Sky Force – A Visually Spectacular Tribute to Valor

In recent years, Bollywood has embraced the trend of showcasing stories based on real-life war incidents, celebrating India’s military triumphs and the bravery of its soldiers. Sky Force, the latest addition to this genre, is set against the backdrop of the 1965 #IndiaPakistanwar and highlights the heroism of #IndianAirForce pilot #TKrishnanVijaya through the perspective of his senior and close friend, Wing Commander #OmAhuja.

The film opens in 1972, during the Indo-Pak war, with Pakistani Air Force pilot Ahmed Hussain (Sharad Kelkar) captured and interrogated by Indian Wing Commander Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar). Ahuja’s quest to uncover the fate of his missing colleague, Krishnan Vijaya (Veer Pahariya), takes the audience back to 1962 in a flashback. The narrative beautifully unfolds the deep bond between Ahuja and Krishnan and how the latter goes missing during the mission “Sky Force” after defying orders from his superiors.

The screenplay of Sky Force is intricately crafted, weaving together real-life incidents from the Indian Air Force with a compelling mix of action and emotion. The first half is visually stunning, delivering authentic air combat sequences that captivate viewers. The scenes of aerial attacks are not only gripping but also maintain a high level of realism. However, the second half dips slightly due to an overdose of emotional drama, only to pick up pace again with a powerful and moving climax.

Akshay Kumar is the backbone of Sky Force. His portrayal of Wing Commander Om Ahuja is both commanding and heartfelt, showcasing his skill in emotional and action-packed scenes alike. His dialogue delivery and body language perfectly suit the role. Debutant Veer Pahariya impresses with his confident screen presence and does justice to the character of Krishnan. Sara Ali Khan shines in her limited role, using her expressive eyes to leave a mark, while Nimrat Kaur delivers a polished performance. Sharad Kelkar is remarkable as Ahmed Hussain, adding depth and gravitas to his character.

The film excels in its technical departments. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the air combat scenes with precision and grandeur. The production values are top-notch, ensuring a visually enriching experience. The editing keeps the runtime crisp at 123 minutes, while the music, especially the inclusion of Lata Mangeshkar’s timeless “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo,” tugs at the heartstrings and elevates key moments in the narrative.

Sky Force is a visually spectacular tribute to the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots. While the second half could have been tighter, the film succeeds in engaging the audience with its emotional depth, thrilling action, and powerful performances. Akshay Kumar once again proves his mettle, supported by a commendable cast. For fans of war dramas and patriotic films, Sky Force is a must-watch.

Rating : ***1/2

By Keerti Kadam