claiming her failures as his own. The dynamic between the on-screen father-daughter duo gives you a feeling of pride and swells your heart with joy.
In the movie that is based on a true story, Colonel Ashok Saxena is shown to be the pillar of Gunjan’s IAF career. From supporting her while she filled out the admission application to watching her step into their home after earning the Air Force badge.
Toxic Masculinity Much?
Gunjan being the only woman in the force faces extreme sexism as none of her seniors or fellow cadets appreciate or acknowledge her. With the pride of not wanting to depart respect or bow down to a woman officer, many of her co-trainees fail to recognise her impeccable flying skills.
The film also portrays how in the late 20th century, a female War Pilot was unheard of and they were not expecting one this soon either. Gunjan’s personality stood strong even against all the prejudice and her spirits lifted with her father’s undying support.
Brotherly Love… a tad bit overprotective?
With an Army Major for a brother, Gunjan faced mild criticism from there too. Out of love, out of fear, or out of the fact that a woman wasn’t common news when it came to the Army or piloting, Gunjan’s brother Major Anshuman Saxena was a tough cookie to crack.
The movie has depicted him as a concerned brother but also as someone who isn’t used to the fact that a woman can handle the same task as that of a man. He also later on says that he wouldn’t always be there to save her which clearly give us the impression that the Major thinks his little sister might need saving as he lives under the impression that she might not be fit for the Army.
Hit or Miss?
The movie is definitely a HIT as it portrays a strong independant woman who takes the lead on her mission called ‘life’ as she faces all odds to push herself in becoming better. Gunjan Saxena has won our hearts and we would definitely rewatch this powerful message delivering movie.
Gunjan Saxena has officially taken off into our hearts and minds.
