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Airlift

Name: Airlift
Director: Raja Menon
Released: 2016
Duration: 126 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

2016

Not Rated

Director

Raja Menon

Runtime

126 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Airlift stands out as a compelling portrayal of the Indian diaspora, providing a fresh perspective on geopolitical events by centering non-Western experiences. The film showcases a range of socioeconomic identities within the expatriate community, giving a significant role in driving the story to non-Western characters. However, the film adheres to traditional gender roles and straight-centered structures, limiting its progressive impact. The narrative emphasizes nationalistic unity and patriarchal leadership over social subversion. Overall, while the film excels in representing ethnic diversity and cultural solidarity, it falls short in addressing gender, sexuality, and disability issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Airlift have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and focuses solely on traditional heterosexual relationships within the context of family units.

How does Airlift portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles are traditional, with the male protagonist taking the lead in driving the plot. Female characters are limited to supporting roles within domestic settings.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Airlift?

Good

The film offers a detailed look at the Indian diaspora and various socioeconomic backgrounds. It effectively highlights non-Western experiences during a global geopolitical crisis.

How does Airlift represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story emphasizes patriotism and traditional societal structures. It portrays survival through individual responsibility and national duty, rather than challenging systemic issues.

Does Airlift include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities that play a central role in the narrative or thematic development.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced exploration of the Indian diaspora and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Highlights non-Western experiences during a global geopolitical crisis.
Gives a significant role in driving the story to professional and working-class expatriate characters.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Female characters are confined to domestic roles and lack structural ability to act.
No meaningful depiction of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When Iraq invades Kuwait in August, 1990, a callous Indian businessman becomes the spokesperson for more than 170,000 stranded countrymen.

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