Fighter 2024 review
Introduction:
Bollywood’s latest offering, “Fighter,” directed by Siddharth Anand, takes flight with the ambitious pairing of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Released on India’s Republic Day, the film draws inspiration from real-life events, specifically the Pulwama attack and the Balakot air strike. In this review, we’ll dissect the highs and lows of this military drama that treads familiar territory.
Storyline:
“Fighter” mirrors the formulaic beats of Bollywood, emphasizing the camaraderie and romance between two Indian Air Force pilots, portrayed by Roshan and Padukone. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Pulwama attack, introducing a group of India-hating terrorists led by Azhar Akthar. The movie attempts to avoid vilifying the Pakistani people, instead pointing fingers at a faction and the Pakistani Air Force.
Fighter 2024 review
The plot follows a by-the-numbers trajectory, blending elements of romance, musical numbers, and “Top Gun”-style chain of command Air Force drama. Roshan’s character, Shamsher “Patty” Pathania, clashes with Anil Kapoor’s disapproving Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh but inevitably unites for a high-stakes mission. The film builds up to a dramatic stand-off in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir, leaving the audience with a tantalizing threat of a future clash in “Indian Occupied Pakistan.”
Fighter 2024 review
Fighter 2024 review
Character Dynamics:
Roshan’s charisma takes center stage, infusing life into the character of Patty. His performance, especially in moments of emotional gravity, resonates with the audience. Padukone, while hitting her marks, doesn’t receive the same depth of character exploration as Roshan. The supporting cast, including the one-dimensional villain Azhar Akthar, adds to the overall predictability of the film.
Fighter 2024 review
Technical Aspects:
Director Siddharth Anand, fresh from the success of “Pathaan,” finds a suitable collaborator in Roshan. The actor’s on-screen presence captivates, bringing depth to the otherwise cheesy material. The film’s musical numbers, though energetic, follow the conventional Bollywood template. CGI shortcomings become apparent, especially in airborne sequences, where computer-generated airplanes dominate the screen.
Fighter 2024 review
Product Placement and Patriotism:
“Fighter” attempts to seamlessly blend jingoism with commercial thrills, leading to one ludicrous sequence after another. Racy musical interludes and abrupt item songs disrupt the narrative flow. The film’s attempt to showcase patriotism is evident, but it often gets overshadowed by obtrusive product placements, including awkward pauses to display roadside billboards.
Fighter 2024 review
Conclusion:
“Fighter” may not break new ground in Bollywood’s military drama genre, but it delivers on its promises. Roshan’s magnetic performance elevates the film, despite its formulaic approach and CGI limitations. The fusion of nationalism and commercial elements results in an uneven narrative, leaving room for improvement. While “Fighter” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it still manages to engage audiences, offering a blend of action, romance, and patriotic fervor.
Fighter” emerges as a mixed bag, adhering closely to Bollywood melodramatic tropes while attempting to navigate the delicate terrain of nationalism. The movie strategically chooses the Pulwama attack as its dramatic catalyst, steering clear of direct criticism of the Indian government. The portrayal of the Indian Air Force’s drama is rife with clichés, from romantic musical numbers to a predictable chain of command struggle.
The film’s CGI-heavy aerial combat scenes fail to impress, appearing flat and forgettable. The hyper-nationalistic storytelling, though expected in the current landscape of Hindi cinema, weighs down the narrative. Sentimental speeches on patriotism hinder the love story between Roshan and Padukone, making one wish for a propaganda-free romance.
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The Pulse-Pounding Aerial Ballet:
In “Fighter,” the skies become a battleground for adrenaline-fueled sequences that oscillate between breathtaking and bewildering. The film’s CGI spectacle, while lacking realism, doesn’t skimp on scale. Aerial combat becomes a pulse-pounding ballet, as Roshan’s character, Patty, takes center stage. The choreography of these high-stakes maneuvers, though occasionally over-the-top, injects a raw energy into the movie, providing viewers with moments of sheer cinematic thrill. Despite the CGI’s occasional shortcomings, the airborne sequences offer a visual spectacle that demands attention, making “Fighter” a rollercoaster ride through the expansive skies.
