By anjali
In 1986, a blockbuster movie centered around a pilot getting a second chance to redeem himself captivated audiences worldwide. Tom Cruise’s Top Gun set the standard for what an aerial action film involving planes should aspire to. Many attempted to replicate its success, but nothing came close to the original, until 2022, when Cruise returned in an updated version of the franchise.
Fighter: A Patriotic Action Spectacle
Siddharth Anand’s Fighter draws inspiration from Top Gun to create a fast-paced narrative about bravery, patriotism, and honoring the aircraft that defend our nation. The film benefits from a cast led by the attractive duo of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. However, the question remains whether the actors deliver or if their vanity detracts from making Fighter a genuine action spectacle. Let’s explore. (Also Read: The Fighter Teaser Will Be Out On This Day)
If Rajkumar Hirani is the king of feel-good films and no one can match family dramas like Karan Johar, Siddharth Anand has carved out his own niche with his extravagant and good-looking entertainers. With Fighter, he has infused a patriotic flavor into his storytelling. Whenever the film shifts to Kashmir and the Indo-Pakistan conflict, a familiar template is set. Siddharth Anand follows this pattern but adds a touch of glamour, high-energy action sequences, and plenty of patriotism with ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ resonating in the background.
Anand is known for his unique way of introducing characters in his films. Whether it’s the stylish entry of SRK in Pathaan, or the explosive debut of Hrithik Roshan in Bang Bang and War, he always makes an impact. However, in Fighter, he takes a different approach by giving Deepika Padukone’s Minni a remarkable introduction before bringing in the big gun – Hrithik Roshan’s Patty. The director doesn’t rush into the big action scenes, instead, he dedicates the first half to introducing the Air Force pilots, led by Rocky (Anil Kapoor) and including Minni, Patty, Taj (Karan Singh Grover), and Bash (Akshay Oberoi).
Fighter’s Story: Balancing Patriotism, Action, and Emotion
The story revolves around the Pulwama attack and the events leading up to and following the incident. Fighter excels in incorporating patriotic sentiment into a thrilling storyline. The action scenes are the true highlight of the film, with Anand steering clear of any comparisons to Top Gun by creating an original and impressive visual style for the high-impact shots.
The first part strikes a perfect balance between emotion and action, but the second part loses momentum before recovering just in time for the exciting climax. Deepika and Hrithik’s on-screen pairing is a brilliant move that pays off. Not only do they make a great-looking couple, but they also embody their characters with authenticity when in uniform. Their portrayal brings a sense of gravitas to the story when they are focused on their mission. Anil Kapoor demonstrates his commanding presence, particularly in his scenes with Hrithik and the team, which are a standout.
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone Ignite the Screen
In contrast to Pathaan’s free spirit, Fighter seems to be somewhat entangled in its efforts to balance commercial appeal while maintaining its emotional integrity. The moments where we are taught about patriotism or Patty’s wordplay become tiresome after a while. You may want to see the birds in the sky, but you’ll have to be patient for those scenes.
Fighter’s ability to maintain its momentum is largely attributed to the lead actor Hrithik Roshan, who exemplifies what truly makes him a Bollywood superstar. His dedication to making Patty’s journey feel intimate is something that aspiring actors should learn from. Deepika Padukone excels in both the action and emotional sequences. The chemistry between her and Hrithik in the first half is exhilarating, as is their captivating dance in the air. Karan Singh Grover and Sanjeeda Shaikh provide excellent support to these talented leading actors. However, the weakest aspect of the film is the portrayal of the villain Azhar Akhtar by Rishabh Sawhney. His impeccably styled hair and glossy lips seem too attractive to be menacing.
Fighter is a grand visual experience. When those birds glide high in the sky, it’s impossible to look away from the screen. Hrithik and Deepika ignite the screen and it wouldn’t be shocking if they become the preferred duo for blockbuster movies in the coming years. Siddharth Anand’s Fighter excels in providing high entertainment value.
