As audiences eagerly gear up for the release of ‘Fighter’, the latest offering from director Siddharth Anand starring Bollywood heavyweights Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has laid out a series of mandates for the film preceding its U/A certification.
The action-packed drama, which portrays Roshan and Padukone as Indian Air Force (IAF) officers on a high-stakes quest to shield the nation from peril, has been asked by the CBFC to incorporate four notable modifications. These alterations, as reported, include the inclusion of an anti-smoking static message in Hindi, the muting or replacement of an offensive word in two separate dialogues, the excision of ‘sexually suggested visuals’ lasting 8 seconds (substituted presumably by ‘suitable shots’), and the redaction of around 25 seconds of audio in a television news scene, supplanted by 23 seconds of revised audio content.
Upon the fulfillment of these stipulations, ‘Fighter’ received the green light from the CBFC on January 19, attaining a U/A certification that signifies parental guidance for viewers under 12 years.
Set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring real-world locales manned by actual IAF staff operating combat jets and helicopters, ‘Fighter’ promises an authentic and thrilling depiction of airborne operational scenarios. Exotic filming locations have included the Air Force Station in Tezpur, the Air Force Academy in Dundigul, Andhra Pradesh, and the Air Force Station in Pune, adding to the film’s overall dynamism and resonating with the real-life valor of the military.
On January 15, the internet buzzed with the release of the ‘Fighter’ trailer. Packed to the brim with electrifying action, the compelling lead chemistry, and the surge of energizing background scores, the promotional clip has set the stage for an explosive cinematic start to 2024, coinciding serendipitously with the 75th Republic Day celebrations in India. The ‘Fighter’ trailer transported the audience alongside the Indian Air Force’s elite Air Dragons on an epic journey to defend the country against looming threats, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice that underpin the ethos of the IAF.
The film’s ensemble cast showcases Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, affectionately monikered as Patty, and Deepika Padukone as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore or Minni. They are joined by veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who steps into the shoes of Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, aka Rocky. A robust supporting cast, including Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover, adds further depth to the film’s narrative.
As Siddharth Anand’s previous venture ‘Pathaan’ scorched box office records, expectations are soaring for ‘Fighter’ to emulate, if not exceed, the success of its predecessor. With tickets bookings already underway, the synergy between Roshan and Padukone, coupled with the director’s panache for delivering gripping action, presages yet another blockbuster that is likely to resonate with audiences across generations.
One can anticipate that as ‘Fighter’ ascends to theater screens around the globe, it will stir the imaginations and jingoistic sentiments of moviegoers, underscoring the valor and sacrifices of combat service members in a dramatic, exhilarating, and patriotically charged cinematic experience.
