Pushpaka Vimana is not a typical Sandalwood fare because it articulates emotions, deeply. The joy brings tears as does the sadness, and the emotional irony is intense, achieved by only a few films in the past. Narrating the relationship between a father and daughter, the film glorifies an emotional bond by not parading it with cinematic eloquence, instead making the viewer feel their own lives, whether father, or daughter.
Inspired by the 2013 South Korean film Miracle in Cell No. 7, the film opens with a lawyer, Puttalakshmi (Rachita Ram) reopening the case of Anantaramayya (Ramesh Aravind), a mentally challenged inmate. Going back, the simple life of a father and daughter takes a twist when Anantaramayya is imprisoned for some unlawful reasons. He bonds with his inmates in prison, who help to meet up with his daughter as the story leads towards a dream of a flight in an aircraft.
Why does Puttulakshmi reopen the case and will she get justice to Anantaramayya forms the crux of the story. Debutant director S Ravindranath seems to know the emotional chords well and he strikes where it touches the heart the most.
The story makes you sit through while adding strength is the background score and the songs composed by Charan Raj literally take the story forward while bringing different shades of various incidents picturised aptly by Bhuvan Gowda. One noticeable drawback is the film’s slow pace and length, which might be a disappointment for some.
Coming to the characters, Ramesh Aravind’s sincerity as Anantaramayya is quite evident and he shows why he is still one of the most dignified actors around. Yuvina excels with a mature performance while Rachita Ram stands out with her strong presence.
Last but not the least; the aircraft is indeed a character in itself. And supporting the whole film are actors Ravi Kale, Mandeep Roy, Sudhakar and Manjunath, among others. Juhi Chawla’s special song just becomes an addition. Watch this film with your heart and it might just take you back on an emotional flight. Not necessarily fathers and daughters, sons can join in too.