Kajol: Kajol hits all the right notes, be it as a singer on the cusp of hitting superstardom, or as a doting mother. She lights up the screen with an effortless charm. Her portrayal of a single mom’s love for her only child is convincing, enduring and deserves applause.

Riddhi Sen: National Award-winner Riddhi Sen, who is acclaimed for his performances in Bengali cinema, pulls off the emotional scenes with finesse, but his comic timing could have been better.

Tota Roy Chowdhury: She adequately pitches in as her supportive partner. However, there is a visible lack of chemistry between the two.

Neha Dhupia: She performs well in her limited role, too.

STORY: Based on a Gujarati play ‘Beta, Kaagdo’, Helicopter Eela is the story of a single mother, who makes her son’s well-being, the only purpose of her life. But will she end up losing herself and her son in this relentless pursuit?

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Average

SCREENPLAY: Average

DIRECTION: Director Pradeep Sarkar often comes close to giving wings to his protagonist, but that doesn’t happen till the very end.

HELICOPTER EELA (2018): Helicopter Eela is a fun ride that manages to land safely despite some turbulence. Watch this simple and endearing tale of motherly love with your mom in tow.

Review by Shreya Ghosh