MISSION RANIGANJ delves into the compelling narrative of a man's unwavering determination to rescue miners facing insurmountable odds. Set against the backdrop of 1989 Raniganj, West Bengal, the film follows Jaswant Singh Gill (played by Akshay Kumar), a rescue officer thrust into a dire situation. On November 11, a fateful night sees hundreds of miners trapped underground in the Mahabir Coillery due to a disastrous blast. While some miners manage to escape, a group of 65 remains trapped. The next day, Jaswant steps up to volunteer for the perilous rescue mission.

However, local contact D Sen (portrayed by Dibyendu Bhattacharya) attempts to wrest control of the operation and devises a rescue plan that ultimately fails. Meanwhile, Jaswant identifies the highest point within the mine and drills a hole to establish contact with the trapped miners. Realizing that their best chance of survival is to reach this point, the miners struggle to overcome obstacles in their path. Time is of the essence, as drowning or inhaling poisonous gas in the mine threatens their lives. The film unfolds as a suspenseful and gripping account of these events.

Deepak Kingrani's story, inspired by true events and with input from Poonam Gill, forms the foundation of this intriguing narrative. Vipul K Rawal's screenplay keeps the audience engaged with its dramatic and tense moments, although the dialogues could have been more impactful given the gravity of the subject matter.

Director Tinu Suresh Desai does an excellent job, keeping the film's duration at a manageable 138 minutes while delivering a compelling story. The challenges Jaswant faces, from locating the miners to navigating political obstacles, make for an engaging viewing experience. Several scenes, such as Jaswant's compassionate act of offering water to a distressed woman and his persuasive efforts with a railway officer, stand out. The film's finale is particularly nail-biting.

However, the first half of the film may feel weaker in comparison and fails to create the desired impact. The quality of the visual effects is subpar, and there are instances of cinematic liberties in the finale, which can detract from the realism.

In terms of performances, Akshay Kumar shines in his role, although his beard appears somewhat artificial. His portrayal is impactful, making it easy for the audience to root for him in this mission. Parineeti Chopra, in the role of Nirdosh, delivers a commendable performance, but her character may feel a bit forced. Kumud Mishra's portrayal of R K Ujjwal is adequate, though the constant depiction of him smoking becomes excessive. The supporting cast, including Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pavan Malhotra, Virendra Saxena, and others, deliver dependable performances.

While the songs in the film may disappoint, 'Jalsa 2.0' is visually appealing. The background score by Sandeep Shirodkar carries a commercial vibe.

Aseem Mishra's cinematography is fitting for the subject, and Sheetal Iqbal Sharma's costumes add authenticity. Amrish Patange and Dayanidhi Patturajan's production design is meticulously researched and detailed, although the visual effects leave much to be desired. Parvez Shaikh's action sequences are satisfactory, and Aarif Sheikh's editing is well-balanced.

In conclusion, MISSION RANIGANJ leaves a significant impact due to its compelling subject matter, riveting moments in the second half, and Akshay Kumar's powerful performance. However, the film may face challenges at the box office due to limited buzz, relying on strong word-of-mouth to achieve its desired impact.