Sky Force sets out to honor the courage of Indian Air Force (IAF) heroes during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, blending history with fictional drama. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, the film has moments of brilliance but struggles with inconsistent storytelling, leaving the audience with a mixed experience. While the second half delivers emotional depth and a gripping narrative, the first half stumbles under the weight of chaotic visuals, loud sound effects, and underdeveloped character arcs.
A Turbulent Takeoff
The film begins with a bang literally. High-octane aerial combat scenes dominate the first half, but their impact is undermined by subpar CGI and an overbearing background score that often drowns out dialogue. The relentless noise makes it hard to connect with the characters or grasp the stakes. The story introduces IAF officer Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar), a fearless leader of “The Tigers,” India’s oldest fighter squadron. He mentors an enthusiastic but impulsive rookie pilot, T. Krishna Vijaya (Veer Pahariya). Their relationship, which could have added emotional depth, is skimmed over in favor of repetitive action sequences. The first half also fails to establish a strong emotional connection with the audience, focusing more on style than substance.
Second Half Takes Off
The film finally gains momentum in the second half, shifting its focus to the personal and emotional cost of war. After Vijaya goes missing during a daring mission to strike Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase, Ahuja transforms from a fighter pilot into an investigator, determined to uncover the truth. This narrative shift adds intrigue and emotional weight, giving the audience a reason to stay invested.
The mission itself highlights the immense bravery of the IAF, as the squadron attempts to neutralize Pakistan’s fleet of advanced American-made fighter jets with India’s outdated subsonic planes. These moments showcase the indomitable spirit of the pilots, even if the execution occasionally falters. The film also touches on the personal lives of its protagonists. Haunted by the loss of his brother in combat, Ahuja is a man of steel but not without his vulnerabilities. Vijaya’s pregnant wife brings a humanizing element to the story, though the women remain largely peripheral.
Overall
At 125 minutes, Sky Force is brisk compared to other war dramas, but its pacing issues and uneven storytelling dilute its impact. The climax, however, delivers a heartfelt punch as it explores themes of sacrifice, honor, and humanity even among enemies. Akshay Kumar anchors the film with a strong performance, but the supporting cast and underdeveloped characters fail to rise to the occasion. Sky Force is worth a watch for fans of war dramas or Akshay Kumar, but its lack of emotional depth and excessive reliance on spectacle keep it from reaching the heights it aims for. Rating: (3/5).
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