The Last Salute, streaming on Netflix from August 26, 2026, is a heartfelt documentary tribute to the MiG-21, the fighter jet that defined 62 years of Indian Air Force history. Directed by former Air Force officer-turned-filmmaker Kushal Srivastava, the film brings together generations of pilots, top brass, and ground crew to relive the legacy of an aircraft that inspired both awe and anxiety. Timed to the jet’s retirement ceremony in Chandigarh, this is a documentary built on memory, emotion, and genuine reverence for a flying legend.
The Last Salute is a stirring, beautifully assembled farewell to the MiG-21 that captures the pride, nostalgia, and camaraderie of the pilots who flew it across six decades of Indian Air Force service. With compelling first-person testimonies from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Air Commodore SS Tyagi, and a mix of veteran and younger pilots, the documentary balances rich archival footage with intimate cockpit-level storytelling. The narrative flows smoothly between the jet’s induction, its combat legacy, and its emotional final flypast, making it a deeply moving watch for aviation enthusiasts and general audiences alike. Technically polished and emotionally resonant, this is one of 2026’s standout documentary releases and comes highly recommended.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Kushal Srivastava |
| Production House | Matchbox Shots |
| Cinematography | Rishabh Srivastava |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Featured | Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Air Commodore SS Tyagi, and generations of MiG-21 pilots |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Runtime | 1 hr 19 mins |
| Certificate | UA |
| Language | Hindi & English |
| Release Date | August 26, 2026 |
Plot Summary
The Last Salute traces the MiG-21’s remarkable 62-year journey with the Indian Air Force, beginning with its final operational days with the 23 Squadron and closing with its retirement ceremony in Chandigarh in September 2025. The documentary moves fluidly between the aircraft’s induction into service, its role in major conflicts, and the personal recollections of pilots across generations who trained on this formidable machine. Cockpit footage and archival material bring the MiG-21’s storied past vividly to life, while the film builds toward its emotional climax: the jet’s final flypast, marking the end of an era in Indian aviation history.
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Performances
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh commands the screen with quiet authority, and his reflections on the MiG-21 add real institutional weight to the film’s narrative.
Former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa brings decades of firsthand experience to his testimony, and his recollections are among the most compelling threads in the documentary.
Air Commodore SS Tyagi offers a deeply personal perspective shaped by his long association with the aircraft, enriching the film with lived-in authenticity.
The younger generation of pilots featured in the documentary bring fresh energy to the narrative, proving that the MiG-21’s magnetic pull never faded with time.
The pilots’ families and ground maintenance crew featured throughout add a layer of humanity to the film, reminding viewers that a fighter jet’s story is also the story of everyone who waited for it to return safely.
Together, this ensemble of real voices gives The Last Salute its emotional core, turning what could have been a dry technical retrospective into a genuinely moving human story.
Technical Craft
Direction
Kushal Srivastava, a former Air Force officer himself, directs with clear personal affection for his subject. His insider’s perspective lends the documentary a warmth and intimacy that an outsider’s lens might have struggled to achieve, guiding viewers through six decades of history with a steady, assured hand.
Cinematography
The visual craft blends striking archival footage with immersive cockpit-level shots, giving audiences a genuine pilot’s-eye view of what it meant to fly the MiG-21. The camera work captures both the grandeur of the aircraft and the quiet emotion of its final farewell.
Music
The score underscores the documentary’s reverential tone throughout, amplifying the emotional weight of the pilots’ stories and the aircraft’s ceremonial send-off.
Editing
The edit keeps a brisk, engaging pace across the film’s 79-minute runtime, weaving together interviews, archival material, and present-day footage without ever letting the technical detail overwhelm the human stories at its center.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Powerful, first-person testimonies from decorated Air Force officers and pilots
- Rich blend of archival footage and cockpit-level cinematography
- Warm, personal direction from a filmmaker with genuine Air Force roots
- Well-paced editing that balances technical detail with emotional storytelling
- A moving, well-crafted farewell sequence built around the MiG-21’s final flypast
- Inclusion of pilots’ families and ground crew adds emotional depth
Weaknesses:
- Briefer discussion of some of the more complex aspects of the aircraft’s operational history
- Technical aviation detail may require some context for casual viewers
Final Verdict:⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½ 4.5/5
The Last Salute is a stirring, beautifully made tribute that captures the pride, emotion, and legacy of the MiG-21 through the voices of those who knew it best. With strong direction, immersive cinematography, and moving performances from its real-life subjects, this documentary earns its place as one of 2026’s must-watch releases for anyone interested in Indian aviation history and the human stories behind it.
What is the age/content rating of The Last Salute?
The Last Salute has been certified UA, meaning it is suitable for viewers of all ages, though parental guidance is advised for younger audiences.
Is The Last Salute suitable for children and family viewing?
Yes, given its UA certification, the documentary is largely family-friendly. It focuses on historical and emotional storytelling rather than graphic content, making it suitable for family viewing, though its themes may resonate more with older children and adults interested in military history.
Is The Last Salute based on a true story?
Yes, The Last Salute is a documentary based entirely on real events, chronicling the genuine 62-year history of the MiG-21 fighter jet with the Indian Air Force through firsthand accounts from actual pilots and officers.
