Glorifying The Falcons of War. Review on Fighter

There have been many movies and web series based on terror attacks on Indian soil. “Fighter” starring Hrithik Roshan is one more addition to the basket of patriotic movies. However, it is not just one more in a line of boring films cashing on nationalism, patriotism, and opportunism. It stands out as one of the better-executed air warfare films to date.

It is a slick movie taking advantage of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s exceptional screen presence and pizzaz. Both seem to be cut out for the requirements of this film ably supported by Karan Singh Grover and Sanjida Sheikh. However, the piece de resistance is Anil Kapoor.

Unfortunately, the movie indulges in jingoism and rhetoric to a fault. It appeared the director was playing to the front benchers who generally prefer loud and overt displays of such raw emotions. The problem with “Fighter” is not that it is a bad film; in reality, it is close to being a masterpiece, the problem is too many films have come before it in this genre that have numbed the audience and there may be many more in the pipeline.

“War on terrorism” has always been a much sought-after subject for film producers and directors who believe they can make a fast buck playing with the emotions of the masses. As a result, you come across poorly made films whose only achievement is that they have been produced and presented to the audience in quick time. Good films take time to produce and that is what has worked against “Fighter.” People have gotten over it and moved on.

Nevertheless, it is a movie worth watching for its action and graphics. Siddarth Anand would be disappointed if it is mentioned that this film has been inspired by the Hollywood movie “Top Gun” and a few other Indian movies thrown in for good measure. Whether Siddarth likes it or not, there will be comparisons. That does not mean that his movie is not top-notch. “Fighter” will go down in Bollywood history as one of the better action movies on war-related topics.

There is an overdose of verbal nationalism and patriotism. If that was not enough, there is also disobedience of orders when it comes to ‘doing the right thing’. Patty is grounded as a punishment for disobeying orders. It’s all about Patty redeeming himself and saving Taj from the clutches of the enemy. That is not all, but then, you need to watch the movie to learn about the climax.

Credits:

Producers:

Siddharth Anand, Jyoti Deshpande, Ajit Andhare, Mamta Anand, Ramon Chibb and Anku Pande.

Director: Siddharth Anand.

Soundtrack: Vishal Sekhar

Cast:

Shamsher Pathania(Patty): Hrithik Roshan, Squadron Leader with a past.

Minal Rathore(Minni): Deepika Padukone, Squadron Leader, also eye candy.

Basheer Khan(Bash): Akshay Oberoi, Squadron Leader.

Sartaj Gill(Taj): Karan Singh Grover, Squadron leader.

Sukhdeep Singh(Sukhi): Baveen Singh, Squadron leader.

Rakesh Jai Singh(Rocky): Anil Kapoor, Group Captain.

Azhar Akhtar(Main Antagonist): Rishabh Sawhney.

Sanchi Gill: Sanjeeda Shaik, wife of Taj Shaik.

Shamsher Pathania’s father: Talat Aziz.

Minal’s father: Ashutosh Rana as Abhijeet Rathore.

Hrithik, Deepika and Anil Kapoor do no harm to their reputation. Karan Grover and Sanjeeda Shaikh try their best to keep up with the trio. Talat Aziz is seen on the silver screen after a long hiatus. Ashutosh Rana impresses in his short cameo.

What’s on the grapevine? It appears that this movie is the first instalment in the franchise, so one would expect there is more to come.

“Fighter” would have been a much greater hit had it come a few years earlier. That’s my two cents.

mbfarookh