Sky Force is a war film that goes beyond typical jingoistic drama and aims to depict the true cost of war without any unnecessary patriotic chest-thumping. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, this movie offers a refreshing take on India’s 1965 retaliatory attack on the Sargodha airbase in Pakistan, focusing on emotional depth rather than just spectacle.
What is Sky Force About?
The story follows Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja, played by Akshay Kumar, who is on a mission to find his missing junior, T. Krishnan Vijaya, after a deadly airstrike on the Sargodha airbase. Vijaya is married to Geetavijaya (Sara Ali Khan), who is pregnant with their child. Ahuja’s investigation into Vijaya’s disappearance is the heart of the film, which is based on the real-life heroism of Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya MVC, the only Indian Air Force officer to be posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
The Attention to Detail
One of the standout features of Sky Force is the attention to detail in recreating the 1960s. The directors have done an excellent job of making the period setting feel authentic, with a focus on accurate Air Force protocols. While this makes the first half of the film a bit slow and sometimes hard to follow due to the multiple events unfolding, it pays off later when the movie shifts into an investigation drama. By the time the second half rolls around, the film becomes much more gripping, leaving you glued to the screen.
Akshay Kumar’s Performance
A key strength of Sky Force is Akshay Kumar’s performance. Known for his action-packed roles, Kumar brings a new level of vulnerability to his portrayal of Wing Commander Ahuja. His character is tough, as expected of an Air Force officer, but Akshay makes him feel human, especially when he shows his emotional side. His ability to evoke tears from the audience, particularly in the film’s climax, is a testament to his skill as an actor. This role proves that he’s more than just a “Khiladi”—he’s a serious actor who can truly move his audience.
Supporting Cast and Music
Veer Pahariya makes an impressive debut as the missing officer, Vijaya. Though his performance shows promise, there is still room for growth. Sara Ali Khan’s role as Vijaya’s wife is quite limited, and while she has a standout scene, it doesn’t fully deliver on expectations. Nimrat Kaur appears in a brief special appearance, but her role doesn’t add much to the story. Sharad Kelkar, however, complements Akshay Kumar beautifully, and their bond brings emotional depth to the film.
The film’s VFX is well executed, especially during the air combat sequences, and Tanishk Bagchi’s music fits the tone of the movie, with the song “Maaye” by Manoj Muntashir being particularly poignant. The inclusion of Lata Mangeshkar’s classic “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” during the final moments is a masterstroke, adding an emotional layer to the film’s conclusion. However, the dance number “Rang” feels out of place and detracts from the film’s overall tone.
Overall, Sky Force is a well-made film that explores the sacrifices made by soldiers during wartime. It’s a film that doesn’t rely on glorifying war or pushing nationalistic agendas but instead focuses on the human side of conflict. The emotional depth, particularly in Akshay Kumar’s performance, is what makes Sky Force stand out. The movie leaves you with a deep sense of respect for the selflessness of our armed forces and will stay with you long after the credits roll.
