Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue

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*Capsule Gill* dramatizes the true story of Jaswant Singh Gill, a mining engineer from IIT Dhanbad who famously rescued 65 trapped miners at the Raniganj Coalfields in 1989. Gill, known as 'Capsule Gill,' devised a daring and innovative rescue method involving a metal capsule capable of carrying a person, which was lowered into the mine shaft to bring the miners out one by one. Gill was the first to go down and the last to emerge, after a six-hour ordeal. His bravery earned him the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, the highest civilian honor for bravery, and a lifetime achievement award from Coal India.

The film explores the high-stakes rescue mission, depicting the challenges Gill faced in coordinating the operation amidst interdepartmental rivalry and corruption. Characters like D Sen (Dibyendu Bhattacharya) highlight the bureaucratic hurdles that delayed the rescue, while others, like R J Ujjwal (Kumud Mishra) and politician Govardhan Roy (Rajesh Sharma), embody the supportive figures working tirelessly to help. The miners, too, are divided, with some, like Bhola (Ravi Kishan), feeling abandoned, while others, like Pasu (Jameel Khan), cooperate with the authorities.

The drama unfolds both above and below ground, with tense moments as the rescue operation progresses. The romance between Gill (Akshay Kumar) and his pregnant wife Nirdosh (Parineeti Chopra) provides a minimal subplot, ensuring the focus remains on the intense rescue mission. While the CGI effects could have been improved, they don’t detract from the emotional weight of the story.

Akshay Kumar delivers a strong performance, portraying Gill's calm under pressure and his unwavering commitment to saving the miners. The supporting cast, including Kumud Mishra, Ravi Kishan, and Parineeti Chopra, also stand out, bringing their characters to life with conviction.

*Capsule Gill* is an inspiring tribute to a real-life hero whose ingenuity and courage saved lives. The film succeeds in capturing the drama and tension of the rescue, leaving viewers with a sense of pride and admiration for Gill’s heroic efforts. It’s a film that celebrates bravery and resilience, making it a must-watch to honor a true hero.