As I have iterated multiple times before, I rarely venture into a multiplex to see a move due to previous harrowing experiences. Especially so because the price of cola-popcorn sold there rivals that of real-estate in Bangalore. That, and multiplexes allowing children into the theatre even though the CBFC rating of a film disallows them from doing so. I have raised these issues with relevant authorities and have been met with as much response from them as from a stone wall.
Regardless, I made an exception because it was a film starring our National Treasure, Hrithik Roshan. Add his proven combo with Director, Siddharth Anand and music by Vishal-Shekhar - the same one that gave us the peerless title track of Bang Bang, and you will appreciate my reckless foray into a multiplex again. As if these were not enough, Hrithik is being paired with Deepika Padukone for the first time, and the format is IMAX 3D - a first for me.
Without giving away any spoilers, I will just say that Fighter is a thrill ride throughout. It packs in a lot: aerial action, hand-to-hand combat, camaraderie, romance, feminism, patriotism, terrorism, and of course, songs and dances. But in the words of Shershaah, Yeh dil maange more! There should have been another dance number with Hrithik - the Ishq jaisa kuch number only appears with the end credits even as people are walking away. And, despite its beautiful locale and choreography and Hrithik-Deepika's dancing, it does not quite measure up to the Bang Bang title track, which continues to remain the gold standard for YouTube reactionaries to score views and likes with.
Some of the same reactionaries and reviewers have said that Fighter is jingoistic and patriotic. That it harks back to the old formula of black-white depiction of bad neighbours resorting to terrorism. And that the aerial actions scenes are CGI, etc.
I say, so what? All films across the world are simulations: they are fake and made up, requiring varying degrees of suspension of disbelief from the audiences for them to work. Fighter is no exception.
It is no more unbelievable than the over-the-top action shown in that drivel that I had the misfortune of seeing: Jawan; or, speaking of over-the-top, RRR or KGF - take your pick. And let's not even mention the high-on-shock-value-and-ultra-violent-but-lacking-a-decent-story Animal. Or for that matter, take any Marvel movie character and add them in any other of the franchise and it will be a good fit, because they are all the same; only the CGI varies.
And all of the above are allegedly mega-hits, watched and adored by the very same reactionaries. So why not Fighter? If Fighter is being targeted by some for not earning as much as these mega-hits, know it to be a negative campaign by those who are rankled by the pro-India, anti-terror theme of the film. As it is, it has been banned in the Middle Eastern countries, and - to call a spade a spade - viewers from these and our neighbouring country would much prefer watching a far less substantive SRK film only because he happens to be of the right religion - for them.
As far as the depiction of neighbourhood terrorism is concerned, is there anybody who can argue that it isn't well deserved? And patriotism is something that is a special feeling to us Indians, given our history that is replete with cultural and religious assault by foreign adversaries and our present situation of having to thwart constant threats from hostile neighbours and breaking-India forces. This is something that non-Indian viewers, foreign reactionaries and pseudoseculars will never understand.
I enjoyed Fighter. My enjoyment was only rivalled by a fellow Hrithik fan's who was sitting next to me and whooping and whistling and openly man-loving Hrithik whenever he appeared looking dashing in the various military uniforms and topless in the Ishq song. And yes, I bet he was watching only Hrithik in the dance sequences, ignoring all the other dancers - a mesmerizing effect Hrithik has on his fans. The guy next to me also knew when to fish out his mobile to take pics/videos - Hrithik's entry scene and the tricolour scene in the helicopter. I figured he was the prototype of Hrithik fans who will be pouring into the theatres again and again, given the film's repeat value.
I rated this 10/10 on IMDb because of the whole experience: the story and the emotions worked for me, the actions scenes were amazing, and just the fact that this is one of the better outings for Siddharth Anand.
IMAX 3D, though dearer, involves a larger screen with more resolution and enhances the experience by giving an immersive feel to action sequences.
And Fighter is a perfect film to watch in the IMAX 3D format - go for it!
Image source: https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/bollywood/fighter-movie-review-hrithik-roshan-deepika-padukone-film-is-a-gripping-aerial-action-drama-with-stellar-performances-review-107127719