Fighter REVIEW: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor’s visually stunning aerial actioner soars high on patriotism

Film:
Fighter Review

Director: Siddharth Anand

Star cast: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh

Runtime: 2 hours 46 mins

Platform: Theatre

Fighter Movie Review

Story

Nation’s top IAF aviators come together in the face of imminent danger, to form Air Dragons. FIGHTER unfolds their camaraderie, brotherhood and battles, internal and external, and their unanimous love – for the nation. 

Highlights of Fighter

Action: The action is slick, stylish, engaging and choreographed in a manner which keeps you at the edge of your seat. Director Siddharth Anand ensured to treat the viewers with adrenaline-pumping first half, and probably one the best air combat sequences in Hindi cinema. Not much has been explored when it comes to action in the air; however, Siddharth seemed to have taken this as a challenge and managed to starstruck the audience with its aerial action, especially the nail-biting climax sequence. Korean stunt director Se-yeong Oh does a fantastic job with the action, giving some goosebump-inducing moments to the audience. 

VFX: The VFX department has done a stupendous job of showcasing smooth visually adventurous scenes in the movie. Barring the minor glitches during the climax, it still doesn’t let you down.

Direction: Siddharth knows what is best for his movies. Be it action or romance, he gets it right and Fighter is no exception. Be it his last offering Pathaan, and now this, Sid has managed to strike a chord with his audience by showing the right deshbhakti emotions with his war-backdrop cinema. 

Drawbacks of Fighter

Second half: After a power-packed first half, the second half falls short in some parts. Some scenes seem over-dramatic and dragged. While it is inevitable, as the emotional arcs of the characters were explored, but the closure drama (cue in Deepika’s parents) could have been trimmed. 

Dialogues: While many are filled to the brim with patriotism and are ‘goosebump-inducing’ dialogues, there are some that seem jingoistic. For instance, dialogues like “POK ka matalab hai , ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’. Occupy tumne kiya hai, malik hum hai” or “POK ka matalab hai , ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’. Occupy tumne kiya hai, malik hum hai.” Such dialogues will just make you feel proud of your country. However, few will make you feel ‘Ye thoda zyada hogaya hai.’

Star performance

Hrithik Roshan as Patty is ridiculously and deliciously hot with and without a uniform, too. No apologies for objectifying him but it’s can guaranteed audience can’t stop drooling for his chiseled body. From showing his vulnerability to internal conflicts, Hrithik emotes his emotions with utmost honesty and conviction. He makes the character of Patty his second nature, embracing his battles seamlessly. But HR in warzone, puts up the best fight in the sky, adding dollops of conviction and reminding all again, why he is the HERO we deserve. Quintessential! 

Deepika Padukone shines in as Minni, a strong Air Force pilot battling societal prejudices. She maintains her calm and poise throughout the movie, looking mature and impactful, in a performance where she wears her heart on sleeve. 

Anil Kapoor plays the CO in the movie and he is fire! Rocky is stern as a rock yet mellow from the inside. He plays both sides so effortlessly and dedicatedly. AK in his emotional scenes is to watch out for with impeccable command over his expressions. Now that’s how you play your age! 

Supporting Cast

Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi perform their parts well as the supporting cast, as their characters are instrumental in driving the story ahead. A hilarious cameo by Sharib Hashmi adds a sweet diversion. But it’s the villian who stands tall opposite the formidable HR, the newbie Rishabh Sawhney who is the one to look out for in 2024! 

Conclusion

Siddharth gives the perfect action movie to watch this Republic Day. Loaded with patriotism flavour, Fighter not only makes your chest swell with pride but also make you teary-eyed. What begins with covering the unfortunate 2019 Pulwama attack to the response Balakote air-strike, the movie gets the narrative right – and soars through the skies! 

P.S. The Vande Mataram song plays on several occasions in the movie and it gives you goosebumps for real. You honestly feel proud of your soldiers, their selfless love and sacrifice for the nation!

Watch Fighter trailer after the review

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