By Priyanka 
Introduction: Bollywood enthusiasts eagerly awaited Siddharth Anand’s latest offering, “Fighter,” which hit theaters on January 25, 2024. Following his success with “Pathaan” in the previous year, Anand, known for catapulting Shah Rukh Khan back to the box office throne, returns with a Republic Day release that promises to deliver on the director’s expertise in the action genre. This time, the spotlight shifts from special agents to the Indian Air Force, with a stellar cast featuring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, and more.
Cast:
- Hrithik Roshan
- Deepika Padukone
- Anil Kapoor
- Karan Singh Grover
- Akshay Oberoi
- Rishabh Sawhney
Director: Siddharth Anand
Release Date: January 25, 2024
OTT Partner: Netflix
Plot Overview: “Fighter” revolves around Indian Air Force CO Rocky (Anil Kapoor) and his team, including Patty (Hrithik Roshan), Minnie (Deepika Padukone), Bash (Akshay Oberoi), and Taj (Karan Singh Grover). Stationed at the Srinagar air base on high alert, they receive intelligence about an impending attack by the terror group Jaish. The film draws inspiration from the Pulwama attacks of 2019, where a suicide bomber targeted a CRPF convoy, prompting an IAF retaliation with an air strike on Pakistan’s Balakot. The narrative takes creative liberties in detailing the IAF’s mission to thwart the terror mastermind Akhtar (Rishabh Sawhney) and neutralize the threat.
Key Elements:
- Patriotic Appeal: “Fighter” aims to evoke national pride and emotions, particularly against the backdrop of the Pulwama attacks, showcasing the IAF in a new light.
- Grandiose Air Combat Scenes: The film promises viewers a visual spectacle with brilliantly shot air combat sequences, reminiscent of Anand’s previous successes.
- Star-Studded Performances: The cast’s stellar performances elevate the movie, making it a compelling watch.
Review and Recommendation: “Fighter” is positioned as India’s answer to “Top Gun,” offering a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences. Drawing parallels with Anand’s previous successes like “Pathaan” and “War,” the film is expected to captivate viewers and leave them entertained. Early reviews suggest that if you enjoyed Anand’s previous works, “Fighter” is a must-watch, providing a patriotic yet thrilling narrative. The film’s release over a long weekend only adds to the anticipation, prompting eager audiences to experience the magic of “Fighter” in theaters.
As “Fighter” takes flight in 2024, Siddharth Anand seems to have crafted another cinematic triumph. The film’s combination of patriotism, stellar performances, and breathtaking action sequences positions it as a standout release, marking a promising start for Bollywood in the new year. For enthusiasts of the genre and fans of Anand’s directorial style, “Fighter” is undoubtedly a compelling cinematic journey worth experiencing on the big screen.