Operation Valentine

Firstly, I don't watch films purely using Hollywood features as a benchmark. Every country, culture, possess their own angles and approaches toward visual story telling. For a military/heroism type of film, this is a non-hollywood one that I find entertaining, and without sourcing for information regarding their production value, I can see it is done with the budget that is sensible to the Indian filmmakers.

There's nothing 'wrong' with the story/plot of this film, the premise is fine. Though, the dialogue/scenes can take a little more work, to make it more sophisticated - however it isn't that bad or 'cringy' like various films that I have seen - including big budgeted ones from Hollywood.

The VFX, and depiction of the aircraft are good enough to not make it look 'dodgy'. I believed the types of fighter jets, i.e. The Mirages, the MIGs, depicted are accurate with reference to India Air Force.

As a non-Indian, I am aware of the trend in Indian films (aka 'Bollywood' in my side of the world) to include pop or dance music. The featured music/songs are quite decent to me - melodiously. I wouldn't mind listening to them again, even though I don't understand the language.

The acting style of the actors is, in my opinion, culturally Indian. Just like in Japanese films which the Japanese actors' style is culturally tied to Japanese behavior and way their of life. I'm fine with it.

As a whole, this film is entertaining to me. However, if you are looking for Hollywood style/grade type of films, then don't bother watching this or any other films from other countries. This film will cater to those who want some action/military type entertainment, some interest in military hardware, perhaps over a relaxing weekend.

Based on a true story "Operation Valentine" is a decent aerial action drama based on the 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack and the Indian Air Force's retaliatory Balakot Air Strikes. What is refreshing compared to Yodha is that Operation Valentine does not show Pakistani Air Force to be dumbos. Personally, I found the visual effects and cinematography to be fairly descent, especially the aerial dog fights. First half is a bit slow, but the second half picks up and visually exceeds expectations.

There are comparisons being drawn to Fighter and hence the average lower rating but personally I found the film to be a lighter and more realistic version of Fighter and better than Agnipankh, the film is fun to watch. Not sure about the Telegu version (there are mixed reviews) but the Hindi version had decent dialogues. Deepika no doubt is much better than Ruhani who is wooden. With a 5x times more budget the VFX is much better in Fighter, however as usual as a Bollywood blockbuster Fighter concentrates a lot on song and dance and hardly has any Airforce Training Sorties or simulations. In fact all the fighter jets used in the actual mission were portrayed wrongly in Fighter. As an Defence and AF enthusiast, I loved the Air Force training aspects of Operation Valentine. Hrithik Roshan is showing his age whereas Varun Tej looks the part. The Script was average for both.

Did go to the movie without knowing the story. It started slow but the pace picked up slowly. By interval, you are in the edge of your seat. The direction, acting, music and VFX were just in enough dose. Congrats to the entire team for making this movie. Though the star cast is not well known, they have pulled it off nicely. Definitely a good watch for the weekend. I didn't expect the VFX. To be so good. It really elevated the aerial fight scenes. Almost to the Hollywood standards. Screenplay had played a very good part to keep the flow. No unnecessary songs that kept the movie going. Finally, the photography did great justice to the gorgeous locations in kashmir.

Operation Valentine tries to deliver a high-energy patriotic film but somewhere loses grip on reality. The movie clearly wants to reflect India's real-life surgical strikes and the heroism of our Air Force, but the execution feels quite filmy and far from how things actually happen.

The lead actor gives a strong performance, and Manushi Chhillar is graceful and composed in her role. The emotional weight is there, especially in the parts inspired by Wing Commander Abhinandan, which are done with heart.

However, the screenplay follows a familiar pattern we've seen in many recent war dramas. Once again, we see an Indian officer not following commands but somehow being the bravest - this cliché is getting repetitive and takes away from the realism. At times, the story drags, especially in the buildup portions, making it feel slow and stretched.

That said, the film does carry a patriotic touch and makes a decent one-time watch. Just don't expect anything new or highly realistic.

Aerial action movies are being explored by filmmakers recently, and it's not easy to execute them as they require high budgets and extensive research.

This movie depicts an aerial attack that India has never faced before, and our decorated officers must give their all to save the nation from catastrophe.

We have seen many stories in this vein, mostly centered on the Indian army. As a result, the story lacks uniqueness. Even the use of real-time incidents or sequences is not well established, making everything seem too fictional. There are multiple sequences that are absurd and funny, as even a common person can tell that the IAF doesn't operate the way it is portrayed.

Varun Tej, as the central lead, has the persona to carry such roles, but his limited expressions dampen the whole viewing experience. The same goes for the leading lady, Manushi Chillar, who looks beautiful but needs to work on her acting chops. Their chemistry also does not work in their favor.

The graphics are amateurish, and you can tell that people have acted in front of a green screen, though a few scenes in the sky are brilliant and well-captured. Movies like this should evoke a patriotic feeling, but this one does not, as you know you are watching a fictional tale. In one scene, a missile lands in a terrorist camp with the text 'Happy Valentine's Day' on it. This shows how much the filmmakers got carried away.

Cinematic liberties are fine, but they should elevate the experience, not make you laugh at its absurdity. The dialogues are good, though, and pack a punch. Credit can be given for trying something new, but it turned out to be a below-average affair.

#pranureviews #OperationValentine #OperationValentineReview.