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Review: ‘Runway 34’: Gripping drama and strong performances make this film soar high

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Series: ‘Runway 34’ (Showing in theatres)

Duration: 148 minutes

Director: Ajay Devgn

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, Abhinay Raj Singh, Boman Irani, Sharik Khan, Aakanksha Singh, Angira Dhar

IANS Rating: ****

Ajay Devgn’s ‘Runway 34’, is inspired by a real-life incident and strongly reminiscent of the 2016 released English film ‘Sully: Miracle on the Hudson’. Yet, it is distinct and proves to be a gripping drama pivoting around Captain Vikrant Khanna’s flight from Dubai to Cochin, one rainy night, and how the skilled and experienced pilot saves 150 lives, with his maturity and foresight, preventing an impending aviation disaster, landing in Trivandrum instead, with limited fuel.

An edge-of-the-seat drama, the film keeps you hooked right from the beginning. The flight scenes displaying the fear and anxiety of the petrified passengers are real and palpable. The external flight shots of the aircraft flying amidst thunder and rain are also beautifully executed and appear real. The final landing of the plane in severe turbulence is frighteningly credible.

While the passengers and media term him a hero, Captain Vikrant Khanna faces a strict inquiry for his decision of landing at Trivandrum instead of Bengaluru and even opting for Runway 34 instead of the recommended Runway 16.

The second half of the film with the entry of Amitabh Bachchan as Narayan Vedant, the Investigating Officer, is equally exciting, although it is more of a courtroom drama with the inquiry committee and the pilots being interrogated.

How Captain Vikrant Khanna manages to hold his own against Narayan Vedant, convincing him of his sharp memory and flying skills through a simulated flight, thereby justifying his actions and decisions, forms the crux of this aviation drama.

Ajay Devgan, as the dashing and accomplished Captain Vikrant Khanna essays his character with his characteristic restraint and minimal expressions. He emotes through his eyes, conveying myriad emotions. An astute pilot, who places his passengers’ safety before everything else, a family man but with a fun side to his personality, Ajay Devgn is every bit that pilot.

Amitabh Bachchan as Narayan Vedant expectedly takes centre stage with his flawless oratorical skills and charisma, and towers over everyone else in the inquiry scenes. As always, he is a treat to watch.

Rakul Preet Singh, as Co-pilot Tania Albuquerque delivers what is expected of her, given the limited scope of her character. The scene where she is frightened owing to the bad weather and thinks it is all over is a wee bit incongruous with the perception one has of a pilot.

Boman Irani as Mr Suri, the owner of the Skyline Aviation company, is credible.

The story is narrated in a linear manner, and is fairly straightforward with no element of intrigue or unexpected twists, although the drama quotient is fairly high.

Some parts of the film appear a tad rushed and unconvincing, especially the inquiry by the DGCA officials and the breath analyser tests.

The background music is effective especially in the scene when Captain Vikrant Khanna leaves the airport after the heroic feat.

Overall, ‘Runway 34’ is an interesting film which is a perfect combination of drama and good performances.

Bollywood

Urvashi Rautela on sharing Miss Universe stage with Sushmita Sen: She gave me the wings to fly

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Mumbai, Aug 24: Actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela was one of the judges for Miss Universe India for the fourth consecutive time.

The evening became even more special for Urvashi as she got to share it with Sushmita Sen, someone who has played a crucial role in Urvashi’s journey.

She recalled that Sushmita was the one who gave her the wings and confidence to fly.

Talking about sharing the moment with her ‘Guru’ Sushmita, Urvashi said, “Sharing this moment with my first mentor, my guru, and our first-ever Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, makes it infinitely more special. She was the woman who gave me the wings to fly; when she personally crowned me on my coronation night, which is the rarest thing as she never does it, it became one of the most surreal and cherished moments of my life.”

Urvashi further opened up about how deeply the faith shown towards her by Sushmita has stayed with her over years.

Expressing her gratitude towards the former Miss Universe, Urvashi added, “I still wonder why she chose to believe in me, but perhaps some blessings are not meant to be explained, only cherished. I feel blessed beyond measure to God, my parents, my family, my fans, my loved ones, and especially my guru Sushmita. I owe a gratitude that words can barely contain. Some dreams are achieved, others transcend imagination. This feels like the latter.”

