Fighter Movie Review: An Engaging Fare, Appealing To Action Enthusiasts, With Impressive Aerial Combat Sequences

Fighter Storyline: In the face of a militant attack in Kashmir, India's top combat aviators unite to establish a formidable force known as the Air Dragons. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of their bravery in safeguarding India, emphasising camaraderie, team spirit, and the redemption of a skilled fighter pilot haunted by an incident from the past. As the Air Dragons confront the challenges posed by the militant threat, the story explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the personal journey of the lead fighter pilot toward redemption.

Fighter Movie Review : "Flying high on India’s Republic Day fervor," Siddharth Anand's Fighter has all the elements of a patriotic action film. The narrative revolves around the Air Dragons, a team of top combat aviators, engaging in high-stakes aerial stunts and daring maneuvers with Sukhoi planes.

The ensemble cast includes Deepika Padukone as Meenal Rathore (Minnie), Hrithik Roshan as Shamsher Pathania (Patty), along with Karan Singh Grover as Taj and Akshay Oberoi as Basheer, under the command of Anil Kapoor's character, Rakesh 'Rocky' Jay Singh. The palpable tension between Rocky and Patty and references to a tragic past build drama and anticipation.

Director Siddharth Anand's expertise in action entertainers is evident through slick sequences and enthralling cockpit drama. The film is praised for top-notch aerial stunts and fight choreography by action directors Se-yeong Oh, Parvez Shaikh, and Sunil Rodrigues. Cinematographer Satchith Paulose is lauded for capturing the film's gravity in various landscapes.

However, the predictable tracks and cliches take away from its appeal at various stages in the narrative. The film relies on the usual tropes of a dreaded Pakistani militant on a mission to destroy India and how the Air Dragons save the day. Lines reminding one of the true meaning of religion and patriotism have also been done many times before.

While the film's pacing is deemed uneven due to distractions like songs, backstories, and romance, the second half gains momentum leading to a gripping climax. Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone receive accolades for their performances, showcasing on-screen chemistry and excelling in emotional scenes. Anil Kapoor is as dependable as ever and gets the nuances of his role bang on. Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi also stand their might among these stalwarts. Rishabh Sawhney plays the antagonist, Azhar Akhtar, with sincerity but falls short of being as dreaded as his character demands.

The tactical scenarios involving the Indian Air Force outsmarting the Pakistani defense contribute to the film's thrill, despite a lack of novelty in the plot. Fighter is ultimately an engaging fare, particularly appealing to action enthusiasts, with impressive aerial combat sequences.