Directed by the talented Siddharth Anand, "Fighter" takes flight with a star-studded ensemble featuring Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Patty (Shamsher), Deepika Padukone as Minal, Anil Kapoor as Rakesh Jai "Rocky" Singh, and supported by Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover. The film's 166-minute runtime unfolds against the backdrop of the events leading up to and following the 2019 Balakot airstrike by the Indian Air Force.

Summary: In the snow-covered landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, "Fighter" emerges as a visual spectacle, led by Hrithik Roshan's charismatic portrayal of Patty. The narrative centers around an elite quick-response team stationed in Srinagar, under the command of the stern Rocky Singh. Instant clashes between Patty and Rocky during training exercises add a touch of familiarity to fans of the Top Gun franchise. The story takes a dramatic turn when terrorists strike, echoing the 2019 Pulwama attack, leading the team on a mission to obliterate a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot. The film's triumphalist tone mirrors real-world skirmishes between India and Pakistan.

Positive Aspects: Under Siddharth Anand's direction, "Fighter" stands out for its impressive visual fidelity, seamlessly blending real-world aircraft with top-tier visual effects. The night-time spectacle of the Balakot strike is visually breathtaking. Hrithik Roshan, despite the film's singular triumphalism, injects life into every frame with a charismatic performance. Technical aspects, including cinematography and visual effects, receive well-deserved praise for their seamless integration and attention to detail.

Areas for Improvement: Despite its glossy exterior, "Fighter" faces a hurdle in the form of dialogue written by Abbas and Hussain Dalal. The script often veers into the realm of grim and gratuitous Hindi war films, lacking the subtlety seen in Anand's previous works like "War" and "Pathaan." Oversimplified dialogues reduce complex geopolitical issues to revenge narratives, deviating from the film's potential depth. Deepika Padukone's portrayal feels awkward and out of sync, contributing to an emotional disconnection. The exaggerated depiction of villains further weakens the overall narrative.

Final Verdict: "Fighter" takes audiences on a captivating visual journey, showcasing Siddharth Anand's mastery in crafting high-energy action sequences. However, the film's Achilles' heel lies in its simplistic and jingoistic dialogue, preventing it from reaching its full potential. While Hrithik Roshan's performance stands out, the film falters in overall emotional maturity. "Fighter" presents a mixed experience, celebrating technical brilliance but leaving viewers yearning for more depth. In the end, it feels like a cinematic endeavor that, despite its need for speed, falls short of soaring to the greater heights one might anticipate.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars