January 26, 2025: Sky Force Review: If you’re tired of the usual jingoistic Bollywood war films that drown in exaggerated patriotism, Sky Force offers a refreshing change. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, the film starts off with all the hallmarks of a typical patriotic drama, but it gradually shifts to a more grounded, human portrayal of the complex emotions involved in war. While Sky Force does succeed in moving away from the predictable Pakistan-bashing narrative, its uneven storytelling and lackluster CGI may leave some viewers unimpressed.
Plot and Storytelling: Set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions, the story spans from 1965 to 1988. Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja (played by Akshay Kumar) and his team carry out a crucial airstrike mission against Pakistan, but the success comes at a high personal cost. Ahuja loses his close colleague, Tabby (Veer Pahariya), and the story centers on Ahuja’s journey to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. The movie draws inspiration from the real-life story of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, providing a humanizing portrayal of soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Sky Force Review in Short: Akshay Kumar Flies High, Breaking Bollywood’s Jingoistic Mold
What Works: While the first half may feel like a typical Bollywood war film with loud patriotic dialogues and flashy CGI, the second half takes a surprising turn. Ahuja’s character becomes more grounded, navigating official channels to honor his fallen comrade. This shift away from exaggerated nationalism and a more humane portrayal of both Indian and Pakistani soldiers is a breath of fresh air in the genre.
The performances are another highlight. Akshay Kumar delivers a convincing portrayal of a soldier, avoiding the usual over-the-top antics. Debutant Veer Pahariya also brings a certain earnestness to his role, despite his character’s lack of depth. Nimrat Kaur’s “special appearance” is surprisingly impactful, overshadowing the more prominent role played by Sara Ali Khan.
However Sky Force struggles with inconsistent storytelling. The first half is laden with melodramatic dialogue and underwhelming CGI. The visual effects, though ambitious, fail to capture the realism needed for a war film, often feeling like a video game. Additionally, some dialogue choices fall flat, unable to match the emotional depth required for such a story.
Sky Force Review : To Watch or Not to Watch: You should watch Sky Force if you’re looking for a war film that offers emotional depth and a more realistic approach to the soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The second half of the movie, in particular, stands out for its portrayal of camaraderie, duty, and the human cost of war. However, if you’re expecting high-octane action and sharp visuals throughout, you might find the film underwhelming, especially in the first half when the drama feels too loud and visually unconvincing.
Sky Force delivers a compelling and straightforward portrayal of an unsung hero, a story that has long been missing from cinema. With precise direction and meticulous attention to detail, the film takes us through the untold journey of a man whose story has finally been brought to light.
What truly sets Sky Force apart is its authentic, grounded approach to storytelling, never shying away from the complexities of its protagonist’s life. The film explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of immense challenges.
Ultimately, while Sky Force isn’t a perfect film, it does have enough merit to keep you engaged—especially if you’re ready for a war film that dares to be more thoughtful, even if it stumbles along the way.