Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, this explosive, emotionally charged war film soars above the typical Bollywood action fare
Director: Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Sharad Kelkar
Duration: 125 minutes
Rating: 4
This Republic Day, Sky Force doesn’t just ask you to watch— it demands that you feel. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, this explosive, emotionally charged war film soars above the typical Bollywood action fare. A cinematic tribute to the unsung heroes of India’s Air Force, Sky Force immerses you in the untold stories of sacrifice, heroism, and undying patriotism that shaped India’s victory in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
At the heart of Sky Force is the bond between two men whose courage and determination define their nation’s very freedom: Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja (Akshay Kumar), a seasoned officer fighting for justice, and T. Vijaya (Veer Pahariya), a fearless rebel pilot who risks everything for his country. Their fates intertwine as they embark on a mission to uncover the mystery of Vijaya’s disappearance during India’s first retaliatory airstrike—an operation that forever altered the course of the war.
The film doesn’t merely recount history; it feels it. As each dogfight and heart-stopping maneuver unfolds in the skies, the deeper emotional truths about duty, sacrifice, and unbreakable bonds between soldiers also take center stage. Sky Force blends real-life heroism with high-octane thrills, making it much more than just an action movie. It’s a tribute to the spirit of service, a love letter to the pilots who soar through the heavens, and a poignant exploration of the cost of patriotism.
Akshay Kumar, as Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja, delivers a career-best performance that’s equal parts commanding and vulnerable. His portrayal of a man grappling with the ghosts of his past and the gravity of his present feels so grounded, it makes the action sequences feel like they’re unfolding in real-time. Every word spoken, every silent moment of reflection, adds weight to the stakes, making Ahuja’s journey not just a military mission, but a fight for his soul. Akshay’s magnetic presence anchors the film, and his emotional depth ensures Sky Force resonates far beyond the battlefield.
Then there’s Veer Pahariya in a debut performance that will certainly leave a lasting impression. As T. Vijaya (based on the real-life Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya), Pahariya captures the essence of a young, impetuous pilot who defies orders, believing that true heroism is about doing what’s right, even when it’s dangerous. His portrayal is filled with passion, vulnerability, and an unshakeable belief in his duty to his country. Pahariya doesn’t just act—he becomes Vijaya, making you feel the emotional tug of his decisions and the weight of his sacrifice.
In addition to these two powerful performances, Sky Force also boasts moving portrayals from Nimrat Kaur and Sara Ali Khan. Kaur, as Ahuja’s wife, embodies the quiet strength of a woman holding onto hope in the face of uncertainty. Sara Ali Khan, as Vijaya’s pregnant spouse, brings an emotional punch to the screen with her portrayal of a woman caught between the light of her impending child and the dark reality of war. Together, Kaur and Ali Khan provide a subtle yet essential emotional core to the film, grounding the larger-than-life combat sequences in personal stakes.
Kapur and Kewlani’s direction strikes a perfect balance between sweeping action and intimate human drama. The pacing is tight, keeping you invested in both the visceral thrills of aerial combat and the emotional weight of the characters’ journeys. The film never loses sight of the human stories at its heart, and that’s what makes Sky Force stand apart from typical war films. It’s not just about who wins or loses; it’s about the lives changed in the process.
Visually, Sky Force is a spectacle. The aerial combat sequences are a game-changer for Indian cinema, blending jaw-dropping VFX with practical stunts that make the dogfights feel immediate and realistic. These aren’t just your typical “action sequences”—they are meticulously choreographed, high-stakes maneuvers that pull you into the cockpit and make you feel every roll, barrel, and missile strike as though you’re right there with the pilots.
What sets Sky Force apart is that its aerial sequences aren’t merely designed for visual spectacle—they’re deeply intertwined with the emotional journeys of the characters. Every twist and turn in the air feels like a manifestation of the characters’ internal struggles. The stakes aren’t just about the war—they’re about survival, sacrifice, and honor.
The film’s background score enhances every moment, amplifying the emotional depth with thunderous beats during the aerial dogfights and soaring orchestral compositions during the quieter, more reflective scenes. The score doesn’t just underscore the action; it becomes an integral part of the narrative, driving the tension and emotional intensity to new heights.
Sky Force is a triumph—an action-packed spectacle that also serves as a poignant meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the power of unshakable loyalty. From Akshay Kumar’s powerhouse performance to Veer Pahariya’s gripping portrayal of a real-life war hero, this film showcases the raw courage of the Indian Air Force and the men and women who fly in defense of their country. It’s a story about bravery in the face of overwhelming odds and a tribute to the unsung heroes who risk everything for a cause greater than themselves.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, in association with Jio Studios Under Jyoti Deshpande, Sky Force is a cinematic triumph that will be remembered for its stunning visuals, incredible action, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane action or films that resonate on a deeper level, Sky Force is a must-watch—an unforgettable ride through the skies that will leave you proud, moved, and inspired long after the credits roll.
This isn’t just a war film; it’s a celebration of the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that fuel our nation’s heroes.
