Fighter Review: “Fighter” has landed in theaters, and Hrithik Roshan, in his skies action thriller, orchestrates an exhilarating symphony for fans and thrill-seeking audiences alike. The film not only fulfills the anticipation of Hrithik enthusiasts but also caters to those who relish the thrill of a maverick navigating the skies.
Transporting viewers two decades back, Hrithik Roshan first embodied Captain Karan Shergill, a soul searching for purpose within the ranks of the Indian Army. Five years later, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of Major Kabir Dhaliwal, a renegade secret agent. Now, in “Fighter,” he transforms yet again, becoming Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, a man whose instinct propels him headfirst into the most challenging situations.
As Shamsher, a crack fighter pilot who asserts his identity as a fighter before a pilot, Hrithik Roshan becomes the driving force behind Siddharth Anand’s inaugural venture into what promises to be a captivating series of Air Force action films. The narrative, spanning across different timelines in Roshan’s illustrious career, weaves a tale of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.
In the vast expanse of the sky, Roshan’s portrayal of Shamsher stands out as a maverick, an individual whose unorthodox approach and unwavering determination make him a force to be reckoned with. The film sets the stage for a thrilling series of aerial escapades, promising a cinematic journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of action storytelling.
With “Fighter,” Hrithik Roshan not only continues his legacy of portraying characters with depth and charisma but elevates the excitement by taking to the skies as a maverick war pilot. As the film unfolds, the audience is treated to a spectacle that not only showcases Roshan’s acting prowess but also establishes “Fighter” as a pulsating
Squadron Leader Minal Rathore (portrayed by Deepika Padukone) discovers true love amidst the challenges of soaring into the sky. Group Captain Rakesh Jaisingh (played by Anil Kapoor) exemplifies a strict adherence to protocol, showcasing his exceptional leadership qualities. The antagonist, Azhar Akhtar (played by Rishabh Sawhney), a menacing terrorist, relentlessly spreads malevolence, setting the stage for a dramatic extraction across borders.
The essence of Fighter revolves around the journeys of these four characters. The 166-minute film, particularly its initial half, brims with aerial combats and daring missions that highlight the bravery of the fighter pilots. While some of the action sequences are noteworthy, none are likely to elicit ecstatic reactions. The film’s utilization of 3D technology lacks substantial justification.
Crafted by Ramon Chibb in collaboration with Siddharth Anand, Fighter attains its zenith when it opts to decelerate in the latter half. A poignant moment unfolds as Samsher unexpectedly encounters Minal’s father (Ashutosh Rana) and mother (Geeta Agrawal), compellingly conveying the magnitude of their daughter’s accomplishments.
While “Fighter” is competently executed in terms of cinematography and editing, it falls short in substance. Despite Deepika Padukone contributing to the star power, the film feels hollow due to its clichéd storyline. It adheres to the conventional Bollywood war film construct, emphasizing offense as the best defense and advocating instant revenge for deceit.
The characters are familiar – an air warrior dealing with personal setbacks, a senior Air Force professional striving to manage the impulsive man of action, a female fighter pilot challenging gender discrimination, and a terror kingpin targeting India’s defense establishment.
The film references real-life incidents like Pulwama, Balakot, Uri, and stone-pelting, leading to predictable outcomes. Squadron Leader Minal Rathore (Deepika Padukone) finds love amidst challenging skies, Group Captain Rakesh Jaisingh (Anil Kapoor) exemplifies protocol adherence, and the antagonist Azhar Akhtar (Rishabh Sawhney) sets the stage for a dramatic border extraction.
The film’s focus is on the journey of these characters, featuring intense dogfights and daring air sorties in the first half. While some action sequences are impressive, they lack the wow factor. The 3D format finds little justification in the overall narrative.
Penned by Ramon Chibb and Siddharth Anand, “Fighter” gains momentum in the second half when it slows down, culminating in an emotional high point involving Samsher, Minal’s father (Ashutosh Rana), and mother (Geeta Agrawal).
The camaraderie between Shamsher and fellow fighter pilot Sartaj Gill (Karan Singh Grover) forms a crucial element leading to the film’s climax. However, the bromance leans heavily towards Roshan’s character, underscoring the film as Hrithik Roshan’s show.
While the subdued romance between the hero and Minal adds authenticity, “Fighter” could have benefited from a more formidable antagonist. Notwithstanding Hrithik Roshan’s commendable efforts, the film struggles to soar to the heights it aspires to reach. Deepika Padukone delivers a solid performance, and Anil Kapoor’s restrained portrayal adds gravitas. Despite some notable supporting roles, “Fighter” fails to transcend its clichéd narrative, leaving it somewhat vacuous and vapid.
Fighter’s standout feature lies in its awe-inspiring action sequences. Director Siddharth Anand skillfully blends authentic Sukhoi jets with cutting-edge CGI, crafting captivating dogfights that immerse viewers into the cockpit. Each barrel roll, missile lock-on, and evasive maneuver serves as a visual spectacle, leaving audiences breathless and yearning for more. The dynamic camerawork maintains proximity to the action while ensuring clarity, complemented by an impressive sound design that places viewers directly in the heart of the aerial combat.
Fighter Review: Audience Gives Thumbs to action, and thrills and Hrithik
“Fighter is an absolute entertainer with top notch action sequences that will keep u on the edge of your seats . Hrithik Roshan has dropped an absolute banger on the very beginning of 2024,” posted one viewer.
“The best movie till date on Indian Airforce. Watch it in 4d with Superb background music. Mission conducted by Indian Air Force will give you goosebumps in 4d. It’s a king size entertainer…Excellent Movie, extraordinary Stunt sequence, strong story script, action delivery is wonderful,” wrote one viewer.
One viewer feels the movie is better than Pathaan. The Shah Rukh Khan movie, also directed by Siddharth Anand, was the first big-star Hindi entertainer of 2023. It ended years of drought in Bollywood’s movie business.
“What a excellent movie more better than pathaan seriously movie every engaged please watch hirtik sir lead role acting is brilliant deepika is every sexy movie fighter is hit 2024,” wrote another.