'Fighter' Review: Hrithik, Deepika's Film Makes A Smooth Landing

38 years since we were introduced to the daredevil Naval Pilot Lt Mitchell, aka Maverick ( Tom Cruise) from the 'Top Gun' franchise. His daredevilry and recklessness were what cinematic heroes were made of. He was a man haunted by demons of his past, but there was no one like him when it came to ruling the skies.

Tom Cruise's Maverick character remains the eternal poster boy of cool.

We now get his desi version in Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty ( Hrithik Roshan). A swashbuckling officer who can risk his life for his country, he clashes with his superior Group Captain Rakesh Jaisingh (Anil Kapoor), in this case. When it comes to commanding planes, no one comes close to Patty, but he does not adhere strictly to protocol. Tormented by his past, he seeks that one chance to redeem himself.

A year after his blockbuster 'Pathaan', Siddharth Anand gets us his Maverick-inspired 'Fighter'. The film is set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama attack when a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian Security Forces was bombed by the terrorists.

Air Dragons. a special team of distinguished pilots of the Indian Air Force, assigned to protect the Indian skies and trained for a special air strike mission. The mission led by Rocky comprises of Patty, Sq Leader Minal Rathore (Deepika Padukone) aka Mimi, the only woman in the corp along with Taj (Karan Singh Grover) and Bash (Akshay Oberoi).

So we get a montage of 'Top Gun '-like moments, dog-fighting sequences, and team bonding with Patty being the centre of attention amongst women. Though Mimi is intrigued by him, and also flirts with him, Patty is a man nursing a long-held trauma of losing his fiancee to the skies.

With the nation's security and safety at stake post the bombing, Patty defies protocol and plunges headlong into enemy territory. He is reprimanded and transferred to another base. Very similar to 'Maverick' who is grounded after his so-called insolence towards authorities. Until danger strikes again and this is the opportunity for Patty to redeem himself.

'Fighter' is a well-made film, and despite being similar to 'Top Gun', the storyline of passionate patriotism with a touch of jingoism which is a huge draw amongst filmmakers, touches a chord with its mass appeal.

A tribute to the Indian Air Force, 'Fighter' celebrates the Indian Armed Forces and their selfless service.

A technically well-made film, and effortlessly carried by its stellar cast, box office heavyweights Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan.

Hrithik Roshan is in full command as Patty, proving once again his onscreen charisma and playing his character with utmost conviction. His dashing good looks accentuated by the uniform, and bomber jackets further add to his appeal.

As women take to combat in the services Deepika Padukone's Minal is a woman who has defied patriarchal mindsets, in this case not in the service but in her family. Her athletic frame and subtlety make her the perfect officer. Though there was a lot of hype regarding the lead pairs' chemistry, it was more like buddy romance, than anything, and thank god for that.

'Fighter' makes a smooth landing running high on nationalism and adrenaline giving you 'paisa vasool' popcorn fare. It's a big screen watch, and keeping its pace intact.