When it comes to fighter pilot films, expectations are high. Fast-paced aerial action, emotional depth, and a gripping story are all prerequisites. However, Sky Force, directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, tries to hit these beats but struggles to soar. Despite its shortcomings, it takes a refreshingly atypical route for the genre, offering an intriguing perspective. Let’s dive into this movie review Sky Force and unpack what works and what doesn’t.
A Familiar Setting with a Historical Touch
Set against the backdrop of the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict, Sky Force centers on Wing Commander Ahuja (played by Akshay Kumar), call sign ‘Tiger.’ Tasked with training an elite squadron of fighter pilots, Ahuja must prepare them for an imminent war. Among the squad is T. Vijaya (Veer Pahariya), call sign ‘Tabby,’ a talented but impulsive pilot who idolizes his mentor. Their relationship is at the heart of the film, blending camaraderie, mentorship, and a touch of tragedy.
The story draws from real-life events, making it feel grounded despite the lackluster execution in other areas. While many war films lean heavily on patriotism, Sky Force attempts to balance nationalism with themes of reconciliation.
Comparisons to “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Fighter”
It’s hard to watch Sky Force without drawing parallels to “Top Gun: Maverick.” However, where “Maverick” soared with breathtaking visuals and nuanced storytelling, Sky Force falters. The film also echoes “Fighter,” another Hindi movie that leaned heavily on jingoism and political overtones. Unlike “Fighter,” which unabashedly glorified the ruling government, Sky Force feels half-hearted in its nationalist messaging.
Jingoism with a Softer Edge
As a film releasing around Republic Day, Sky Force does include the usual jabs at Pakistan. However, the tone is far less aggressive than films like “Uri: The Surgical Strike.” Ahuja’s squadron leads a successful attack on a Pakistani base, complete with the clichéd “ghar mein ghus ke maarenge” dialogue. Yet, the film’s heart lies in the unexpected portrayal of Ahmed Hussain (Sharad Kelkar), a Pakistani pilot who brings dignity and nuance to the narrative.
Ahmed Hussain: A Rare Portrayal in Indian Cinema
One of the film’s standout aspects is Ahmed Hussain, a Pakistani pilot shot down and captured during the 1971 conflict. Hussain is depicted as honorable and skilled, matching his Indian counterparts in courage and professionalism. His growing rapport with Ahuja is the highlight of the movie, offering a refreshing take on cross-border narratives. Sharad Kelkar delivers a restrained yet powerful performance, making Hussain’s character memorable.
Struggling with Action Sequences
Much of Sky Force is dedicated to aerial action. From training drills to dogfights, the film aims to thrill but falls short. The CGI feels cheap, and the overuse of dramatic mid-air maneuvers quickly becomes repetitive. Unlike Hollywood blockbusters that excel in depicting aerial combat, movie review sky force suffers from its limited budget. The sound mix further hampers the experience, making dialogue almost inaudible during critical scenes.
Weak Writing and Wooden Dialogue
With a quartet of writers—Kelwani, Carl Austin, Niren Bhatt, and Aamil Keeyan Khan—one would expect a sharp script. Unfortunately, the writing lacks depth. Lines like “Be quiet, Tabby” and “We want peace, and they want Kashmir” come off as clichéd and uninspired. The repetition of military slogans such as “no man left behind” feels excessive, diluting their emotional impact.
An Unusual Turn in the Second Half
The film’s second half takes a more introspective turn. After Vijaya disobeys orders and flies a doomed mission, Ahuja’s quest for answers leads him to Ahmed Hussain. The interrogation scenes are layered with tension and mutual respect, showcasing a human connection often missing in war films. This subversion—highlighting a Pakistani character’s intervention as a source of hope—is a bold move for Hindi cinema.
The Emotional Core
At its core, Sky Force is about loss and redemption. Ahuja’s guilt over Vijaya’s disappearance and his promise to Vijaya’s pregnant wife, Geeta (Sara Ali Khan), drive the narrative forward. While Kumar’s performance is sincere, the emotional beats feel rushed. The film fails to fully explore Ahuja’s inner turmoil, missing an opportunity to deepen the audience’s connection.
A Missed Opportunity for Better Execution
It’s clear that the filmmakers had a compelling idea. However, the execution falls short on multiple fronts—be it action sequences, character development, or dialogue. The lack of finesse in production value makes it hard to take the story seriously, even when the narrative has moments of brilliance.
Final Thoughts
Sky Force isn’t a great film, but it’s not entirely forgettable either. Its portrayal of Ahmed Hussain and the focus on reconciliation over blind nationalism set it apart from typical war dramas. That said, the film’s underwhelming action, weak script, and limited budget keep it grounded when it should have soared.
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Conclusion
If you’re a fan of war films and are willing to overlook technical flaws, movie review sky force offers a unique, albeit imperfect, experience. It’s a movie that tries to do something different within the genre but doesn’t quite stick the landing. For Akshay Kumar fans, it’s another addition to his repertoire, while Sharad Kelkar’s performance is a reason to give it a chance. Ultimately, it’s a film that’s as much about what it could have been as what it is.
