Fighter Review: An Action Extravaganza Packed With Star Power

Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, is generating a positive buzz with its Republic Day weekend release. Directed by Siddharth Anand, who has previously helmed Pathaan and War, the film also stars Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, among others.

While it shares the same cinematic territory as the Tom Cruise blockbuster Top Gun, Fighter justifies its existence by flawlessly executing various genre elements, including drama, action, romance, and a buddy ensemble.

Ramon Chibb & Siddharth Anand’s story is so predictable that you would be able to foresee what’s going to happen in Fighter 2 as well. In my Fighter Trailer Impact article, I mentioned that this will follow the routine Siddharth Anand formula – The film should feel slick from every angle; the leads should look like they’re ready to win every fashion competition; there should be a beach song oomph up the sensual meter to the max, and the conflict between people who are patriots & people who are from Pakistan. I must say, Siddharth hasn’t disappointed with that, at least.

Satchith Paulose, is back with his grandiose style of presenting this, and here he had to play with the aerial action sequences. Because the elevation points are minimal & most of the outside-the-flight action scenes are loaded with heavy VFX, he doesn’t really get much scope to play with cinematography as much as he wanted to. Some of these sequences are really well shot, and some scream green screen.

Hrithik Roshan hasn’t been used up to his potential, and the fuzzy character sketch makes it difficult for him to rise as a hero. Forget the chemistry he shares with other team members; even his bond with Deepika Padukone isn’t strong enough to feel at least for that if nothing. He could’ve sleepwalked through this role; oh wait! He has sleepwalked through this role.

It’s crystal clear now why Deepika Padukone maintained a safe distance from the film, apart from showing up just for the last few days to promote it. Siddharth has criminally under-utilized her, and you can’t do that to such a solid performer.

Anil Kapoor does what Anil Kapoor will if you ask him to perform such a simple character without any range. Karan Singh Grover & Akshay Oberoi, as the supporting characters, are present only to make Hrithik Roshan‘s character look good.