Apart from the attacks on the Taj Mahal Palace and the Oberoi hotels, the 26/11/2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai also included an assault on the historic Cama and Albless Hospital, located near CST station. As terrorists moved towards the hospital premises, the nurses and hospital staff displayed extraordinary courage and presence of mind. Despite the grave danger, they quickly switched off the lights, locked the wards, and moved patients to safer areas to prevent the terrorists from locating them. Many nurses stayed beside critically ill patients instead of fleeing to safety. Their calm actions helped save the lives of newborn babies, women, and other vulnerable patients admitted to the hospital.
This inspiring chapter forms the basis of the newly released film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.
The story is presented through the POV of Geeta (Kangna Ranaut), who works as a nurse at Cama and Albless Hospital. Her colleagues and friends, played by Girija Oak Godbole, the new national crush, Smita Tambe, Rasika Agashe, and Esha Dey, are dedicated professionals who face their familial challenges with their chins up. On the fateful night of the Mumbai terror attacks, they, along with the rest of the hospital staff, confront fear head-on and continue performing their duties as caregivers. Their bravery during those perilous hours forms the heart of the narrative.
The incident is well known, and its details are available in the public domain. Yet writer-director Manoj Tapadia presents the story in an engaging and compelling manner. The first half is a tad slow, but the characterisation established here pays off in the second half. The emotional journeys of the characters are equally endearing. The dialogues are humorous at places, and every character is given enough space to shine. The line, “We are not important, but what we are doing is important,”beautifully captures the essence of the noble profession. Credit should go to both the director and Kangna Ranaut, as she never tries to overpower any of the other characters. The film’s message that nurses are soldiers in white uniforms is both powerful and relevant.
Kangna Ranaut is one of the finest actresses in the film industry, and her restrained yet convincing performance is outstanding. She never attempts to overshadow the actors around her, and that remains one of the film’s greatest strengths. Girija Oak Godbole, Smita Tambe, Rasika Agashe, Esha Dey, Asha Shelar, Priya L. Berde, and Suhita Thatte provide excellent support and make the film even more meaningful.
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is a simple yet endearing film that deserves to be watched at least once.
Rating: ***
By Keerti Kadam
