“Fighter,” a Bollywood military drama released to coincide with India’s Republic Day, navigates the intricate realm of politics while adhering to familiar Bollywood melodrama. Drawing inspiration from real-life events such as the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot air strike, the film taps into nationalist sentiments prevalent in Modi-era India and Hindi-language cinema.

The storyline revolves around the camaraderie and romance between two Indian Air Force pilots, portrayed by Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, along with their comrades. Despite its adherence to formulaic storytelling, “Fighter” culminates in a climactic standoff in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir, hinting at potential future conflicts.

While the film attempts to avoid vilifying the Pakistani people directly, it portrays a group of India-hating terrorists and implicates the Pakistani Air Force for allowing their activities. The filmmakers strategically chose the Pulwama attack as a dramatic catalyst, sidestepping direct criticism of the Indian government.

In terms of its portrayal of the Indian Air Force, “Fighter” follows a predictable trajectory, blending romantic musical numbers with traditional Air Force drama reminiscent of “Top Gun.” The dynamic between rebel pilot Shamsher “Patty” Pathania and Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh forms the crux of the narrative, leading to a high-stakes mission and an exaggerated game of chicken.

Overall, while “Fighter” delivers on entertainment value with its energetic musical sequences and dramatic confrontations, it does little to break away from Bollywood conventions or offer a nuanced perspective on its political themes.