Meanwhile, Urvashi also made a lot of heads turn during the event with her gorgeous tricolour gown.

“Our team was told that my fourth consecutive appearance as a judge at Miss Universe India has created a world record and made history, and I am truly humbled and profoundly grateful. At Cannes, when an international journalist asked me what India meant to me, I instinctively answered, ‘I am India.’ Today, while judging Miss Universe India 2026 in a tricolour gown, those words feel even more profound. I am immensely proud to be Indian,” Urvashi shared.

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Anupam Kher talks about Yash beyond his powerful screen presence: ‘A warm, grounded human being’

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Mumbai, Aug 24: Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently met Kannada star Yash and reflected on the actor’s journey, his iconic portrayal of Rocky in the “KGF franchise” and the qualities he discovered beyond his powerful screen persona.

Sharing pictures from their meeting, the ‘Special 26’ actor described meeting Yash as a “total joy” and called him a “phenomenon.” He said he has closely admired Yash’s journey through KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2, particularly the way he brought the character of Rocky to life. Kher added that their conversation at a studio went beyond films, covering life, parents, families, dreams and the experiences that shape an individual.

In his heartfelt note, Anupam Kher wrote, “Meeting Yash was a total a joy! It was a great joy to meet the phenomenon called Yash! I have loved his journey in KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2. He didn’t just play Rocky! He gave the character a soul, a swagger and an unforgettable place in Indian cinema. Behind that powerful screen presence, I discovered a warm, grounded and thoughtful human being. We met at a studio and spoke about cinema, life, parents, families, dreams and the journeys that shape us.”

“Whenever I meet talented younger actors who are passionate and hungry to create something extraordinary, I feel energised. Their fire inspires me to work harder, explore deeper and give my very best.”

The 71-year-old actor also extended his best wishes to Yash for his upcoming film “Toxic,” hoping the project creates “its own magic” and receives love and success from audiences.

“Perhaps that is the beauty of cinema! We may belong to different generations, but our dreams speak the same language. My dearest Yash, may your forthcoming film #Toxic create its own magic and receive tremendous love and success. Keep inspiring, keep conquering. Lots of love and good luck, my friend! @thenameisyash.”

On a related note, “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” directed by Geetu Mohandas, stars Yash in a dual role, alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. The action thriller is slated to hit theatres on 26 August 2026.

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Govinda issues public notice against those spreading false information about his marriage, threatens ₹100 crore lawsuit

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Mumbai, Aug 23: Amid all the rumors and misleading reports surrounding actor and former MP Govinda on social media regarding his personal life, a public notice has been issued on his behalf warning netizens, media institutions, digital platforms, and content creators not to publish or share any false, defamatory, malicious, fabricated, or unverified material related to Govinda or his family.

This notice was issued a day after Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja’s conversation with Rakhi Sawant went viral. In the conversation, Sunita claimed that she withdrew the divorce petition as Govinda intended to marry actress Rani Swarnkar.

The notice issued by Govinda specifically mentions photos, videos, audio, morphed images, deepfakes, and any other synthetic content created using AI.

Govinda has expressed through this notice that he has not granted anyone permission to create, manipulate, or use any material related to his voice, image, identity, or personal/family life through AI or digital technology.

Going by the notice, civil and criminal action will be taken against the accused under applicable laws related to defamation, violation of privacy, misuse of identity, and cybercrime. The notice further mentions various provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Govinda has warned of claims up to ₹100 crore for those found guilty.

Additionally, the actor might also seek court orders to act against their bank accounts, restrict property transactions, seize passports, and pursue other legal measures, in accordance with the law.

Moreover, action has been sought against YouTube channels and other social media accounts accused of deliberately spreading misleading or false content related to Govinda.

Referring to his past experiences, Govinda has further expressed concern that rumors may be spread in an organised manner to damage his public image.

Through this public notice, Govinda aims to stop the circulation of unverified news or unchecked rumors about his personal matters on social media.

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