Fighter is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language action drama directed by Siddharth Anand. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in lead roles, with Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in supporting roles. Produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, Fighter is India’s first aerial action film and the inaugural installment of a planned franchise.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of escalating militant activities along the Line of Control, the Indian Air Force forms a special unit named “Air Dragons,” comprising the best combat aviators. Led by Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh (Anil Kapoor), the team includes Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania (Hrithik Roshan) and Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore (Deepika Padukone). The film follows their mission to thwart terrorist threats, highlighting themes of patriotism, camaraderie, and personal redemption.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Siddharth Anand
• Story: Ramon Chibb, Siddharth Anand
• Screenplay: Ramon Chibb
• Dialogues: Hussain Dalal, Abbas Dalal, Biswapati Sarkar
• Producers: Siddharth Anand, Mamta Anand, Ajit Andhare, Anku Pande, Ramon Chibb, Kevin Vaz
• Cinematography: Satchith Paulose
• Editing: Aarif Sheikh
• Music: Score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara; Songs by Vishal–Shekhar​

Main Cast:

• Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania
• Deepika Padukone as Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore
• Anil Kapoor as Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh
• Karan Singh Grover as Squadron Leader Sartaj “Taj” Gill
• Akshay Oberoi as Squadron Leader Basheer “Bash” Khan
• Sanjeeda Sheikh as Sukhdeep “Sukhi” Singh​

Production and Release

Announced on January 10, 2021, Fighter marks the third collaboration between Siddharth Anand and Hrithik Roshan after Bang Bang! (2014) and War (2019). Filming began in November 2022 across various locations, including Assam, Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, and Mumbai. The film incorporates real-life Indian Air Force personnel to enhance authenticity. Fighter was released theatrically on January 25, 2024, coinciding with India’s Republic Day.

Box Office Performance

Fighter grossed over $43 million worldwide within 30 days of its release, surpassing its estimated budget of $30 million. The film topped global box office charts during its opening weekend, earning $25.1 million.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. While critics praised the aerial action sequences and performances, some noted the script’s predictability. It holds a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics but boasts an 88% audience score, indicating strong viewer appreciation.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack, composed by Vishal–Shekhar, features six songs, including “Sher Khul Gaye,” “Ishq Jaisa Kuch,” and “Heer Aasmani.” The music blends patriotic themes with contemporary beats, complementing the film’s narrative.

Streaming Availability

Fighter premiered on Netflix on March 21, 2024, allowing a broader audience to experience India’s first aerial action film.

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