Akshay Kumar starrer "Airlift" has opened to positive response. Early reviews suggest that "Airlift" has lived up to critics expectations.

"Airlift", directed by Raja Menon, is about the biggest evacuation of Indians based in Kuwait. The evacuation happened in 1990s during the Iraq-Kuwait war. The film tells the story of Ranjit Katiyal (played by Akshay Kumar), who helps more than 170,000 Indians to be airlifted during the war.

The film features Akshay and Nimrat Kaur in the lead roles, while Feryna Wazheir, Purab Kohli, Lena, Kumud Mishra and Prakash Belawadi are the supporting cast.

"Airlift", which is based on real-life incidents, is raw and gripping, according to critics. Akshay and Nimrat's powerful performances lift up the film's storyline. Among the supporting casts, Purab shines as Ibrahim in the film.

Check: Airlift audience review | Celebs Review | Movie Stills | Promotion Photos

Overall, Akshay's "Airlift" is worth watching in theaters, according to critics.

Read the critics review below:

Manjusha Radhakrishnan of Gulf News said: "While the first half marches along confidently, the second half stands on shaky ground. The evacuation is hastily wrapped up and the film loses a bit of its momentum."

Bindu Rai of Emirates 24/7 said: "Where 'Airlift' perhaps stumbles is its over-simplicity in handling some of the proverbial landmines strewn in its path; and Inaamulhaq's Arab accent as an Iraqi major is quite laughable."

Taran Adarsh tweeted: "Some stories *should* be told. #Airlift sheds light on the evacuation of Indians in Kuwait after the invasion by Iraq. Narrated BRILLIANTLY. #Airlift is taut, engrossing, leaves a hammer-strong impact. Raja Krishna Menon is a director to watch out for. Deserves brownie points. #Airlift is a must must watch. One of the finest films to come out of the Hindi film industry. Just do not miss this one!"

Joginder Tuteja tweeted: Saw #Airlift. A terrific film in all regards. A tightly woven script that has realism meet entertainment, it makes you watch it wide eyed. #Airlift - @akshaykumar delivers a PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME. He brings himself into a new zone with this one. This is true reinvention!

Pinkvilla's review: "Airlift is gripping in its first half and shaky in its second. It starts off with gusto but loses momentum halfway through. As you root for the indomitable spirit of those who survived the horrific war, let's take a moment to think why such well-mounted films fail to create the macabre, suspenseful, race-against-time impact."

Tushar Joshi of BollywoodLife.com said: "Watch Airlift cause it tells a very important story that never got a mention in our history books. And also because the attempt to try out such subjects and storylines is applause worthy." 

Raja Sen of Rediff.com said: "The film is well shot, with cinematographer Priya Seth achieving the right mix of impressive aerial shots and cramped handheld bits, and reasonably well-textured with credible Middle Eastern detailing."

Bollywood Hungama review: "AIRLIFT is a classic film based on a real life incident that is told extremely well on screen. It is surely one of the best films to come out this year and will pick up with a strong word of mouth. Just do not miss this one!"

Also Read