Sonu Sood’s directorial debut Fateh brings a high-energy action movie with a focus on cybercrime and intense stunts. Known for his roles in action-packed films, Sood takes the lead in a film that showcases slick action but ultimately falls short when it comes to delivering a solid plot. Though Fateh promises to tackle serious issues, it gets lost in the chaos of violence and fails to make a significant impact.
The Plot: A Former Secret Agent Takes on Cybercrime
Fateh is centered around the issue of fake loan apps and the consequences they have on unsuspecting victims. The story follows Fateh Singh (Sonu Sood), a former secret agent turned contract killer, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous global scam. When a young woman from his village in Punjab goes missing, Fateh travels to Delhi in search of her. He soon discovers that she’s caught up in a dark and widespread scam run by a man named Raza (Naseeruddin Shah). The film follows Fateh’s attempts to rescue her and uncover the truth behind the scam.
The Good Start That Loses Its Way
The film kicks off with an intriguing premise, promising a story that addresses cybercrime. However, as the plot unfolds, it quickly loses focus. Instead of diving deep into the issue of fake loan apps, the film becomes a non-stop action fest, focusing more on blood-soaked stunts and intense fight sequences. Whether it’s drilling into a man’s mouth or gouging out eyes, the action feels more exaggerated than necessary. The film’s climax even seems to take inspiration from the popular movie Animal, where the action takes center stage over the plot.
Slick Action, But No Substance
While Sonu Sood tries his best to bring international action standards to a desi screen, the screenplay, which he co-wrote with Ankur Pannu, doesn’t offer anything new. The action, though intense, becomes repetitive, and the digital scam storyline feels underdeveloped. The film gives the impression of being a thrilling ride, but without offering any real insights or new perspectives on cybercrime. It tries to appear like it’s raising awareness, but in reality, it doesn’t provide much substance for the audience to take away.
The Performances: Star Power Wasted
Sonu Sood carries the film on his shoulders and brings his usual intensity to the role of Fateh. His action scenes are impressive, and he manages to hold the audience’s attention throughout the movie. Jacqueline Fernandez plays an ethical hacker but is left with a limited role that mostly involves her crying, screaming, or waiting to be rescued. Naseeruddin Shah, despite his strong presence, feels wasted in a role that requires little more than sitting in front of computer screens and sneering.
Fateh: Action Over Everything Else
While Fateh does try to meet international standards in its action sequences, it doesn’t go beyond the typical action movie formula. It offers a lot of thrills and excitement, but the lack of a compelling story and weak character development makes it hard to take the film seriously. The music, especially the title track sung by Arijit Singh, fits the film’s tone well, but it’s not enough to make the film memorable.
In the end, Fateh is a fast-paced action film that could appeal to fans of high-stakes stunts but falls short when it comes to delivering a solid narrative or meaningful message.
