Akshay Kumar scored a massive hit with his first movie of the year Airlift, which was based on a real evacuation operation from Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. Kumar said he immediately agreed to do the film because it told an important real story and human drama that was hidden in history. Although his character was based partially on businessman Ranjit Katyal who led the evacuation, Kumar did not meet or prepare by meeting him, instead relying on the director's research. Kumar was happy with Airlift's box office success and believes it is a film everyone should watch to learn about this important historical event that is not well known.