Fighter 2024 Movie Review – Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor

Fighter Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone team up for an action-packed film that manages to keep audiences invested and engaged, diverting attention from its minor flaws.

Bollywood’s inclination towards narrating India-Pakistan stories on the silver screen is well-established, with war dramas often infused with adrenaline and thrill. Siddharth Anand’s latest visual spectacle, Fighter, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as top combat aviators, not only embraces this trend but elevates the stakes in the genre.

Market as India’s first aerial action film, Fighter provides an immersive experience that is largely impressive. While not without flaws, the near-perfect screenplay ensures that viewers remain engrossed, overlooking the occasional loopholes.

Entering Fighter with no prior exposure to the trailer but fueled by social media buzz, the expectation was centered around the sizzling chemistry between the lead actors. However, the film pleasantly surprises with its focus on paying homage to the relentless courage of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Fighter remains committed to delivering a visually stunning experience and a prolonged adrenaline rush.

Although the exact period in which the film is set is not explicitly stated, numerous references point to the Pulwama terror attack and India’s subsequent Balakot strike. The narrative unfolds with Commanding Officer Rakesh Jai Singh, known as Rocky (Anil Kapoor), forming a quick response team of top AIF fighter pilots, including Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania (Hrithik) and Squadron Leader Minal Rathore (Deepika). Together, they create the special unit “Air Dragons,” showcasing camaraderie, brotherhood, and moments of levity while confronting enemies.

The co-written story by Anand and Ramon Chibb skillfully blends action, emotion, patriotism, music, humor, and a touch of romance. While the attention to detail in action and execution is commendable, the storytelling could have benefited from more depth. The plot, although intriguing, tends to be predictable, and the impact is somewhat diluted by cliched dialogues from Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal.

Despite occasional struggles in the storyline, Chibb’s smooth screenplay keeps viewers on the edge of their seats during the spectacular air combat sequences. Satchith Paulose’s cinematography deserves credit for making Fighter a visual delight, capturing breathtaking locales and snow-covered mountain ranges.

Fighter maintains a steady pace in the first half, building anticipation effectively. However, the film experiences a dip in the second half, with certain portions feeling forced to meet the desired runtime. The climax, in the last 20 minutes, revives the film, leading to a captivating conclusion.

The standout element in Fighter is the stellar performances from the cast. Hrithik Roshan impresses with his swag, chiseled physique, and charismatic presence. His portrayal of aerial combat, donning the uniform, and even a stylish walk across the screen showcases his versatility. Deepika Padukone delivers a convincing performance, showcasing her evolution in high-octane action since last year’s Pathaan. Their onscreen chemistry, evident in dance sequences, flights, and emotional scenes, adds a charming touch.

Anil Kapoor once again proves his mettle as a strict and brooding officer. Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi shine in well-etched roles, contributing significantly to the storyline. Cameos from Sharib Hashmi, Ashutosh Rana, and Sanjeeda Shaikh bring warmth and smiles.

On the flip side, Rishabh Sawhney as Azhar Akhtar, the head of the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, introduces freshness but fails to leave a lasting impact as the lead antagonist. His character lacks the menacing presence expected in a war drama.

Despite its flaws, Fighter offers a wholesome entertainment experience that balances engagement and excitement. High on patriotism, it refrains from excessive chest-thumping, focusing instead on delivering an entertaining and visually appealing narrative. The film invites cheers during a climactic reference to IOP (India Occupied Pakistan), emphasizing Hindi cinema’s ability to express love for the country. Watch Fighter for a rewarding cinematic experience, impressive performances, and gravity-defying aerial action that instills pride without inducing a headache.