Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone star in adrenaline-pumping aerial war drama
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s action-packed film captivates viewers, diverting attention from flaws.
The Bollywood penchant for portraying India-Pakistan narratives on the silver screen is boundless. Within this realm, war dramas reign supreme, especially when infused with high doses of adrenaline and excitement. Siddharth Anand’s latest cinematic spectacle, Fighter, elevates the genre to new heights, largely for valid reasons.
Marketted as India’s inaugural aerial action film starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as elite combat aviators, Fighter delivers an immersive experience that’s equally remarkable. Though not flawless, the near-perfect screenplay captivates viewers, diverting attention from any shortcomings.
Fighter’s storyline
Entering Fighter without having watched the trailer, but influenced by the social media hype, I anticipated a film fueled by the dynamic chemistry between its leads. However, I was pleasantly surprised. An homage to the unwavering bravery of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Fighter remains steadfast in its purpose, offering a visually breathtaking experience and a sustained adrenaline rush.
Although the film does not explicitly specify the exact time period, numerous references are made to significant events such as the Pulwama terror attack and India’s subsequent retaliation in Balakot. The story commences with Commanding Officer Rakesh Jai Singh, also known as Rocky (played by Anil Kapoor), assembling a rapid response team comprising top AIF fighter pilots – Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, aka Patty (portrayed by Hrithik), and Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, aka Minni (played by Deepika) – to establish a special unit named Air Dragons. Throughout, they exhibit strong camaraderie and brotherhood, sharing light moments while bonding and engaging in combat against adversaries.
The co-written story by Anand and Ramon Chibb presents a balanced blend of action, emotion, patriotism, music, humor, and even a hint of romance. However, while Anand meticulously attends to action sequences and execution, more thought could have been given to storytelling. Although the plot is intriguing, it’s somewhat predictable, failing to evoke a sense of awe with any major revelations. The dialogues penned by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal are quite ordinary, detracting from the potential impact of the narrative. Familiar clichés like “Time aa gaya hai Pakistan ko batane ka ki baap kaun hai” or “Dushman strategy bana kar attack nahi karega” have been overused, losing their effectiveness.
Stellar performances from almost everyone
Despite the story’s struggle to maintain momentum, it’s Chibb’s seamless screenplay that keeps viewers gripped, particularly during the spectacular air combat sequences. Special mention must be made of Satchith Paulose’s cinematography, which deserves full credit for elevating Fighter into a visual spectacle. The film showcases breathtaking landscapes and snow-capped mountain ranges, enhancing the overall experience. While Fighter doesn’t suffer from pacing issues initially, the second half falters with segments that feel forced to meet runtime requirements. However, the climax redeems the film in the final 20 minutes, leading to a thrilling conclusion.
One aspect truly deserving praise in Fighter is the exceptional performances from nearly every cast member. Hrithik Roshan is particularly noteworthy, captivating audiences with his unparalleled charisma, sculpted physique, and commanding presence. Whether executing aerial combat maneuvers, donning military attire, or simply striding across the screen with style, Hrithik effortlessly commands attention in every frame. Noteworthy is the hand-to-hand combat scene between him and a terrorist on Pakistani soil, which stands out as one of the film’s best-executed sequences.
Speaking of Deepika, she once again delivers a compelling performance effortlessly. Having witnessed her execute high-octane action in last year’s Pathaan, it’s evident that she has elevated her performance in Fighter, showcasing more than just her glamorous persona. Regarding their onscreen chemistry, the dance sequences, aerial combat scenes, and a few emotional moments are bound to evoke a sense of admiration.
Fighter is a full-on entertainer
Karan Singh Grover, portraying Squadron Leader Sartaj Taj Gill, and Akshay Oberoi, as Squadron Leader Basheer Khan, deliver outstanding performances in their roles. It’s refreshing to see them portraying well-developed characters that are integral to the storyline, rather than merely serving as supporting cast. Additionally, keep an eye out for delightful cameos from Sharib Hashmi, Ashutosh Rana, and Sanjeeda Shaikh, whose brief appearances bring a smile to your face with each scene.
Conversely, Rishabh Sawhney’s portrayal of Azhar Akhtar, the leader of the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, initially captivates with a strong introduction scene. However, disappointingly, his character fails to make a significant impact as the primary antagonist. He emerges as one of the weakest portrayals of a negative character in a war drama that I’ve witnessed in quite some time. There’s a lack of menace or terror in his portrayal, aside from his red eye, which begins to appear more like the aftermath of a physical altercation rather than a symbol of intimidation.
Fighter is a riveting entertainer that captivates and exhilarates in equal measure. While it brims with patriotism, it refrains from resorting to overtly patriotic slogans like “Jai Hind” or “Hindustan Zindabad.” Particularly noteworthy is the climax scene where Hrithik makes a reference to IOP (India Occupied Pakistan), eliciting enthusiastic cheers and showcasing why Hindi cinema excels in portraying love for the nation. Watch Fighter for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, commendable performances, and awe-inspiring aerial action that will leave you feeling proud without overwhelming you.
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