Fighter 2024
Fighter Movie Overview
Genre: Action, Mystery & thriller
Original Language: Hindi
Director: Siddharth Anand
Producer: Siddharth Anand, Mamta Bhatia, Ramon Chibb, Anku Pande
Writer: Ramon Chibb
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 25, 2024 Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.1M
Runtime: 2h 40m
Distributor: Viva Entertainment
Production Co: Marflix, Prime Focus Media, Betterfly Films, Viacom18 Studios
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1
Siddharth Anand and Hrithik Roshan pair proved yet again why this combo is a treat to watch. Undoubtedly being a SRK fan, I can say Fighter is Siddharth Anand’s best film he has made till date and far better than Pathaan for sure.
Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, Fighter effectively caters to audience preferences with skillful and self-aware film making, avoiding any uncomfortable pandering. While it shares the same cinematic territory as the Tom Cruise blockbuster, Fighter justifies its existence by flawlessly executing various genre elements, including drama, action, romance, and a buddy ensemble. The film, despite its predictable ending, captivates viewers with well-delivered entertainment, earning its place as perfectly calibrated popcorn entertainment.
Director Anand, known for films like Pathaan and War, reaffirms his status as one of Bollywood’s adept commercial craftsmen. His ability to consistently produce mass-appealing movies while maintaining elegance and vitality is commendable. Fighter, much like Top Gun: Maverick, adheres to expected narrative beats but does so in a way that respects the essence of these conventions.
The plot revolves around a team of elite Indian Air Force aviators tasked with protecting Kashmir from threats by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. Led by Captain Rocky Singh (Anil Kapoor), squadron leaders Shamsher “Patty” Pathania (Hrithik Roshan) and Minal “Mini” Rathore (Deepika Padukone) form the core of the group. The film initially focuses on the camaraderie and competition within the squadron, emphasizing the value of their deep bond. As the narrative unfolds, the team transitions from fun aerial adventures to real-deal military operations against the terror group.
The films writing excels at the best, the film’s screenplay is so layered that it’s very hard to find such layered nuances in such hardcore Bollywood’s Masala film. Fighter’s action sequences are gripping, drawing inspiration from Top Gun but maintaining its own distinctive aesthetic. The film successfully provides a visceral portrayal of aerial combat, with well-executed close-calls that keep viewers engaged. Despite veering into Hollywood embellishment, the dynamic filming and character investment help navigate through the more far fetched elements.
In the second half, Fighter introduces dramatic upheaval, exploring the emotional toll of the profession and Captain Patty’s recklessness. While the climax is predictable, it is welcomed, and Hrithik Roshan impressively conveys the character’s sensitive side and past trauma.
The film has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of Pakistan, criticized as “xenophobic” and “jingoistic” by some in the left-leaning press.
However, from an American perspective, Fighter appears as a wholesome representation of national pride and a serious depiction of the global threat of jihad-ism, packaged in blockbuster form. The geopolitical backdrop is overshadowed by the film’s entertaining and adventure-forward narrative.
Despite potential ideological objections, Fighter is deemed engaging and confidently constructed mainstream action entertainment. The film’s focus on national pride and is not a cause for significant concern, considering its blockbuster packaging and entertaining nature.
It’s a must watch! Catch this movie in your nearby theatre.
