In the latest Bollywood blockbuster “Fighter,” a military drama heavily inspired by “Top Gun: Maverick,” politics takes centre stage while adhering closely to the formulaic beats of Hindi cinema. Released in conjunction with India’s Republic Day, the film draws explicit parallels to real-life events, including the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot air strike, tapping into the surge of nationalist sentiments in Modi-era India.
The movie, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as exemplary Indian Air Force pilots, unfolds with familiar Bollywood melodrama and story tropes. The narrative focuses on the camaraderie and romance among the protagonists and their comrades, culminating in an intense standoff in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir and a teasing threat of potential conflict in “Indian Occupied Pakistan.”
Despite adhering to conventional storytelling, “Fighter” became a hit over the weekend, even though it faced a ban on theatrical release in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
The film attempts to navigate the complexities of nationalism by not vilifying the Pakistani people but instead placing the blame on a group of India-hating terrorists led by Azhar Akthar (Rishabh Sawhney) and the Pakistani Air Force for allegedly allowing the terrorists to cross the Line of Control.
Interestingly, the filmmakers chose the Pulwama attack as the basis for their fictionalized catalyst, a tragic incident that left 40 Indian soldiers dead. In real life, questions were raised about the Indian government’s handling of intelligence reports related to the attack, but “Fighter” avoids any criticism, mirroring the tone of a classic “Top Gun” sequel.
The Indian Air Force drama unfolds predictably, with romantic musical numbers and a hierarchical chain of command reminiscent of “Top Gun.” The movie focuses on the dynamic between rebel pilot Shamsher “Patty” Pathania (Hrithik Roshan) and the disapproving Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh (Anil Kapoor). Despite the formulaic approach, Roshan’s charisma shines, particularly in moments of levity and in delivering a performance grounded in the material’s pop-corn-cheesy nature.
While Deepika Padukone hits her marks, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on her potential, leaving Roshan to take center stage. The aerial sequences, though not especially realistic, deliver thrilling moments, showcasing Roshan’s performance and the movie’s visual spectacle.
Director Siddharth Anand, who found success with “Pathaan” alongside Shah Rukh Khan, seems to have found a better collaborator in Roshan. Unlike Khan, Roshan captivates audiences, adding depth to the film’s musical numbers and aerial sequences with just his hazel green eyes.
In essence, “Fighter” adheres closely to the well-trodden path of Bollywood military dramas, delivering on the expected fronts. While not straying far from its predecessors, the film manages to fulfill its promises, offering a mix of thrilling aerial chases and a storyline that reinforces the protagonist’s unwavering belief in India’s ability to overcome its enemies.
