Runway 34 is based on a true story that happened on Aug 18th, 2015 when Jet Airways flight bound for Cochin from Doha had to make a blind landing amidst a storm. The Aviation disciplinary committee initiated action against the pilots for declaring a May Day (a life-threatening situation) in flight, which created controversy in the media. Ajay Devgan is an action hero and often his dialogues are in the form of kicks and punches. He is used to delivering suave one-liners with machismo and bravado - his typical characterizations in most of the films. Its not surprising that his film is an extension of his performing style.
The first half is gripping since it has all of the action scenes with intense visuals and sound effects. The special effects quality is of international standards and gives a great experience of the real-time situation of the blind landing that happened. Ajay Devgan, expressionless, stoic, macho, uber confident, and the stallion, is at his best. With bare minimum dialogues and intense eyes, he plays the role of the protector captain perfectly. The flight has taken off successfully for the audience so far and the film is gripping.
The aftermath which is mainly the investigation of the pilots for the May Day declaration has been done poorly. Devgan has overplayed on AB's grandeur and screen presence. The entire attention seems to be on his body language and few enunciations of the minimal hollow dialogues. With an overemphasis on character building, the narrative is gone for a toss. By far the biggest disappointment lies in the fact that there is hardly any discussion (explanation) of what happened that fateful morning. There is no background, no argument, no scientific facts, and total disconnectedness. So much more could have been done in that investigating chamber. Boman Irani does lip service as a cunning billionaire. Immature, childish, and vacant, the second half is a tragic crash of the film.
Rating - 3 / 5
