Airlift Doesn't Show MEA in Bad Light, Says Director After Criticism

Mumbai: Airlift director Raja Krishna Menon said that they have not taken any "artistic liberty" with the facts.

The External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday, that Akshay Kumar's Airlift, which revolves around the evacuation of Indians from Kuwait during the 1990 Gulf war, took 'artistic liberties' with actual events.

"The feedback, which I am getting, is that people are feeling proud of what India has done for its people. If there is a misunderstanding, I am happy to clarify it. But there is no attempt at all to show anyone in bad light," said Mr Menon.

Mr Menon also said that the motive behind making the film, based on true events, was to highlight one of the biggest civilian evacuations in the world. In the movie, the Ministry of External Affairs has been shown as lacking a proactive approach, which spokesperson Vikas Swarup claimed was far from reality.

Mr Menon, however, said that while the story of the characters and some parts were a figment of his imagination, he has not changed the facts.(Also Read: Akshay's Airlift Criticised by External Affairs Ministry For Taking 'Liberties')

Advertisement

"I haven't shown the MEA in bad light. I appreciate the efforts by the government. But that's not the story. The story is about a businessman Ranjit Katyal and his efforts. If there's a misunderstanding, I'll be happy to clarify. We have not taken artistic liberties with the facts of the story," he told a news channel.

"Our story is about Ranjit Katyal and the feeling of Indianness. Therefore, the way MEA reacted is not a part of the film. It's unfortunate that people feel that maybe that should have been a part of the story. Why did the MEA come and make such a statement is a question for them. I made my film that tried to tell the glory of this country to its people. How this is understood is upto the people who watch it," he said.

Advertisement

Airlift, also starring Nimrat Kaur, released on January 22.