Zafar Iqbal
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has returned to the silver screen with his latest release, Sky Force. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, the film is based on India’s historic airstrike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war. While the movie has generated excitement for its patriotic theme and aerial sequences, it has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.
A Patriotic Tale of Courage
Sky Force revisits India’s daring attack on the Sargodha airbase, a pivotal moment in the Indo-Pakistani conflict. The film highlights the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots, particularly focusing on Wing Commander KO Ahuja (played by Akshay Kumar) and debutant Veer Pahariya’s character, T Vijaya. While the storyline holds immense historical significance, some viewers believe the execution doesn’t fully do justice to the gripping real-life incident.
Akshay Kumar’s Performance Stands Out
Akshay Kumar, known for his commanding screen presence, has been lauded for his portrayal of Wing Commander Ahuja. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) praised his performance, with some even calling for a National Award. One user tweeted, “Packed with action and emotion, Sky Force is a rollercoaster ride. Akshay Kumar truly deserves another National Award!”
Despite this acclaim, others pointed out that Kumar’s character often overshadowed Veer Pahariya’s role, which could have provided a more balanced narrative.
Veer Pahariya’s Debut: A Promising Start
Veer Pahariya, making his debut with Sky Force, delivers a noteworthy performance as T Vijaya, a brave pilot who defies orders to save his squadron. While some reviewers appreciated his contribution, others felt that his character played second fiddle to Akshay Kumar’s role.
Audience Reaction: Mixed Opinions
Positive Feedback
Several cinephiles appreciated the film’s patriotic essence and aerial action sequences. One viewer shared, “A no-nonsense patriotic movie, far better than Fighter. A must-watch for Akshay Kumar fans!”
The visuals, especially the dogfight sequences, were highlighted as a major strength. Another user commented, “Those aerial action sequences were definitely paisa vasool. This is what happens when the budget focuses on content rather than a superstar.”
Criticism
However, not all reviews were glowing. Some moviegoers found the plot underwhelming and the CGI subpar. A disappointed viewer wrote, “Sky Force had potential but fails miserably with a weak plot, flat characters, and uninspiring performances.”Others compared the film unfavorably to Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Fighter. “Fighter may have been a copy of Top Gun: Maverick, but Sky Force couldn’t match its emotional depth,” noted a critic.
Female Characters: Limited Scope
While the film focuses on the valor of its male leads, the female characters, played by Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur, remain confined to supporting roles as wives. A few viewers expressed disappointment at their limited contributions to the storyline.
Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag
The film’s direction, cinematography, and background score received mixed feedback. While some applauded the engaging aerial sequences, others felt the CGI fell short of expectations.
The narrative’s pacing also drew criticism, with large portions of the second half devoted to Akshay Kumar’s character searching for a missing teammate.
About Sky Force
| Specification | Details |
| Title | Sky Force |
| Director(s) | Abhishek Anil Kapur, Sandeep Kewlani |
| Producers | Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, Jyoti Deshpande |
| Production Companies | Maddock Films, Jio Studios |
| Lead Cast | Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur |
| Genre | Action-Drama |
| Setting | Indo-Pakistani Air War, 1965 |
| Notable Themes | Patriotism, Bravery, Aerial Combat |
| Release Date | January 2025 |
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Sky Force?
Sky Force offers a mix of patriotic fervor and cinematic spectacle. While Akshay Kumar’s performance and the aerial action scenes are highlights, the film’s weak storyline and underdeveloped characters detract from its potential.
For fans of patriotic dramas, Sky Force is worth a watch for its historic backdrop and powerful moments. However, those seeking a tightly woven narrative may find it lacking.
Conclusion
Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force has sparked a conversation around patriotism and cinematic execution. Whether it becomes a lasting favorite or fades away as a missed opportunity remains to be seen. For now, it’s an ambitious attempt that shines in parts but struggles to soar as high as its theme demands.
