The upcoming film 'Fighter' has sparked controversy due to accusations of being 'anti-Pakistan'. Director Siddharth Anand has responded to the criticisms, urging audiences to watch the film before forming an opinion. Siddharth Anand has responded to 'Fighter being called anti-Pakistan.
What is the controversy with the Indian movie Fighter?
A legal notice has been recently served to the makers of the movie 'Fighter,' starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, by an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer. The controversy stems from a particular kissing scene involving the film's protagonists, who are depicted as IAF officers.
"Director Siddharth Anand's statement that the movie underperformed because the majority of Indians don't fly in airplanes added to the disconnect with the masses. Additionally, the music received criticism.
The following are the reasons for the lukewarm response for Fighter in movie halls. The action is good, but the movie lacks the emotional depth. Too much focus on the romance between Deepu and HR. The Patriarchal angle forced into the movie is not relevant today.
Parents need to know that Fighter is a Bollywood action drama that follows a special task force, made up of fighter pilots, who face various terrorist attacks and threats made toward India. Weapons such as bombs, grenades, missiles, and guns are used to commit mass murder. There is a suicide bombing that…
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Does Fighter have inappropriate scenes?
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Kissing in uniform, on a runway which comes under the purview of a technical area, while portrayed as romantic, is considered grossly inappropriate and unbecoming of an IAF officer, as it contradicts the high standards of discipline and decorum expected from them.
While the characters and messages are ultimately positive, the movie is filled with boxing violence, some of it bloody, and strong language, including "f--k" and "s--t." There's no nudity, but characters are shown flirting, kissing, and sleeping together.
Fighter is loosely based on real events that took place near the India-Pakistan border in 2019, including the Balakot airstrike, and Pulwama terror attacks. The film also features Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi, Karan Singh Grover, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in important roles.
Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor star in 'Fighter', a high-voltage action adventure film inspired by the real-life Balakot airstrike. The movie pays tribute to the Indian armed forces and specifically focuses on Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, whose aviator call sign is 'Patty'.
In December 2020, it was reported that Siddharth Anand and Hrithik Roshan are going to reunite for a film after War (2019). Fighter was officially announced on 10 January 2021, on the occasion of Hrithik Roshan's birthday. The film is the India's first aerial action film. It is the first installment in its franchise.
As of February 2024, the four biggest movie flops of all time were Disney productions. "Turning Red" (2022), "Jungle Cruise" (2021), "Mars Needs Moms" (2011), and "Mulan" (2020) recorded losses of more than 140 million U.S. dollars at the global box office.
Trade analyst Komal Nahata spoke on the overall reception of Fighter, calling the film 'lacklustre' with a dull screenplay deeming it to be one the primary reasons why it failed to resonate with audiences. He said, "The film is not as good as 'War' or 'Pathaan' because it is a bad film. There is no other reason.
While the reason for the ban is still unknown, reports claim that 'some objectionable content in the film' prompted the decision. Prior to the ban, it was reported that 'Fighter' would be released in the UAE with a PG 15 classification.
“Fighter” is sort of a mash-up between the first and second “Top Guns,” with a heaping helping of the inferior “Iron Eagle” “Top Gun” knockoffs of the '90s. It's built around top drawer flight effects — lots of jets chasing each other over Kashmir and Pakistan, dogfighting and engaging in jet-to-jet trash talk.
Siddharth Anand further said about Fighter, “That's what our film stands for, to fight against terrorism. We have emphasised the same through Fighter and once you see it, you will understand... I think I would call it (Fighter trailer) more nationalistic than jingoistic. Some things are just being taken out of context.
According to a Times Of India report, leading man Hrithik Roshan charged a whopping Rs 85 crore! Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, who also make up the rest of the star-studded cast, were paid Rs 20 crore and Rs 15 crore respectively.
Because Fighter is about fighter jets, the instant analogy was that it's Top Gun. I think eventually when you saw the trailer, you realise that there is nothing to do with Top Gun.” The filmmaker added, “But the only reference point is Top Gun so they'll say that 'oh they have copied Top Gun'.
While The Fighter is extremely accurate in retelling real events compared to other biopics, Ward's boxing stats are the only element where the film takes major creative liberties. In the movie, Ward's career record is 30-7, with 20 KOs, when he fights Shea Neary. However, in real life, his record was 34-9 with 25 KOs.
As the dust settles on its remarkable box office performance, 'Fighter' has now been officially categorized as a "Hit" and is the only Hindi film in the first quarter of the year to cross the Rs 300 crore mark this year. The movie is now streaming online with an extended cut.
Filmmaker Siddharth Anand says his latest aerial actioner Fighter, whose trailer was met with divided reactions on the internet for being jingoistic, is not an anti-Pakistan film but a “happy Indian patriotic” feature that is against terrorism. The film is headlined by Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone.
The director of the movie, Siddharth Raj Anand said that his film Fighter had flopped because 90% of Indians have never flown in a place or have been inside an airport. Therefore, they were unable to connect with a movie like this that revolved around fighter jets.
The action-packed and patriotic 'Fighter' trailer was lauded for its emotional resonance and technical brilliance. Nevertheless, certain factions in Pakistan expressed disapproval of the film's portrayal of the Pulwama attack, alleging that it "utilized a delicate matter" and promoted an "anti-Pakistan" platform.
The film is a mixed bag of high positives and very low negatives, which might appeal to some fans of the genre and the actors, but might disappoint others who are looking for a more original and realistic film like Topgun. Fighter is a film that tries to soar high, but falls short of its mark.
