Sky Force Review: A Thrilling Tribute to Courage, Sacrifice, and the Power of Brotherhood

Sky Force Review: Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya starrer releases in theatres this Friday. Read our review to know if the movie is worth your time

Sky Force
Director - Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani
Cast - Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Sharad Kelkar
Duration – 125 minutes
Rating – 4

As the nation readies itself to honor its heroes this Republic Day, Sky Force takes Bollywood’s war film genre to new heights—literally and emotionally. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, this breathtaking aerial saga weaves heart-pounding combat sequences with poignant moments of sacrifice and valor. Set against the backdrop of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, Sky Force not only delivers intense action but also paints a stirring portrait of camaraderie, loyalty, and the unshakable courage that defines the men who fly the skies for their country.

At the heart of Sky Force is India’s first retaliatory airstrike during the 1965 conflict, a pivotal mission that altered the course of the war. Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja (Akshay Kumar), a seasoned and determined Air Force officer, begins a tense investigation into the disappearance of one of his best pilots, T. Vijaya (Veer Pahariya). A shocking lead suggests that Vijaya may still be alive, and as the film unfolds, it becomes a gripping journey not only to find a missing soldier but also to understand the emotional toll of war and the bonds that hold soldiers together through unimaginable challenges.

Where many war films focus solely on the action, Sky Force expertly balances explosive aerial combat with deep, human storytelling. The film highlights the sacrifices of the pilots and the emotional consequences of their dangerous missions—not just on the battlefield, but on their families and comrades back home. It’s a story about duty, courage, and the brotherhood forged in the sky, offering a glimpse into the untold personal costs of war.

Akshay Kumar, as Wing Commander Ahuja, delivers one of his finest performances to date. Commanding, compassionate, and deeply human, his portrayal of a war hero grappling with the weight of leadership is both powerful and deeply moving. Ahuja’s quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his men provide the emotional core of the film, and Kumar masterfully balances the intense action with moments of vulnerability, making his character one to remember long after the final credits roll.

Veer Pahariya, in his debut role, shines as T. Vijaya, the rebellious pilot whose fate hangs in the balance. Pahariya brings both intensity and tenderness to the role, capturing Vijaya’s youthful defiance and the heavy weight of sacrifice that follows. His portrayal of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya MVC resonates deeply, making the film’s emotional journey all the more impactful. Pahariya’s performance anchors the central narrative, and his character’s emotional arc offers some of the film’s most poignant moments.

Nimrat Kaur and Sara Ali Khan bring much-needed emotional depth to the narrative with their portrayals of the wives of the two lead characters. Kaur offers a quiet, yet powerful, performance as Ahuja’s wife, balancing the emotional strain of her husband’s work with her deep love for him. Meanwhile, Ali Khan’s role as Vijaya’s pregnant spouse brings a tender, heartbreaking energy to the story, representing the emotional cost of war on those left behind.

Direction and Cinematography

Under the direction of Kapur and Kewlani, Sky Force strikes a perfect balance between action and emotion. The film never loses its focus on the personal stakes behind the missions, ensuring that every high-flying dogfight is more than just a spectacle. The pacing is sharp, with each sequence building seamlessly into the next, creating a constant undercurrent of tension and anticipation. The directors have skillfully woven emotional depth into every moment, from the heart-stopping combat to the quiet, introspective conversations between characters, making Sky Force more than just a war film—it’s a story about the human spirit in the face of unimaginable odds.

Visually, Sky Force is a knockout. The aerial combat scenes are masterfully choreographed, offering a breathtaking blend of practical stunts and VFX that makes each dogfight pulse with realism. The attention to detail in the aerial maneuvers is exceptional, capturing the intensity of the missions in a way that makes you feel like you're in the cockpit yourself. From dramatic barrel rolls to heart-stopping missile strikes, the action sequences are meticulously designed to ensure every moment feels like a life-or-death struggle, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

What truly sets Sky Force apart from other action films is its treatment of aerial combat. Unlike typical CGI-heavy spectacles, the dogfights in this film are grounded in authenticity, showcasing the strategic brilliance and physical demands of piloting in combat. The VFX team deserves special recognition for their work in creating sequences that feel both breathtaking and believable. The combination of high-quality digital effects and practical stunts elevates the realism of each scene, ensuring that every missile launch and evasive maneuver feels as real as it is exhilarating.

The explosive airstrikes, coupled with the historical significance of the missions, make the film’s aerial sequences visually stunning. From the first moment of lift-off to the heart-racing finale, the film creates an immersive experience that’s both thrilling and emotionally charged.

The soundtrack is another standout element of Sky Force. It’s not merely a backdrop to the action but a driving force that elevates every scene. The music swells in perfect harmony with the aerial dogfights, amplifying the stakes and urgency of each mission. The orchestral score adds weight to the quieter, more intimate moments, ensuring that the emotional beats land with the same impact as the explosive action. The film’s sound design does a fantastic job of making every moment—whether it’s a high-speed chase in the sky or a quiet moment between characters—feel charged with emotional energy.

In the end, Sky Force is more than just a war film—it’s a deeply human story about sacrifice, courage, and the unwavering bonds that hold soldiers together. With breathtaking performances, stunning visual effects, and a story that resonates on both an emotional and historical level, it stands as a remarkable achievement in Indian cinema. Directed with precision, the film offers not just high-octane action, but a reflection on what it truly means to serve, to fight, and to protect one’s country.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, in association with Jio Studios Under Jyoti Deshpande, Sky Force redefines the boundaries of Bollywood war epics. It’s a celebration of bravery, a tribute to the heroes of the Indian Air Force, and an unforgettable cinematic experience. As you leave the theater, you’ll be filled with a deep sense of gratitude for those who soar above us—and for a film that has brought their heroism to life with such intensity, passion, and brilliance.

Get ready to feel the rush of the skies!