This film inspired by the life of India’s first female pilot to fly in combat is accused of false historical claims and shows the air force in a negative light. Sreevidya Rajan had served with Gunjab Saxena during the Kargil war and said that she was the first women pilot not Gunjan. Also, the film portrays scenes which showcase that the airforce is sexist and not a gender neutral place.
The film shows that 24-year-old Flt Lt Saxena lands up at a base where there is no ladies’ toilet or changing room – because, as the senior officer informs her, “this place isn’t made for women”. Also, her superiors continuously humiliate her and she misses out on practise sorties as no male officer wants her to fly . She is left alone as no one comes forward to share a drink with her in the bar.
In an interview to Mid-Day, Sreevidya said, “I cannot question a filmmaker why they chose her and not me. When I saw her being portrayed as the first woman pilot, my friends and colleagues suggested I respond to it. But I thought as long as the story inspires women to join the forces, I am happy,” She also shared about ehr talk with Gunjan earlier this week and shared her concerns to her, “I told her it was an oversight on her and the filmmakers’ part to not reflect me at all,” she said.
The film was released on Netflix amid the coronavirus pandemic on Indian Independence Day.
