Amidst a whirlwind of reactions following the release of the much-anticipated trailer for “Fighter,” director Siddharth Anand steps forward to address the controversy surrounding certain dialogues perceived as overtly nationalistic. The upcoming Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer, “Fighter,” has seized the attention of audiences with its recent promotional materials, sparking particular criticism from Pakistani artists.
The film, which also features veteran actor Anil Kapoor, revolves around a team of Indian Air Force (IAF) officers banding together for a critical mission. The storyline seemingly shares references with real-life events including the 26/11 terrorist attacks, the 2019 Pulwama attack, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, adding to the authenticity and gravitas of the plot.
However, since its unveiling, the trailer’s overtly patriotic phrases have not only caught the eye of the Indian public but have also resonated across the border, eliciting disapproval from Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir and Adnan Siddiqui. A pivotal scene where Roshan’s character confronts a Pakistani terrorist, proclaiming that retaliation from India would transform every corner of Pakistan into “India Occupied Pakistan,” has been the epicenter of critique and accusations of the film bearing an ‘anti-Pak’ sentiment.
Facing the media on Tuesday, Siddharth Anand was prompted to respond to the accusations from Pakistani artists, arguing that interpretations of the trailer were missing the broader context. Anand communicated his desire for the audience to withhold their judgments until viewing the complete film, suggesting that the trailer’s purpose was not to unveil the entire narrative but to stimulate curiosity and draw the audience to the theatres.
To further clarify, Siddharth stressed that “Fighter” aims to project the message that the primary conflict is with terrorism itself, rather than with a specific nation. The film’s intention—according to Siddharth—is to delineate this distinction throughout its duration, emphasizing a battle against terror as opposed to any form of hostility toward a particular country.
A subsequent question from the media concerned the marketing strategy of using provocative content in trailers. Mid-day pressed Anand on how he reconciled using provocative phrases while maintaining the film’s anti-terrorist stance, rather than being anti-country. In response, the director positioned “Fighter” as embodying more of a nationalistic spirit, actively avoiding any association with jingoism. He reaffirmed his intent for the full film to be viewed before making any definitive judgments, with the aim to prevent unwarranted controversy.
Asserting his view of the trailer’s lines as nationalistic when put within the film’s context, the director hopes the film will be appreciated for its patriotism and the values it aims to represent. Anand underscored that the real narrative and message of the film would unravel in the theater, satisfying the curiosity and concerns of audiences, both domestic and international.
“Fighter”‘s approach to advertising and storytelling demonstrates a balancing act between rousing national pride and responding to global sensitivities. With its release imminent, viewers and critics alike will soon see whether “Fighter” manages to deliver its intended message without fueling further discord, as it takes flight in cinemas.
