Sky Force movie review: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya's war-drama exceeds expectations, film works where Fighter failed

Director: Sandeep Kewlani, Abhishek Anil Kapur

Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar 

Where to watch: In cinemas

Rating: 4 stars 

Based on real events, Bravehearts, set in the backdrop of the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Wing Commander Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) defeats Pakistan with the valour of his Squadron One. However, one of his efficient pilots, T Krishnan Vijaya (Veer Pahariya) goes missing in action. Decades pass by and Om Ahuja's various attempts to search the whereabouts of his talented pilot go in vain. Will he ever be able to find out what happened to Vijaya? Will he ever be able to justify his service to the nation? This quest forms the plot of Sky Force, and the answer is a surprisingly entertaining action-packed ride that will leave you teary-eyed. 

First thing first, it seems like 2025 will finally end the dull phase of Akshay Kumar, as he shines like a bright star, showing his true capability of the stardom he earned throughout the years. Sky Force is a delightful break from war dramas that were set in the same template, with Pakistan-bashing. This film maintains the balance of drama and action doesn't make it overdramatic, or chest-thumping jingoism, and often moves you emotionally. 

The film starts in 1972 when a Pakistan Air Force pilot Ahmed Hussain (Sharad Kelkar), captured in India, is interrogated by Om Ahuja. As Ahmed starts narrating his side of the story, we are taken to a flashback of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, where Ahuja and his squadron conducted the first airstrike on Pakistan, and named the mission Skyforce. Indian Air Force gives an apt reply to Pakistan, but their pilot goes missing. The film jumps to 1984, where Om gets a major hint about Vijaya. What will happen next, and what happens to Vijaya is something you should enjoy on the big screen. 

Sky Force works unexceptionally well because it has a strong hold on emotions. The quest of Ahuja for Vijaya will take you over. The young Vijaya's patriotism will surely win you. The movie doesn't have any melodramatic scenes, songs, or dialogues that may sound over the top. The VFX are top-notch. The air-borne fight sequences are something to marvel at. They work even better because a solid drama backs them. 

Yes, right from the trailer, Sky Force gave a dejavu of Hrithik Roshan's Fighter, but this film leaves the latter's film miles ahead. There are no unnecessary dance numbers, skin shows, or Pakistan-bashing dialogues. 

Speaking about the performances, Akshay Kumar hits the ball out of the park. For the past few years, he was questioned over his looks or the lack of authenticity of his character portrayal. Akki gives a befitting reply to his naysayers with Sky Force. His body language, command over emotions, stance, and dialogue delivery were pitch-perfect. Veer Pahariya makes his debut with Sky Force, and he deserves to be applauded. Despite sharing most of the screen space with Akshay, he delivers an impressive performance. It might take some time to believe in his character, but he makes sure to capture the audience with his no-nonsense attitude. By the end of the film, you'll feel for Vijaya, and that's a big win for him. 

Sara Ali Khan also surprises big time. She plays the spouse of Veer, and despite her limited screen time, the actress performs well and excels in emotional scenes. Nimrat Kaur plays Akshay's wife, also like Sara, she also has a limited scope in the film but lends good support to the narrative. The music is impressive, and B Praak's 'Maaye' will bring a lump in your throat. 

Speaking about the shortcomings, the film does slip into melodrama in the second half, and it may lose interest for some time. But the directors make sure to pull back the audience, and the investigative mystery keeps you glued to the end. Overall, Sky Force works where Fighter failed. Akshay Kumar is back into action, and how? A perfect film for the Republic Day weekend, and it seems like Sky Force will be the first big hit of Hindi films in 2025.