Mega Prince Varun Tej's 'Operation Valentine' has become the center of attention as it marks his much-anticipated entry into Bollywood with a pan-Indian entertainer. The film features former Miss World Manushi Chillar as the female lead, directed by Shakti Pratap Hada. The excitement has soared as the Indian Air Force granted permission for the filmmakers to shoot on its premises, a rare occurrence after hearing more than 15 scripts. The film's teaser and trailer have received a positive response, and let's delve into how 'Operation Valentine' has captured the hearts of movie lovers. The film's OTT rights have been bagged by Amazon Prime Video.
The narrative of Operation Valentine unfolds as a gripping patriotic tale, showcasing the valor of Air Force heroes and the immense challenges they faced during one of India's most intense aerial attacks. Wing Commander Arun (Varun Tej), codenamed Rudra, becomes a focal point of the story as he encounters numerous obstacles in his IAF career due to his daring attitude and tendency to defy commands.
Haunted by events from his past, Arun finds himself in a dilemma when the nation is rocked by the devastating terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his desire to act, Arun is unable to intervene due to restrictions. However, the Indian Government's call for a decisive response to avenge the Pulwama Attack changes everything.
As the narrative unfolds, the film delves into the interconnected stories of Radar Officer Ahana Gill (Manushi Chillar), Wing Commander Yash Sharma (Paresh Pahuja), Wing Commander Kabir Singh (Navdeep), Wing Commander Tanya Sharma (Ruhani Sharma), Air Commander Mathur (Sampath Raj), and Dhruv (Abhinav Gomatam). Additionally, the mysterious Project Vajra and Pakistan's codenamed target Nehru add layers of intrigue and complexity to the plot.
"Operation Valentine" is a thrilling saga that explores the courage and sacrifices of our armed forces while unraveling a web of interconnected events that lead to a climactic and impactful conclusion.
Varun Tej truly embodied the role of an Air Force Officer, fully immersing himself in the character. His physique and personality were a perfect fit, adding authenticity to his portrayal. Through subtle expressions and emotions, he left a lasting impact on the viewers, showcasing the intensity and dedication of an Air Force fighter pilot. His delivery of dialogues was compelling, drawing viewers into the story.
Manushi Chillar delivered a decent performance as the radar officer. She portrayed her character with finesse, effectively expressing the emotions of both a dedicated officer and a lover. Ruhani Sharma excelled in her role, delivering a convincing performance that resonated with the audience. Navdeep, unfortunately, had limited screen time, but he made the most of his scene.
Supporting actors like Sampath Raj, Abhinav Gomatam, and Mir Sarwar performed admirably, adding depth to the narrative with their roles. Overall, the cast's performances contributed significantly to the film's impact.
Operation Valentine, penned by Shakti Pratap Hada, is a tribute to the defense forces, particularly the Indian Air Force, for their heroics during the Balakot airstrike. Hada's storytelling unfolds in a non-linear fashion, alternating between the lives of Varun Tej and Manushi Chillar and events in Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir.
The narrative builds anticipation as it portrays the deadly terrorist attack in Pulwama and the command that restrains Varun Tej from taking action against the enemies. This tension reaches a climax with the commencement of Operation Valentine before the interval. The second half of the film delves into the aftermath of the operation.
Hada deserves praise for adhering to the script and refraining from adding unnecessary romance to the lead pair for commercial appeal. This approach likely impressed the Indian Air Force authorities, who permitted the makers to shoot in their locations and provided valuable inputs.
While "Operation Valentine" draws comparisons to blockbuster Hollywood film "Top Gun" and the recent Bollywood film "Fighter," it maintains its unique narrative, showcasing Hada's creativity. The screenplay and direction are engaging, with impactful and powerful dialogues.
Mickey J Meyer's songs are emotional and complement the feelings portrayed in the film. His background score enhances the storytelling, elevating key scenes. Naveen Nooli's editing is decent, though there is room for improvement in some areas. Hari K Vedantam's cinematography captures the visuals beautifully.
The VFX and graphics, considering the budget, are impressive and add to the film's grandeur. Overall, "Operation Valentine" boasts high production values and offers a compelling cinematic experience.
Altogether, Operation Valentine emerges as a realistic patriotic entertainer, depicting the intricate events within the Indian Air Force following the tragic Pulwama Attack. Director Shakti Pratap Hada effectively harnesses the talents of Varun Tej and Manushi Chillar, delivering a compelling screenplay, script, and direction.
Taking these elements into account, Cinejosh rates "Operation Valentine" at 2.75 stars.