By Vishnu Sharma
Director: Sandeep Kewlani, Abhishek Anil Kapoor
Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahadia, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, Varun Badola, Sharad Kelkar and others
Where to watch: in Theaters
Rating: 4
This Republic Day, book your tickets for one of the most awaited releases to hit the theaters this year – Sky Force – evoking the spirit of patriotism on this special occasion. The film tells the story of an unsung hero of the Indian Air Force, who was missing for 23 years, and when he is found, stands as a hero not only to the force, but to the entire country.
Based on a true story, the screenplay takes the audience on an epic journey, however, leaves behind a few shortcomings. In the film, Akshay Kumar plays the role of Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja, who leads the Tiger Force and is named Group Captain Ahuja. DK is also with him. Vijaya (played by AB Devaiah), his junior pilot, who is often in the news for crossing her limits in the name of patriotism. This role is played by debutant actor Veer Paharia.
About Sky Force
We saw in the Sunny Deol-starrer iconic film ‘Border’, based on the 1965 war, how towards the climax, an Indian Air Force unit led by Jackie Shroff unexpectedly arrives to help the Indian Army. It also showed how India had received secret information about Pakistani air strikes. The story progresses in a similar manner in Alia Bhatt’s Raazi too. However, in Sky Force, it is shown that Pakistani air strikes also intercepted and destroyed several aircraft, killing one pilot.
After this, Captain Ahuja’s team planned an attack on the Pakistani airbase in Sargodha, Punjab, which is said to be India’s first air attack. There, they destroyed 11 state-of-the-art American fighter aircraft, weakening Pakistan’s air strike capability. Despite Vijaya not being present in the air strike, her remarkable feat compels America’s top war experts to write and study on it. However, in the eyes of India he is seen as a careless officer who mysteriously disappears.
Debutant Veer Pahadia deserves praise for his performance
The story progresses emotionally where his wife Geeta (Sara Ali Khan) is waiting for him and Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) is searching for him. Apart from patriotism, the two strongest points of the film are its emotional depth and some great aerial combat scenes. Music and lyrics add more emotions to the story. Talking about Veer Pahadia, the newcomer has left an indelible mark. Despite being new, there is depth in his acting. Looking at his work you can tell that he is a long distance runner who has impressed right from his debut film. The most important thing is that Veer Pahadia worked with many big stars but played his role with honesty and also got a lot of praise.
Music and Screenplay
Tanishk Bagchi’s music with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir and Irshad Kamil connects the audience emotionally with the story. The screenplay also deserves praise, as it skillfully decides when and how much to reveal, when to go into flashbacks and how to maintain mystery, making it an important strategic element of the film.
Akshay, Veer and Sara deserve praise
The director plays an important role in bringing these characters together, but the acting of the star cast including Akshay, Veer and Sara is commendable. Nimrat Kaur playing the role of Akshay’s wife also does not disappoint. Sharad Kelkar, playing the Pakistani officer, is exceptional as always. The dialogues and scenes between Sara and Akshay also take the film forward. However, the most important aspect was to bring to the screen the story of the unsung hero – the first braveheart of the Air Force to be awarded the Mahavir Chakra, 23 years after his death.
why you should watch it
This Republic Day, it is a great opportunity to watch the story of an unsung hero on the big screen with his family amidst the patriotic atmosphere. Some people may compare it with Hrithik and Deepika’s ‘Fighter’ released last year, but this film stands on its own.
