The much-anticipated war drama Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar, is now in theatres, narrating a fictionalised account of two heroes from the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, the film balances its dramatic storytelling with elements of patriotism and heroism but falls short of becoming the gripping war saga it aims to be.
Plot Overview
Sky Force traces the story of Squadron 1, India’s oldest fighter squadron, during its retaliatory strike on Pakistan’s airbase in Sargodha. The film revolves around the mentor-protege relationship between Wing Commander Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) and Flying Officer T. Krishna Vijaya (Veer Pahariya).
The movie transitions between the historic 1965 airstrike, independent India’s first offensive mission on enemy territory, and a post-war investigative drama. The narrative focuses on the emotional cost of war, the human spirit, and the bravery of IAF officers during a time of military inferiority.
Sky Force: The Positives
- Second-Half Momentum:
The film gains traction in its latter half, as the story shifts from loud aerial dogfights to the emotional journey of finding a missing pilot. This segment introduces much-needed emotional depth. - Patriotic Undertones with Humanity:
The movie offers rare glimpses of honour among enemies, especially during a poignant scene invoking the Geneva Conventions, where a Pakistani pilot shot down in 1971 is treated with dignity. - Historical Significance:
Sky Force highlights the heroics of Indian fighter pilots using subsonic planes to counter Pakistan’s supersonic aircraft. The courage and resourcefulness of Squadron 1 resonate strongly with the film’s theme.
The Drawbacks of Sky Force
- Weak First Half:
The first hour of Sky Force is bogged down by excessive CGI air combat sequences and a blaring background score that often drowns out dialogues. It fails to establish a strong narrative focus. - Lack of Emotional Depth:
While the script touches upon personal relationships, including the struggles of the pilots’ families, it fails to delve deeper into their stories. Female characters are relegated to the sidelines, leaving emotional arcs underdeveloped. - Inconsistent Storytelling:
The movie’s attempt to combine a war drama with an investigative thriller feels disjointed. The pacing falters, with the climax arriving too late to make the desired impact.
Performance Analysis
- Akshay Kumar shines in his role as the stoic mentor and squadron leader, carrying the film with his charisma.
- Veer Pahariya, making his debut, delivers a promising performance as the passionate and maverick fighter pilot.
- Nimrat Kaur and Sara Ali Khan, despite limited screen time, add some emotional weight to the narrative.
Key Highlights from Sky Force
- Historic Airstrike on Sargodha:
The depiction of India’s retaliatory mission is one of the film’s strongest points, showcasing the grit of the IAF pilots. - Focus on Honour and Humanity:
Unlike many war films that glorify violence, Sky Force emphasises the dignity of soldiers, transcending enmity even amidst conflict. - Compact Runtime:
At 125 minutes, the film avoids overstaying its welcome, making it a relatively tight and focused watch.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Sky Force?
Sky Force is a mixed bag. It offers a few moments of brilliance, particularly in its second half, but falters in building a cohesive and compelling narrative. The loud, CGI-heavy first hour detracts from the emotional and historical significance of the story.
If you’re a fan of Akshay Kumar or war dramas that highlight untold stories from Indian military history, Sky Force might be worth a watch. However, temper your expectations, as the film doesn’t quite soar as high as it promises.
