Siddharth Anand’s latest venture, “Fighter,” adds a dazzling chapter to the realm of Hindi star vehicles. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, this action entertainer brings together a formidable cast to deliver a cinematic experience that’s both entertaining and engaging.
The movie kicks off in 2018, revolving around the Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed. To retaliate, commanding officer Rakesh Jaisingh, aka Rocky (Anil Kapoor), assembles a top-notch team named Air Dragons, featuring Squadron Leader Minal Rathore (Deepika Padukone), Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania (Hrithik Roshan), Squadron Leader Sartaj Singh (Karan Singh Grover), Squadron Leader Basheer Khan (Akshay Oberoi), and others.
While “Fighter” adheres to the familiar theme of India seeking revenge against Pakistan, it distinguishes itself with its energetic execution. However, the second half experiences a pacing dip before a climactic resurgence. The film’s superpatriotic tone, accentuated by clichéd dialogues, may induce a sense of discomfort for some viewers.
Despite these drawbacks, “Fighter” remains slick and smart, holding the audience’s attention throughout. The aerial combat scenes, featuring Sukhoi 30s, helicopter stunts, and dogfights between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets, are visually stunning. The director and action directors deserve credit for crafting edge-of-the-seat sequences that rival Hollywood standards.
On the technical front, “Fighter” impresses with top-notch cinematography by Satchith Paulose and sharp editing by Aarif Sheikh, maintaining a brisk pace. Siddharth Anand’s directorial finesse, coupled with pulpy flair, contributes to the film’s captivating essence.
The on-screen chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone adds another layer of appeal. Whether in dance numbers, facing bullets together, or in emotive scenes, their synchronicity makes them a standout pair. The film gains as much from its dynamic as it does from its aerial action.
Hrithik Roshan’s charismatic presence steals the show, complemented by Deepika’s breathtaking glamour and action prowess. Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi deliver commendable performances, while the antagonist, portrayed by Rishabh Sawhney, falls short of making a lasting impact.
“Fighter” is the quintessential entertainer, blending action, drama, music, romance, and emotions. It caters to diverse tastes, living up to the hype and offering a perfect popcorn entertainment thriller. As a star-driven spectacle, “Fighter” soars high, leaving an indelible mark in Bollywood’s cinematic skies.
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