Fighter isn’t just a film- it’s an event. Marketed as India’s first true-blue aerial action spectacle, Siddharth Anand’s 2024 blockbuster brings together an all-star cast led by Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, and sets its sights on the skies. With state-of-the-art visual effects, a rousing patriotic core, and a narrative inspired by real events, Fighter aims to deliver a cinematic experience as exhilarating as a supersonic dogfight. Does it succeed in breaking the sound barrier of expectations? Let’s take off and find out.

Story: Sky Warriors and the Call of Duty

Fighter follows the elite “Air Dragons” unit of the Indian Air Force, a squad of the country’s best fighter pilots assembled to protect the nation against mounting threats. At the center is Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania (Hrithik Roshan), a maverick pilot with a rebellious streak and a haunted past. Joining him is the fiercely talented Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore (Deepika Padukone), whose grit and skill earn her respect in a male-dominated world. The team is commanded by the no-nonsense Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jaisingh (Anil Kapoor), who must keep his hotshot flyers in check while preparing them for the gravest mission of their lives.

The film’s narrative is loosely inspired by the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes. After a devastating terrorist attack orchestrated by the shadowy Azhar Akhtar (Rishabh Sawhney), the Air Dragons are tasked with a covert operation deep inside enemy territory. The mission is high-risk, with the odds stacked against them and the fate of the nation hanging in the balance.

But Fighter isn’t just about external enemies. It’s also about the inner battles- guilt, rivalry, trauma, and love-that each pilot must confront. As the team gears up for the mission, personal and professional conflicts threaten to tear them apart, forcing them to rediscover the meaning of camaraderie and sacrifice.

Characters and Performances: Star Power in the Skies

Hrithik Roshan as Patty

Hrithik Roshan is magnetic as Patty, blending swagger, vulnerability, and steely resolve. He nails the physicality of a fighter pilot, but it’s his emotional arc- his guilt over a past tragedy, his protective streak towards his squad, and his chemistry with Minni-that gives the film its heart. Whether he’s bantering with his teammates or executing death-defying maneuvers, Hrithik commands every frame.

Deepika Padukone as Minni

Deepika Padukone’s Minni is a revelation. She brings both toughness and tenderness, excelling in action scenes and quieter moments alike. Her journey-from a rookie facing skepticism to a leader who earns her stripes-is inspiring. The chemistry between Deepika and Hrithik is electric, adding a layer of romance that never feels forced.

Anil Kapoor as Rocky

Anil Kapoor delivers a nuanced performance as Rocky, the mentor trying to balance discipline with empathy. He’s the emotional anchor of the team, and his scenes with both Patty and Minni are standouts. Kapoor’s gravitas elevates the film, especially in moments of crisis.

Supporting Cast

Karan Singh Grover (Taj), Akshay Oberoi (Bash), Sanjeeda Sheikh (Saachi), and others round out the Air Dragons, each bringing distinct personalities and emotional stakes. Rishabh Sawhney is menacing as Azhar, while cameos by Ashutosh Rana and Sharib Hashmi add depth.

Direction and Technical Brilliance

Siddharth Anand, known for his slick actioners, outdoes himself with Fighter. The aerial sequences are a technical marvel, matching Hollywood standards in choreography and visual effects. Dogfights are shot with clarity and tension, giving audiences a visceral sense of speed and danger. The production design- cockpits, airbases, and command centers-feels authentic, and the film’s use of real fighter jets grounds the spectacle.

The screenplay balances action with character-driven drama, though the first half takes its time establishing the team and their dynamics. The second half, however, is a relentless adrenaline rush, with set pieces that escalate in scale and stakes.

Themes: Patriotism, Sacrifice, and Brotherhood

At its core, Fighter is a tribute to the Indian Air Force and the unsung heroes who risk everything for the nation. The film wears its patriotism proudly, but it never descends into empty jingoism. Instead, it explores the human cost of war-the families left behind, the trauma carried by survivors, and the bonds forged in combat.

The camaraderie among the Air Dragons is a highlight. Their banter, rivalries, and moments of vulnerability make them relatable, and the film’s emotional beats land because the audience cares about these characters.

Action and Visual Effects: India’s Top Gun Moment

Fighter sets a new benchmark for Indian action cinema. The aerial combat sequences are breathtaking, with dogfights that are both thrilling and easy to follow. The use of IMAX cameras and cutting-edge CGI ensures that every barrel roll and missile lock feels immersive.

The film’s climactic rescue mission-featuring stealthy incursions, mid-air battles, and a nail-biting escape, is a masterclass in action filmmaking. The sound design, from the roar of engines to the whistling of missiles, adds to the intensity.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack, composed by Vishal–Shekhar, complements the film’s tone. The anthemic title track and emotional ballads add depth without interrupting the narrative flow. The background score heightens tension during action scenes and underscores the film’s emotional moments.

Pacing and Editing

At 2 hours and 46 minutes, Fighter is a long ride, but the pacing rarely drags. The first half is devoted to character development and team-building, while the second half is a non-stop barrage of action. Editor Aarif Sheikh ensures that the film never loses momentum, though a tighter runtime could have made the experience even more exhilarating.

Emotional Core: Love, Loss, and Redemption

What sets Fighter apart from standard action fare is its emotional core. The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of loss and trauma. When a team member falls, the grief is palpable. The romance between Patty and Minni is handled with sensitivity, providing moments of levity and warmth amid the chaos.

The film also explores themes of redemption- Patty’s journey from guilt to heroism, Minni’s rise as a leader, and Rocky’s struggle to protect his squad while making tough decisions.

Weaknesses: Familiar Tropes and Predictability

While Fighter dazzles with its spectacle, it does rely on familiar tropes- a maverick pilot with a troubled past, a training montage, a last-minute rescue, and a villain who is more a symbol than a fully fleshed-out character. Some emotional beats, especially in the first half, feel formulaic.

The film’s patriotic messaging, while stirring, occasionally veers into melodrama. A few supporting characters are underwritten, and the villain’s motivations could have been explored in greater depth.

Standout Moments

• Patty’s solo dogfight: Hrithik’s character taking on enemy jets alone is a visual and emotional high point.

• Minni’s rescue mission: Deepika’s chopper sequence is both tense and empowering.

• Rocky’s sacrifice: Anil Kapoor’s character faces a moral dilemma that adds gravitas to the climax.

• The final showdown: The climactic aerial battle, with Patty ramming his jet into the enemy’s, is both audacious and cathartic.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critics and audiences have largely embraced Fighter as a cinematic spectacle. Hrithik Roshan’s performance is widely praised for its intensity and charm, while Deepika Padukone is lauded for her physicality and emotional depth. Anil Kapoor’s gravitas and the supporting cast’s camaraderie are also highlighted.

The film’s technical achievements, especially the aerial sequences-are seen as a game-changer for Indian cinema. Some critics note the predictable plot and reliance on clichés, but most agree that the film’s energy, heart, and visual flair make it a must-watch.

Conclusion: A Soaring Success

Fighter is a landmark in Indian action cinema film that combines Hollywood-level spectacle with homegrown heart. It’s a tribute to the Indian Air Force, a showcase for its stars, and a rousing crowd-pleaser that delivers on its promise of adrenaline and emotion.

While it may not reinvent the genre, it elevates it, setting a new standard for what’s possible in Bollywood action. For fans of Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and big-screen spectacle, Fighter is a flight worth taking.

Final Rating: 4/5

Fighter soars on the strength of its cast, its technical brilliance, and its unapologetic patriotism. Strap in, hold tight, and enjoy the ride-this is Indian cinema at full throttle.