Bollywood sensation Hrithik Roshan presents India’s groundbreaking aerial action thriller, “Fighter,” directed by the renowned Siddharth Anand of “War” and “Pathaan” fame. Starring alongside Roshan is the talented Deepika Padukone as the female lead. Released on January 25, the film explores a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a potential enemy attack on the Srinagar base camp.
Plot Overview:
The storyline revolves around a specialized team of top Indian Air Force aviators, led by Shamsher Pathania, aka Patty (Hrithik Roshan), Minni Rathore, aka Minni (Deepika Padukone), Sartaj Gill (Karan Singh Grover), and others. Under the command of Rakesh Jai Singh, aka Rocky (Anil Kapoor), the team faces a terrorist organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed, triggering intense combat between India and the terrorists.
Highlights:
Siddharth Anand, known for his previous works, brings his storytelling finesse to “Fighter.” While the plot may not break new ground, the director skillfully engages the audience. The initial segment introduces characters, paving the way for a compelling conflict and thrilling aerial action sequences.
The film excels in its attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of aerial combat scenes, providing an immersive experience. Surprisingly, “Fighter” manages to infuse emotional depth into its second half, a rarity in action films. Hrithik Roshan shines with his charismatic screen presence, complemented by Deepika Padukone’s commendable performance. Notable appearances by Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi, and Karan Singh Grover enhance the overall cast chemistry.
Drawbacks:
Despite its strengths, “Fighter” falls short in the music and background score department, with only the Vandemataram track making a significant impact. Some dialogues evoke memories of “Uri,” and the film’s template-based story invites comparisons with other patriotic films.
The film’s appeal may be skewed towards urban audiences, potentially impacting its box office success. Additionally, the abrupt interval after a compelling pre-interval aerial action sequence is a minor flaw.
Technical Aspects:
While the music and score leave room for improvement, “Fighter” excels in other technical aspects. Satchith Paulose’s cinematography captures the exhilarating jet fights with brilliance. The well-executed VFX stands out as a major strength, contributing to the film’s overall impact. The editing is commendable.
Siddharth Anand successfully transforms a familiar story into an engaging cinematic experience. The action choreographers deserve praise for their captivating depiction of dogfights and compelling conversations between Air Force soldiers and their adversaries.
Verdict:
“Fighter” emerges as a satisfying aerial action film, driven by stunning action sequences and Hrithik Roshan’s compelling performance. While the storyline lacks innovation, Siddharth Anand ensures a captivating viewing experience without dull moments. Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, and Karan Singh Grover deliver commendable performances, with emotional elements adding depth in the second half. For those appreciating technical brilliance and solid performances, “Fighter” is a worthwhile watch, despite a somewhat predictable storyline.