The blockbuster success of Pathan gave Siddharth Anand’s already successful career further heights. Other movies helmed by the director include War, Bang Bang!, and Bachna Ae Haseeno, etc.
Fighter marks his third film with Hrithik Roshan and fourth with Deepika Padukone. India’s first aerial action movie, it is almost three hours in length.
As usual, I went to watch the first show, and here’s my review that will eventually let you decide whether spending money on Fighter is worth it or not.
Fighter Synopsis
To curb militant activities across the LoC, a team of Air Force fighter pilots is called in. A terrorist attack in Pulwama gives them their first mission on a journey that becomes grueling with time.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter features Hrithik Roshan (Patty), Deepika Padukone (Mini), Anil Kapoor (Rocky), Karan Singh Grover (Taj), Akshay Oberoi (Bash), Rishabh Sawhney (Azhar), and others.
Ashutosh Rana and Sharib Hashmi play a cameo in the film.
What Works for Fighter?
Naturally, the film’s release date tells a lot about its patriotic theme. And the content doesn’t disappoint either.
Fighter is about India’s 2019 Balakot airstrikes that were conducted in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.
It focuses on a team of Air Force fighter pilots who live together, bond, and understand each other to make their actions more effective on the battlefield.
This idea in itself is enough to pull people out of their homes and feel the pride of being Indians, specifically on the country’s Republic Day.
Fighter’s storyline is thoughtfully orchestrated. All the elements, ranging from the introductory hook of friendship to intermediate cliffhangers and eventual boost of emotions, are structured masterfully.
The movie brings an aerial action extravaganza that’s full of stimulation. It keeps you on the edge of your seat while the VFX works like a charm.
Fighter marks the beginning of an era with its exhilarating aerial action sequences.
Furthermore, being a patriotic tale, the film achieves its most essential objective i.e., emotional resonance.
All the drama in Fighter is gripping and fulfilling to the core. There are moments in both halves that will naturally generate tears.
Interestingly, the makers succeed in containing the melodrama without losing its impact. This is especially true for the women empowerment message that Fighter propagates.
Moreover, the film’s music is mostly on the mark and certainly feels better than in pre-release videos.
The background score is also captivating, though loud at times. The screenplay is a delightful mix of emotions, style, and action; all draped in drama.
It never loses steam as the pace doesn’t slow down even for a minute.?As a result, you don’t feel the after-effects of Fighter’s lengthy runtime of three hours.
I would end up with the positives by again emphasizing its fitting balance between drama and action, which makes it a perfect movie for the Indian masses, from an entertainment point of view.
How are the Performances?
The stylish Hrithik Roshan embraces the screen after a gap of five years. He plays Shamsher Pathania aka Patty in Fighter and satiates us with his trademark acting that’s stylish, sleek, and perfect for the big screen.
One of the rare talents who can balance flair with substance, Hrithik ably guides the movie ahead. His action scenes are superb while the man amazes you through his succulent expressions.
Not many in the Indian film industry can blend emotions with fiery action maneuvering but Hrithik Roshan is an exception in this department.
Deepika Padukone is Minal Rathore in the movie. She charms you with her exuberant screen presence.
Her dialogue delivery is sublime, which tells you why she is undoubtedly the biggest female superstar of the Hindi Film Industry at the moment.
Padukone’s striking demeanor as a female fighter pilot is full of intensity and spark.
Anil Kapoor portrays Rakesh Jaisingh. The potent actor breaks the boundaries set by age.
His arousing vocal intonations work together with Kapoor’s acting abilities, nourished over the years, to impress the audiences.
Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi are also great in their respective roles. The former is the humor infuser while the latter focuses on the character’s honesty.
Ashutosh Rana’s cameo is another act to watch out for. He leaves a strong impact even through a small role.
Last but not least, Rishab Sawhney is commendable as Azhar Akhtar in Fighter. His shady appearance and frightening dialogue delivery are tempting enough for a negative role.
What Doesn’t Work for Fighter?
There could have been a better transmission to the first airstrike in the movie. The makers missed a mark there, in my opinion.
Moreover, Fighter has a slight political inclining, which could have been avoided. It discredits previous governments and crowns the current one.
There are no issues in doing the latter but you shouldn’t put down someone without going into the details.
This is especially wrong because India’s 2024 general elections are near. Using movies as political campaigns sets a wrong precedent.
Furthermore, I felt Fighter’s 3D version doesn’t have anything 3D. So, if you find 3D tickets too costly, please go for the 2D shows. You won’t miss out on anything.
Lastly, though the music feels good inside the theater, it doesn’t last long as you don’t have any good songs to hum back home.
Watch or not?
Fighter is a nice film and you can bet your money on it. However, do remember that the 3D version is not much different than the 2D version. So, if the costs don’t allow, go for the latter.
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