Fighter Review: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone Starrer Gives Fierce Contest To Pathaan And Tiger

Just in time for Republic Day, Siddharth Anand, who made huge bucks in 2023 with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Pathaan', released another patriotic flick.

New Delhi: Two subgenres of patriotic Bollywood films exist: jingoistic and realistic. From films like ‘Gadar’ to ‘Border’, which made audiences tear up when Indians were suppressed by neighboring nations, to more recent works like Meghna Gulzar’s 'Raazi', they explored the essence of nationalism and what it meant to be true to one's country. Not much of a turning point is evident, but the 2019 war film 'Uri', which was based on a true story, led to the birth of a hybrid genre. Within this new genre, movies did adhere to actual events while skillfully crafting an engaging fictional narrative full of action, drama, and well-tempered patriotism.

Just in time for Republic Day, Siddharth Anand, who made huge bucks in 2023 with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Pathaan', released another patriotic flick in cinemas. In ‘Fighter’, billed as the first aerial action film in Indian cinema history, he reunited with Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. The director, who has dabbled in action and romantic genres, is breaking new ground with his own spy verse in films like ‘Pathaan’, 'Tiger', and ‘War’. Stepping outside of the spy genre, the director crafted an aerial actioner to pay homage to the Indian Air Force and the Pulwama tragedy.

Once again, the director lives up to viewers' expectations, having carved out a niche for himself with his hugely grandiose movies and characters. Speaking about how well this movie depicts the patriotic genre, however, that cannot be argued in the same way. Siddharth has blended the 2019 Balakot airstrike, a historical incident, with a fictional story of heroism. The movie's central conflict is still an Indo-Pak clash.

The narrative starts with a terrorist from Jaish recording a message for the Indian government in which he declares a suicide attack. The scene takes us back to a year ago, when the finest pilots, aka Air Dragons, in the Indian Air Force got together, including Hrithik Roshan (Patty), Deepika Padukone (Mini), Karan Singh Grover (Taj), and Akshay Oberoi (Bash). The team's CO, Anil Kapoor (Rocky), tells them they are on a mission since the terrorist group plans to attack the Srinagar base camp. Many Indian CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide explosion by the terrorist who taped a message. Ashraz Ahmed, portrayed by Rishabh Sawhney, who has been behind more deadly attacks in the past, is the brains behind this one. Ashraz intends to launch an attack on the Srinagar base camp with help from the Pakistani army and ISI operatives. During an air battle between India and Pakistan, Patty is set up by the enemy, but Bash and Taj get ambushed as they cross the LoC.

Alongside the mission is a parallel personal tale about Shamsher Pathania, also known as Patty, who is grieving the loss of his fiancée, Naina Jaisingh. Hrithik Roshan brings a lot of heart to the role of Squadron Leader Pathania. But Shamsher's constant disobedience has tarnished his reputation and made his superior officer, Rakesh (Anil Kapoor), furious. Rocky blames Patty for jeopardizing Taj and Bash and triggering Naina's death. Although Rocky helps him in the investigation, he removes him from the squad and assigns him to the position of flying instructor in Hyderabad.

'Fighter' points to a romantic route in its initial moments, but don't judge a book by its cover. It is undeniably a salute to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) unwavering bravery. While the romantic subplot between Hrithik and Deepika could have been avoided, Fighter remains true to its core mission of giving viewers an adrenaline rush by offering a closer peek into the lives of AIF fighter pilots.

The movie picks up momentum and becomes more engaging in the second half after a slowly moving first half. It only really picks up and heads toward a riveting climax in the last twenty minutes or so. The war drama, however, is an aesthetic marvel and a spectacular extravaganza courtesy of its phenomenal air combat scenes and exceptional cinematography.

When it comes to the stellar cast's performance, Hrithik makes for a charming character and has unparalleled bravado. Even when there are other actors around, he owns every frame. Although Hrithik and Deepika don't get along well, he is the best part of 'Fighter'. Not much can be said about Deepika, but her narrative highlights how sexism in society still prevents women from attaining excellence in the armed forces. She featured in the most recent action films, and the actor seemed to be the perfect match for the role she portrayed.

'Fighter' offers a glossy picture of patriotism with heaps of glitz and high-octane action sequences. Anand and Ramon Chibb co-wrote the script, which is a great blend of wit, patriotism, action, and a touch of romance. On top of that, the flawless tracks 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' add character and give you chills. The movie is both highly entertaining and full of patriotism.