Film Gunjan Saxena Receives Flak From Indian Air Force

Janhvi Kapoor’s much awaited film Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl has released on an OTT platform. Janhvi plays the role of former Flt Lt. Gunjan Saxena who is one of the first female pilots to fly in combat and who had an important role during the Kargil War. While the film has received good reviews from critics, it has apparently upset the Indian Air Force. IAF has written a letter to CBFC complaining that the film portrays the IAF in an undue negative light. The letter reads, “In the aim to glorify the screen character of ”Ex-Flt Lt Gunjan Saxena”, Dharma Productions presented some situations that are misleading and portray an inappropriate work culture especially against women in the IAF.” The letter also says, “Dharma Productions had agreed to represent Indian Air Force (IAF) with authenticity and make all efforts to ensure that the film helps to inspire the next generation of IAF officers.” In the film, there are several scenes where Gunjan Saxena faces gender discrimination and insult from male officers. And this is what has angered the IAF. The prestigious organization says, “IAF is gender neutral and has always provided an equal opportunity to both male and women personnel.”