Sky Force, a war drama set against the backdrop of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, aims to honor the unsung heroes of the Indian Air Force but falters as it relies heavily on Bollywood’s overused tropes. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, the film fictionalizes real events, balancing patriotism and melodrama. While it shows flashes of potential, the execution is undermined by a reliance on formulaic storytelling and excessive jingoism, making it more noise than narrative.
A Tale of Two Halves
The film unfolds in two distinct halves. The first is action-packed, filled with high-octane aerial sequences and CGI-heavy dogfights. Though the visual effects are decent, the deafening roar of jets and an overbearing background score drown out the story's emotional beats. The camaraderie between pilots and the personal stakes that could lend depth to the narrative are overshadowed by the spectacle. In its bid to prove that courage trumps superior technology, the film sacrifices a grounded and meaningful exploration of its characters.

The second half pivots to an investigative drama, with Wing Commander Om Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) leading a personal mission to uncover the fate of his protege, Flying Officer T. Krishna Vijaya (Veer Pahariya), who is presumed dead after a critical mission. This shift provides some emotional heft as it explores the cost of war and the bonds of duty, but the impact is diminished by uneven pacing and shallow character development.
Characters on Autopilot
Akshay Kumar delivers a solid performance as the steadfast and determined Ahuja. His portrayal carries echoes of his roles in Airlift and Kesari, and while it's effective, it feels overly familiar. The film centers so heavily on his character that it leaves little room for others to shine.
Veer Pahariya, in his debut as the reckless yet talented Vijaya, struggles to make a mark. His character lacks nuance, and the script fails to explore his motivations or personal struggles in a meaningful way.
The female characters, played by Sara Ali Khan as Vijaya's pregnant wife and Nimrat Kaur as Ahuja's spouse, are disappointingly one-dimensional, serving only as emotional anchors to the male leads. Sharad Kelkar, in a brief role as a Pakistani pilot, brings nuance to an otherwise one-note portrayal of the enemy, but such moments are few and far between.
Action Without Emotional Altitude
The recreation of the Sargodha airstrike, a historic operation by the Indian Air Force, is one of the film's highlights. The dogfights are well-choreographed, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of the pilots as they combat Pakistan's technologically superior American-supplied jets. However, the over-reliance on CGI and the relentless noise of the aerial sequences make these moments more exhausting than engaging.
The screenplay, written by Kewlani, Aamil Keeyan Khan, and Niren Bhatt, fails to balance action with storytelling. Dialogue often veers into excessive patriotism, with characters delivering cliched monologues rather than engaging in meaningful interactions. This heavy-handed approach strips the film of emotional resonance, reducing its characters to stereotypes rather than fully realized individuals.
A Missed Opportunity
The film occasionally touches on themes of humanity and honor in warfare, particularly in the relationship between Ahuja and a captured Pakistani pilot. These moments offer a refreshing counterpoint to the otherwise aggressive tone but are too fleeting to leave a lasting impact. Instead of delving into the complexities of war, Sky Force settles for a simplistic narrative that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
The climax, set to Lata Mangeshkar's timeless “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” delivers an emotional crescendo that resonates with the audience. However, this powerful ending cannot compensate for the lack of depth and cohesion in the preceding two hours.
Conclusion
At its core, Sky Force struggles to rise above the cliches of Bollywood war dramas. While it pays tribute to the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots and commemorates a significant historical event, its reliance on formulaic storytelling and overt jingoism undermines its potential. The film ends on a high note, but the journey there is uneven and riddled with missed opportunities.
For those seeking adrenaline-fueled action and patriotic fervor, Sky Force may suffice. However, for viewers craving a nuanced portrayal of war and heroism, this flight fails to truly take off.