Anticipation reached new heights as Siddharth Anand collaborated with Hrithik Roshan for the action-packed entertainer Fighter. Riding on the success of the blockbuster "Pathaan" with Shah Rukh Khan and the dynamic "War" with Hrithik Roshan, Anand's track record fueled expectations for another cinematic spectacle.
Coincidentally releasing on the same date as "Pathaan" did the previous year, on 25 Jan 2024, analysts and enthusiasts alike anticipated a replication of the magic that captivated audiences before. Adding to the excitement is the presence of Deepika Padukone, a beloved figure among moviegoers, further intensifying the buzz surrounding the film.
Promoted as the inaugural Indian fighter pilot film, Fighter promised a unique cinematic experience. Movie lovers eagerly awaited to discover what this collaboration between Anand, Roshan, and Padukone had to offer, hoping for a blend of high-octane action and engaging storytelling. The stage was set, and the audience was eager to delve into the world that Fighter was set to unveil.
The narrative of Fighter unfolds around the concept of Air Dragons, a specially assembled squadron by the Indian Air Force, tasked with thwarting the nefarious schemes of adversaries. Following a setback when Indian security forces successfully disrupt Pakistan's initial plans, the neighboring nation devises a sinister and more elaborate plot.
The central question revolves around the nature of Pakistan's new plan and whether the Air Dragons, led by Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, known as Patty (Hrithik Roshan), along with Squadron Leader Mini, aka Minal Rathore ( Deepika Padukone), Squadron Leader Sartaj "Taj" Gill ( Karan Singh Grover), and Squadron Leader Basheer "Bash" Khan ( Akshay Oberoi), can effectively deter this new threat. The storyline delves into the dynamics and challenges faced by this formidable team as they navigate through the complexities of their mission.
Integral to the narrative is the role of Group Captain Rakesh Jai "Rocky" Singh, ( Anil Kapoor), and other supporting characters. Their contributions, decisions, and strategic maneuvers unfold in the course of the story, shaping the overall narrative and contributing to the resolution of the conflict.
The audience is taken on a gripping journey as they witness the Air Dragons' efforts to counter the imminent danger and protect the interests of the nation. The interplay between the characters, the tactical decisions made, and the unforeseen challenges encountered form the core of the narration, building suspense and anticipation throughout the film.
Hrithik Roshan exuded style and charisma in his role, portraying the fighter character with commendable skill. However, there were instances where he seemed a bit out of place as a fighter pilot, creating a slight inconsistency in the portrayal. On the other hand, Deepika Padukone delivered a convincing performance, effectively showcasing a range of emotions and expressions. Anil Kapoor's portrayal of a typical commander was executed with finesse, while Ashutosh Rana and the rest of the cast performed aptly in their respective roles.
Despite the individual strong performances, the film suffered from the lack of chemistry and romance between Hrithik and Deepika. This absence left viewers feeling thoroughly disappointed, as the anticipated connection between the lead characters failed to materialize on screen. While each actor showcased their talents, the overall impact of their performances was hindered by the absence of a compelling romantic dynamic between the protagonists.
Fighter, directed by Siddharth Anand, aimed to celebrate the valor of the Indian Air Force. The anticipation was heightened, especially after Anand's success in fueling Shah Rukh Khan's stardom with "Pathaan" the previous year. In a bid to replicate the same success, he enlisted Hrithik Roshan, with the fortunate addition of Deepika Padukone as the leading lady. Drawing inspiration from Top Gun, the film adheres closely to the familiar narrative from start to finish, featuring dogfights, rule-breaking, and a patriotic angle involving events like Uri, Pulwama, and Balakot.
While Hrithik Roshan's heroic portrayal stands out, the absence of Deepika Padukone's glamour, which contributed significantly to "Pathaan," comes as a surprising letdown. The first half delves into pilot training, communication, and intermittent attacks by the Pakistanis, building anticipation effectively. However, the second half disappoints as it slows down, sidelining Hrithik Roshan's character in favor of Deepika Padukone, disrupting the film's overall flow. The climax, though action-packed, unfolds predictably, lacking the necessary twists and turns to elevate the narrative.
The screenplay and direction follow a formulaic pattern, and the weak portrayal of the villain, along with implausible scenes of Indians infiltrating Pakistan, diminishes the overall impact. The script lacks real highs and fails to deliver a compelling storyline. Satchith Paulose's cinematography captures locations like Kashmir realistically, but the extensive use of VFX doesn't provide the expected visual spectacle; instead, it detracts from the cinematic experience. Aarif Sheikh's editing is somewhat effective in the first half but falters in the second, where the narrative loses momentum.
Vishal-Shekar's music and Sanchit Balhara's background score contribute modestly, with none of the songs leaving a lasting impact. Despite these shortcomings, the production values remain commendable. In conclusion, Fighter falls short of expectations, delivering a lackluster cinematic experience with a predictable plot, sluggish pacing, and unfulfilled potential in key aspects like music and character development.
In totality, Fighter comes across as the Indian rendition of Top Gun. It endeavors to infuse a distinct Indian flavor by incorporating references to significant events like Pulwama, Uri, Balakot, and the tension with Pakistan. However, the film falls short of generating the same level of excitement that viewers experienced with Top Gun. The familiarity with the original undermines the novelty of the plot, rendering the narrative somewhat predictable.
Despite the commendable efforts of Siddharth Anand, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and the rest of the cast, the film struggles to break free from the routine. The actors, despite their best endeavors, seem to merely go through the motions. Unfortunately, the combination of these factors results in a lackluster viewing experience.
Taking all these aspects into account, Cinejosh assigns a 2.5 rating to Fighter. While the film attempts to bring a patriotic touch to the narrative, it fails to capture the audience's imagination and falls short of delivering a truly engaging cinematic experience.