All eyes are set on 2024, with Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor starrer film Fighter being the the first big release of the year. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand, post the mammoth success of War and Pathaan. Fighter, which is slated to release today on January 25 coinciding with Republic Day tomorrow.
From the teaser to the trailer, posters to songs, every aspect of Fighter has been the buzz of the town, creating excitement among the audience. It goes without saying that everyone is anticipating the movie’s theatrical release and now film is out!
Fighter: Plot
Fighter brings together top Indian Air Force aviators who, in the face of imminent danger, unite to form Air Dragons. The film unfolds their journey, highlighting the themes of camaraderie, brotherhood, and both internal and external battles. The film has references to the 2019 Pulwama attack, the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the 2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes and deals with how the IAF pilots gave it back to the terrorists when it was time.
Fighter: Performnaces
Deepika Padukone as Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore is top notch though to be honest, she has the weakest role in the film but to be fair, she looked million bucks and has done her job. Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania is outstanding – his physique, his emotional outburst towards the climax and he is bang on with dialogue deliveries and intensity. This is one of his best performances in a massy larger than life entertainer.
Anil Kapoor as Group Captain Rakesh Jai “Rocky” Singh is first class and holds the film together. This is Anil’s another class act after Jugjugg Jeeyo and Animal. The supporting cast of the the movie including Karan Singh Grover as Squadron Leader Sartaj “Taj” Gill, Akshay Oberoi as Squadron Leader Basheer “Bash” Khan, Sanjeeda Sheikh as Taj’s wife, Talat Aziz as Patty’s father, Sanjeev Jaiswal are fit for their respective characters.
But surprise package of the film is villain Rishabh Sawhney who delivers a performance of his lifetime and he is an actor to look out for. His facial expressions to dialogue delivery everything is bang on and he lifts the drama of the film several notches higher.
Fighter: Analysis
Ramon Chibb, an ex-army officer and writer, has worked on the story of the film. Fighter has “much heavier” action scenes than War or Pathaan (2023). Story by Siddharth Anand is intriguing enough for an entertainer. Dialogues by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal are clap worthy and for the gallery. Vishal – Shekhar fail to deliver what they did with War and Pathaan but Vande Mataram easily is the best track of the film and stands out at crucial juncture of the film. Background music by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara is highlight of the film.
DOP Satchith Paulose is new big thing as he has shot film brilliantly specially the aerial action sequences. Aarif Sheikh keeps the proceedings brisk but still film feels like 10 minute long specially first half an hour of the film. Rajat Poddar is apt as production designer and so is costume department. Special mention for VFX team of DNEG who has given world class touch to the film. Some of the best actions are deigned in the film specially the pre interval piece.
But it’s director Siddharth Anand who is the real star of the film and delivers yet another winner after Pathaan last year. Film is almost perfect larger than life entertainer and will be loved by masses on big screen. His penchant to present menacing villains (i.e. John as John Abraham in Pathaan and now Rishabh Sawhney in Fighter) makes film even more interesting. Right now he is the best director of action entertainers in India, Period!
Fighter: Verdict
Fighter is apt Republic Day release and will be a rage in coming days. Film has perfect combination of entertainment, substance and patriotism. Weak songs and abrupt placement of Ishq Jaisa Kuch are only minus of the film.
This might be the biggest hit in first 6 months for Hindi film industry and will be loved by masses as well as classes. A must must watch!
Fighter: Rating
Critic Rating: 4.5/5
Box Office Rating: 4/5
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