New Delhi: The movie 'Fighter', directed by Siddharth Anand and featuring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan in leading roles, has found itself in legal trouble. The controversy centres around a kissing scene involving the film's main characters.
In the film, Deepika Padukone portrays Squadron Leader Mini Rathore and Hrithik Roshan plays Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania. The characters navigate through various personal and professional obstacles, ultimately reaffirming their love with a kiss in the climax scene.
The contentious kiss was performed while the characters were in Air Force uniforms. This portrayal has elicited criticism from an Indian Air Force officer, who has issued a legal notice to the production team.
The officer alleges that the depiction of the kiss, particularly in military attire, disrespects the valour and sanctity of the uniform. The characters involved are depicted as members of an elite Indian Air Force team, which has added to the controversy.
'Fighter' has been making headlines ever since its announcement. Touted as India's first aerial-action film, 'Fighter' portrays Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as members of an elite fighter pilots' group in the Indian Air Force. The two actors have been cast opposite each other for the first time and their chemistry has been appreciated by all.
However, despite the appreciation from all quarters, the Siddharth Anand directorial failed to live up to the high expectations at the box office. 'Fighter' raked in Rs 178 crore in India within 12 days of its release. But the film has seen a continuous drop by the day in its box office collections. As per a report by trade analysis site Sacnilk.com, the aviation thriller collected over Rs 3 crore on Monday.
The film also stars Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi.
Written by Siddharth Anand and based on a story he wrote with Ramon Chibb, 'Fighter' has been produced by Viacom 18 Studios and Marflix Pictures. 'Fighter is also the first instalment in a planned aerial action franchise.