“Fighter,” released in 2024, is India’s first aerial action film, directed by Siddharth Anand. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania, Deepika Padukone as Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore, and Anil Kapoor as Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jaisingh. The plot centers around the formation of a quick response team, Air Dragons, by top Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilots to tackle imminent threats.
The film delves into themes of patriotism, camaraderie, and the internal and external battles faced by the characters. The cast also includes Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and a notable supporting cast that enhances the narrative. The storyline, while traditional in its portrayal of military valor, is enlivened by the actors’ performances and the high-octane aerial combat sequences.
Developed during the COVID-19 lockdown, “Fighter” represents a significant effort in Indian cinema to create a large-scale action thriller centered around fighter jets. Hrithik Roshan underwent extensive training to portray the fighter pilot realistically, and both Roshan and Padukone performed rigorous martial arts training for their roles.
Critics have praised the film for its visual spectacle, action sequences, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly noting the chemistry between Roshan and Padukone. While some aspects of the plot and character development received criticism for predictability and lack of depth, the film has been hailed as an entertaining watch that successfully evokes patriotic sentiments without being overly jingoistic.
“Fighter” has garnered attention for its attempt to offer a patriotic and action-packed cinematic experience, complemented by strong performances and visually impressive aerial combat scenes.
