Bollywood’s Republic Day release this year, Sky Force, follows the patriotic trend set by Fighter in 2024. While the latter focused on brave Indian fighter pilots battling Pakistan, Sky Force tells the tale of an incredible real-life operation from the 1965 Indo-Pak conflict. The movie showcases the Indian squadron’s daring mission to destroy American jets stationed at Pakistan’s Sargodha base, known as Sky Force.
The plot revolves around a pilot, T Vijaya (played by Veer Pahariya), who defies his superior’s orders during the operation and flies an unfit plane to save his fellow pilots. While this is a gripping and inspiring narrative, the film fails to do justice to Vijaya’s bravery, as the spotlight remains on Akshay Kumar’s character, Wing Commander KO Ahuja, overshadowing the real hero’s role.
Sky Force shifts between two timelines—1971, where a Pakistani pilot’s interrogation gives clues to a missing pilot, and 1965, depicting the war strategy and aerial dogfights. However, the focus on Ahuja’s relentless search for his missing teammate detracts from the core story. The film does avoid overt jingoism, opting for more subtle patriotism, and presents a nuanced portrayal of the Pakistani pilot, played by Sharad Kelkar.
Despite strong performances, especially from Pahariya, the movie lacks the emotional depth needed to truly honor the unsung heroism of the Indian squadron. Akshay Kumar’s presence as the lead feels mismatched, given his character’s secondary role in the story. The film’s score complements the aerial combat scenes, but the overall experience falls short of its potential.
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