Fighter: Soaring High on Republic Day Fervor
As India celebrates its Republic Day, Siddharth Anand’s latest cinematic venture, “Fighter,” takes audiences on a riveting journey filled with aerial stunts, patriotic fervor, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences. The film, set against the backdrop of the Indian Air Force, introduces us to the Air Dragons, a squadron of elite fighter pilots led by the charismatic Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Jay Singh, portrayed by the seasoned Anil Kapoor. While “Fighter” offers a visual spectacle with top-notch aerial stunts, it also intertwines drama, tension, and a dose of cliches that shape the narrative.
Plot and Setting:
The storyline revolves around the Air Dragons, a squad featuring notable characters such as Minnie (Deepika Padukone), Patty (Hrithik Roshan), Taj (Karan Singh Oberoi), and Basheer (Akshay Oberoi). The palpable tension between Rocky and Patty sets the stage for the film, along with references to a tragic incident from the past. The narrative builds on the tried-and-tested formula of a patriotic action thriller, with the Air Dragons facing a formidable Pakistani militant on a mission to harm India.
Direction and Cinematography:
Director Siddharth Anand, known for his prowess in action entertainers, brings his signature style to “Fighter.” The film is laden with slick sequences, enthralling cockpit drama, and captivating aerial maneuvers executed by Sukhoi planes. The cinematography by Satchith Paulose deserves applause for capturing the gravity of the scenes, be it amidst mountains, over valleys, or on airbases. However, despite its technical brilliance, the film falls prey to predictability and cliches at different junctures, diminishing its overall impact.
Action Sequences and Thrills:
The true highlight of “Fighter” lies in its adrenaline-pumping action sequences. Action directors Se-yeong Oh, Parvez Shaikh, and Sunil Rodrigues masterfully choreograph stunts and fight sequences that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The tactical scenarios depicting the Indian Air Force outsmarting the Pakistani defense contribute significantly to the film’s thrill factor.
Performances:
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone deliver standout performances, showcasing their on-screen chemistry and prowess in emotional scenes. Anil Kapoor, in the role of Rocky, is as dependable as ever, bringing depth to his character. Karan Singh Oberoi and Akshay Oberoi hold their ground among the stalwarts. Rishabh Sawhney, portraying the antagonist Azhar Akhtar, delivers a sincere performance but falls short of the menacing presence his character demands.
Analysis and Rating:
Despite a familiar premise and occasional pacing issues, “Fighter” proves to be engaging, particularly for action enthusiasts. The film, rated on various aspects, scores favorably in action, visual appeal, and direction. However, the predictable plot and reliance on cliches detract from its overall appeal, reflected in the sub-scores for screenplay and dialogues.
Direction: 3.5/5
Dialogues: 3.0/5
Screenplay: 3.0/5
Music: 3.5/5
Action: 4.0/5
Visual appeal: 4.0/5
In conclusion, “Fighter” might not break new ground in terms of plot innovation, but its engaging narrative, stellar performances, and breathtaking action make it a thrilling cinematic experience, perfectly timed to coincide with the patriotic fervor of Republic Day.
