Fighter Movie Review
Fighter Movie Poster
Emotional Engagement Emoji
“Fighter” is a Hindi action film directed by Siddharth Anand and produced under the banners of Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures. The film stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, with Anil Kapoor and others in supporting roles. It serves as the inaugural film in a planned aerial action franchise. The film’s soundtrack album is composed by the duo Vishal–Shekhar, with Satchith Paulose as the cinematographer, and Aarif Sheikh handling the editing.
Story:
In this movie plot, a special team of skilled Indian Air Force aviators, led by Commanding Officer Rakesh Jai Singh (Anil Kapoor), anticipates a potential enemy attack on the Srinagar base camp. The team, including Shamsher Pathania (Hrithik Roshan), Minnal Rathore (Deepika Padukone), Sartaj Gill (Karan Singh Grover), and others, faces a challenge when the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, led by Azar Akthar, orchestrates the Pulwama attack on CRPF soldiers. The film unfolds as India engages in a series of intense battles against the terrorists.
Analysis:
The movie Fighter strikes a balance between emotion and action, leaning towards action for an engaging viewing experience. The first 30-40 minutes introduce characters through activities like partying and camping. The Pulwama attack scenes evoke emotions, followed by a successful counter-attack named Operation Bandhar by the Indian Air Force, portrayed effectively. A common song follows, with the expected opposing counter. The film unfolds with well-executed aerial combat sequences, though the pre-interval feels abrupt. Post-interval to pre-climax scenes vary in quality, with emotional depth added when Patty reunites with “NJ.” While the pre-climax aerial combat and war scenes are generally good, the climax falls short, and the ordinary villain character lacks impact, missing an opportunity for heightened appeal.
Fighter Movie Poster
Like Siddharth Anand’s earlier films, Fighter’s plot lacks uniqueness but engages with a well-crafted narrative. Hrithik Roshan’s performance shines with his screen presence, dialogue delivery, and chemistry with Deepika Padukone. Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi, and Karan Singh Grover deliver commendable performances. However, the songs and background score, except for the Vandemataram track, disappoint.
Despite a template-based story, Fighter offers engaging elements, with comparisons to other patriotic films inevitable. The movie’s success hinges on its urban appeal, showcasing the challenges it may face at the box office. The impactful aerial action sequences contribute to the film’s strengths, while improvements in the background score could have elevated its overall impact.
Highs:
- Gripping aerial combat sequences showcase the movie’s thrilling dynamics.
- Hrithik Roshan delivers a standout performance, adding depth to the narrative.
- The cinematography and visuals captivate, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
- The portrayal of the Pulwama attack and a poignant scene where Patty meets “NJ” again adds emotional resonance.
Lows:
- Predictability in the plot hampers the element of surprise.
- The emotional scenes could have been more finely crafted for greater impact.
- The antagonist lacks the compelling strength expected in a formidable villain.
- Character introductions take up more time than necessary, affecting pacing.
Technical Aspects:
Fighter showcases impressive technical brilliance, securing full marks across various aspects of its production. While the music and score may not reach exceptional heights, they effectively enhance the overall cinematic experience by seamlessly complementing key scenes. Satchith Paulose’s outstanding camera work, notably during intense jet fights, adds a layer of excitement that captivates the audience. The film distinguishes itself with skillfully executed VFX, emerging as a major strength that elevates its visual appeal. Furthermore, the editing stands out for its commendable contribution to the film’s pacing and storytelling, creating a cohesive narrative that keeps viewers engaged.
Siddharth Anand, known for his distinctive filmmaking style, delivers an engaging cinematic experience by weaving a familiar yet compelling story. The aerial combat scenes, envisioned with excellence by Siddharth, contribute significantly to the movie’s overall impact. The action choreographers deserve special applause for their meticulous work, particularly in crafting gripping fights between Air Force soldiers and their compelling exchanges with the enemy. Fighter succeeds in offering a well-rounded cinematic experience, blending technical prowess with engaging storytelling and memorable visual moments.
Verdict:
Fighter strikes a balance between emotion and action, delivering an engaging experience despite a predictable plot. Hrithik Roshan’s standout performance, coupled with impressive technical aspects like camera work and VFX, adds to the movie’s appeal. While facing some shortcomings in music and a lackluster climax, Fighter succeeds in providing a well-rounded cinematic experience, especially for those drawn to aerial combat sequences.
