Akshay Oberoi in Fighter
When a movie strives for verisimilitude, especially one that showcases the life of military personnel, it becomes essential for actors to immerse themselves in the lives they are set to portray on screen. This journey became a reality for the cast of “Fighter,” Siddharth Anand’s latest Bollywood venture, an air force drama where the stakes soar as high as the aircrafts depicted in its narrative.
The film, featuring stalwarts such as Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, adds another layer of authenticity by bringing onboard Akshay Oberoi to play a squadron leader. Central to the movie’s narrative are the lives of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, and Anand insisted on filming sequences at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam to blend the storyline seamlessly with its real-world counterpart.
The preparation did not stop at location scouting. In fact, the production invested in setting up a unique camp at the air force base towards the end of 2022. This camp hosted the actors and offered them the invaluable experience of learning from the IAF’s seasoned pilots. Akshay Oberoi’s recent stint at the box office, where he plays the meticulous squadron leader Basheer Khan, known affectionately as Bash, attests to the effectiveness of this hands-on experience.
Although the camp wasn’t designed as a rigorous military training ground, it provided Akshay and his colleagues with a platform to explore the multifaceted nature of being a pilot. From the way they communicate to the smallest details of their uniform, every learning moment was an eye-opener. “I was curious and strove to be well-prepared for my character,” Akshay asserts. The privilege of engaging with some of India’s most commendable pilots wasn’t lost on him. In a conscientious endeavor, he absorbed every lesson, from protocols to the personal anecdotes that pilots shared. It was more than the physical representation of a character; it was about understanding the emotional and psychological backdrop of the brave individuals who occupy such critical roles in national security.
The sessions enlightened the actors about the rigor and discipline that define the life of an IAF squadron leader. The way a pilot walks, talks, and upholds honor through body language captures the essence of what it means to serve in the air force. Most importantly, the actors were able to perceive the immense pride associated with the badges adorning a pilot’s uniform – each item narrating a story of achievement and responsibility.
The movie “Fighter,” which had its theatrical release recently, has already begun to make waves, promising audiences a view into the high-octane world of aerial combat and the human stories that pulsate within. Through Akshay Oberoi’s eyes, viewers are expected to gain a realistic insight into the life of an air warrior, and thanks to the groundwork laid down by the director and the production team, the film’s portrayal is expected to resonate with authenticity.
Anand’s vision to render a stirring tale of India’s air force guardians is an impressive step in the world of cinematic storytelling. The union of hands-on learning with creative enactment in “Fighter” sets a new benchmark for films striving to depict the armed forces with honesty and respect. Oberoi’s character, Basheer Khan, is a testament to this, as he steps onto the screen colored with the real-life insights of those who defend the skies. The exceptional opportunity to glean wisdom from the IAF’s brave hearts has been a transformative journey for the actor, and as the film takes off, this endeavor is all set to captivate the nation’s audience, honoring the spirit of India’s unsung aerial heroes.
