Mumbai: Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Fighter, which was released on January 25, 2024, have taken the box office by storm. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, is an aerial action thriller that showcases the bravery and valor of the Indian Air Force. The film has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised the performances, the visuals, the music, and the patriotic spirit of the film.
Fighter stars Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania, a fearless and skilled pilot who leads a team of elite aviators called Air Dragons. Deepika Padukone plays Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore, a smart and courageous officer who is Patty’s love interest and partner in crime. Anil Kapoor plays Group Captain Rakesh Jai “Rocky” Singh, a veteran and mentor who guides the Air Dragons in their missions. The film also features Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Talat Aziz, and Ashutosh Rana in supporting roles.
The film is inspired by real-life events and incidents that took place in the recent past, such as the 2019 Pulwama attack, the 2019 Balakot airstrike, and the 2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes. The film depicts how the IAF pilots fought against the enemies and defended the nation’s sovereignty and dignity. The film also showcases the personal and professional lives of the pilots, their camaraderie, their challenges, and their sacrifices.
The film has been praised for its spectacular action sequences, which were shot with real fighter jets and helicopters. The film also boasts stunning visuals, which were handled by DNEG, a leading visual effects company. The film’s music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, has also been well-received, especially the songs Sher Khul Gaye, Ishq Jaisa Kuch, and Heer Aasmani.
The film has been produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures and is the first film in a planned aerial action franchise. The film was initially scheduled to release in September 2022 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The film finally hit the screens on the eve of Republic Day and has been declared a blockbuster. According to trade analysts, the film is likely to earn close to Rs 30 crore in India on its opening day, making it one of the biggest openers of the year. The film is also expected to do well in overseas markets, especially in countries where Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone have a huge fan following.
