The much-anticipated trailer of Fighter, featuring Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, was released on January 15, 2023. It has since sparked widespread excitement and discussion on social media. Scheduled for a theatrical release on January 25, 2024, the movie has been hailed for its patriotic theme. It will also coincide with India’s Republic Day celebrations.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter is a significant venture under the banner of Yash Raj Movies (YRF). It also marks the first on-screen collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone.
Set against the backdrop of the Indian Air Force, Fighter follows a squadron tasked with executing quick-response and challenging missions. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Sheikh, among others.
Fighter trailer shows reference to Pulwama Attack
A noteworthy aspect of Fighter is its incorporation of real-life events, particularly the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attacks. The trailer references India’s airstrikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). It showed targeting terror launchpads in Balakot as a response to the terror attack in Pulwama. The Pulwama attack martyred at least 40 Indian Army personnel. Additionally, the trailer portrays Pakistan’s subsequent counterstrike with their American-made F-16 jets and India’s robust response.
The film’s narrative, while fictional, is grounded in these real historical events, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance. In Fighter, Hrithik Roshan portrays Squadron Pilot Shamsher Pathania, call sign Patty. His character seems to mirror the experiences of real-life heroes in the Indian Air Force.
The real incident referenced in the film, the 2019 Balakot airstrike, was a significant military operation by India against a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. This led to a tense aerial confrontation, culminating in the capture and subsequent release of IAF pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan.
Fighter promises to be a cinematic blend of fiction and reality, using real events to frame its narrative while crafting its own original story. This approach not only pays homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces but also offers viewers a blend of entertainment and a reflection on recent history.
