Review : Sarfira : Akshay Kumar flies high with ‘A Deccan Odyssey’!

In an era brimming with remakes and biopics, arrives #AkshayKumar’s much-anticipated ‘Sarfira,’ a stirring biopic of #CaptainGopinath, the visionary behind India’s first low-cost airline. Originally crafted in Tamil as ‘#SooraraiPottru,’ which garnered five National Awards, this story is an adaptation of G.R. Gopinath’s compelling memoir, ‘Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey.’ Now, it takes flight once more in Hindi, rechristened as ‘Sarfira.’ Akshay Kumar, whose filmography boasts a karmic connection with aviation through films like ‘Airlift,’ ‘Bell Bottom,’ ‘Khiladi 420,’ and ‘Sooryavanshi,’ once again navigates the skies. However, this time the narrative revolves entirely around a startup, chronicling his relentless struggle to make a mark in the aviation industry.

Set in the heartland of Satara, Maharashtra, the film follows Veer Mhatre (Akshay Kumar), a former Air Force pilot with dreams of launching a low-cost airline to serve the underprivileged. Despite the unwavering support of his villagers, Veer’s ambitious idea is repeatedly dismissed by banks and private investors. Enter Rani (Radhika Madan), a prospective bride who, instead of being deterred by his financial ruin, is captivated by his fervor. She herself harbors aspirations of starting a bakery. Together, these two dreamers embark on a journey to bring Veer’s vision to life. Their path is obstructed by aviation mogul Paresh Goswami (Paresh Rawal), who not only mocks Veer’s dream but also becomes a significant impediment. While the story of Air Deccan is well-known, ‘Sarfira’ delves into Veer Mhatre’s relentless pursuit to overcome obstacles and achieve his dream.

The Hindi remake retains its essence but seems to miss an inexplicable spark. Director Sudha Kongara’s frame-by-frame recreation lacks the original’s organic structure and emotional depth, failing to fully resonate despite the protagonist’s evident struggles. Nevertheless, Akshay Kumar’s heartfelt portrayal and Radhika Madan’s impeccable performance breathe life into the film. The music, aligned with the film’s emotional ebb and flow, and high production values stand out. The cinematography is stellar, capturing the essence of every scene. Akshay Kumar’s earnest performance and Radhika Madan’s standout depiction of Rani are the film’s pillars, while Paresh Rawal’s antagonist role adds gravitas. The supporting cast also delivers commendably.

‘Sarfira’ is an inspiring tale of a man’s quest to make air travel accessible to the common people. It’s a heartfelt narrative that, despite its flaws, is worth watching for its sincerity and the earnest performances of its lead actors.

Rating : ***1/2

By Keerti Kadam