Airlift (2016)
DirectorRaja Menon
StarringAkshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Inaamulhaq, Prakash Belawadi
Watch onAmazon Prime Video, VI movies and tv, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Best for: Viewers who enjoy tense, fact-based dramas about real-world evacuations and ordinary people stepping up in a crisis.
Where to watch Airlift online in India
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Airlift story (no spoilers)
Airlift is a 2016 Hindi drama-thriller directed by Raja Menon. It opens in August 1990, when Iraq invades Kuwait. Ranjit Katyal, a successful Indian businessman played by Akshay Kumar, is initially more concerned with his own comforts than with the wider Indian community. The invasion strands more than 170,000 Indians in Kuwait, and Ranjit finds himself becoming their spokesperson as they try to get out. The film follows his efforts to navigate the crisis and coordinate an evacuation. The tone is tense and grounded, focusing on the logistics and human cost of the situation rather than action set pieces. The tagline sums up the scale: "170,000 Refugees, 488 Flights, 59 Days, 1 Man". With a runtime of 126 minutes and a UA certificate, it mixes drama and thriller elements as Ranjit's role grows from reluctant leader to someone responsible for a massive operation.
Should you watch Airlift?
Watch it for
- Akshay Kumar plays Ranjit Katyal, a businessman who becomes the spokesperson for over 170,000 stranded Indians, a role that anchors the film's dramatic tension.
- Director Raja Menon blends drama and thriller genres to tell the story of the 1990 Kuwait invasion and the evacuation effort.
- The film's tagline, "170,000 Refugees, 488 Flights, 59 Days, 1 Man", hints at the scale of the operation depicted.
- The 126-minute runtime keeps the focus on the crisis and the characters without unnecessary detours.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced action over a dialogue-driven drama about logistics and diplomacy.
- You are looking for a light-hearted entertainer; the film deals with a serious historical crisis.
- You dislike stories centered on a single male protagonist navigating a large-scale emergency.
Airlift cast
Akshay Kumaras Ranjit Katyal
Nimrat Kauras Amrita Katyal
Inaamulhaqas Major Khalaf Bin Zayd
Prakash Belawadias George Kutty
Kumud Mishraas Sanjeev Kohli
Feryna Wazheiras Tasneem
Purab Kohlias Ibrahim Durrani
Lenaaas Deepti Jayarajan
Ninad Kamatas Kurien
Gunjan Malhotraas Meher
Nissar Khanas AshokAirlift movie details
| Director | Raja Menon |
|---|---|
| Writer | Ritesh Shah, Suresh Nair |
| Music | Arijit Dutta |
| Producer | Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani, Shivaji Dasgupta |
| Release date | 22 January 2016 |
| Runtime | 2h 6m (126 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Arabic, German, Malayalam, Hindi |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $4.5 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $32.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Airlift family friendly?
The UA certificate suggests mild thematic elements and some intensity, but it is generally suitable for older children; this is a general guide. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Airlift official trailer
Our verdict
Airlift is a solid drama-thriller that uses a real historical event to explore how a self-centered businessman becomes an unlikely leader. Akshay Kumar's performance and Raja Menon's direction keep the 126-minute runtime engaging. It's not an action spectacle, but it's a grounded look at a massive evacuation effort.
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Bade Miyan Chote MiyanFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Airlift online in India?
Airlift is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, VI movies and tv, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It is not listed as free on any platform, but it can be rented or bought on YouTube.
What is the release date of Airlift?
Airlift was released in India on 22 January 2016.
Who is in the cast of Airlift?
The cast includes Akshay Kumar as Ranjit Katyal, Nimrat Kaur as Amrita Katyal, Inaamulhaq as Major Khalaf Bin Zayd, Prakash Belawadi as George Kutty, Kumud Mishra as Sanjeev Kohli, Feryna Wazheir as Tasneem, Purab Kohli as Ibrahim Durrani, and Lenaa as Deepti Jayarajan.
Who directed Airlift?
Airlift was directed by Raja Menon.
What is the runtime and certificate of Airlift?
Airlift runs for 126 minutes and has a UA certificate in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.