Sky Force movie review: Veer Pahariya makes a memorable debut with Akshay Kumar in emotional tribute to war heroes

Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya starrer Sky Force releases in theatres on January 24 and here is a review to help you make the right decision to watch or ditch Bollywood's big Republic Day release.

It is Republic Day and keeping with the trend, Bollywood is once again ready with a big screen patriotic fare. Sky Force releases in theatres on January 24 and brings to us an important chapter from India’s history. The film stars Akshay Kumar, debutant Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Sharad Kelkar amongst others. The film is directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur, Sandeep Kewlani and produced by Jio Studios and Maddock. But is Sky Force the perfect Republic Day that we all have been waiting for? Check out our review to know!

What is Sky Force about?

Sky Force delves into the Indo-Pak war of 1965, narrating the story of Ajjamada Devayya (renamed TK Vijaya, also known as Tabby, played by Veer Pahariya) and his wing commander and close friend Om Prakash Taneja (renamed Om Ahuja, played by Akshay Kumar). The film's intrigue lies in the mysterious disappearance of Tabby during the 1965 Indian air strike on Pakistan’s air base in Sargodha. Om, who had promised Tabby’s wife (played by Sara Ali Khan) to protect him, successfully completes his mission Sky Force but remains determined to uncover Tabby's fate. His quest gains momentum when, in 1971, Indian forces capture a Pakistani air force pilot, Ahmed Hussain (Sharad Kelkar), who provides crucial information that reignites Om's hope. It takes over 23 years for the world to learn about Tabby's selfless and courageous act during the 1965 war.

Movie Review: Sky Force
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, Nimrat Kaur
Director: Abhishek Anil Kapur, Sandeep Kewlani
Release Date: January 24, 2025 (in theatres)

Rating : 4 out of 5

What’s hot?

Bollywood has no shortage of war films, yet Sky Force manages to stand apart. It delves into a fascinating chapter of India’s history, evoking emotions and pride. While it is a war film, a significant portion focuses on the aftermath of war and the experiences of the loved ones of those in the forces. Nimrat and Sara portray two wives—one brave and prepared for the worst, the other constantly worried about her husband's safety. The film avoids chest-thumping jingoism, subtly highlighting the shared humanity across borders. A poignant scene where Akshay’s character Om discusses honor among enemies resonates deeply with Sharad Kelkar’s Pakistani air force pilot character.

Akshay Kumar excels in his comfort zone, portraying strength while concealing inner turmoil. He looks natural and dashing in uniform. Veer Pahariya makes a confident debut in Sky Force, holding his own alongside Akshay. The two actors effortlessly showcase the camaraderie required by their characters. While Veer has room for improvement, particularly in expressing emotions with his eyes, he delivers a commendable performance for his first film, especially in scenes that highlight his fervor for his country.

The VFX is impressive, making the war and combat scenes visually spectacular, and the tight editing maintains the necessary pace for the genre. Nimrat Kaur and Sharad Kelkar shine in their small yet pivotal roles, conveying much with their eyes and body language despite limited dialogue. Although Sara Ali Khan's screen time is brief, more scenes exploring her life after Tabby’s disappearance would have been welcome.

The song Maaye is soul stirring. Written by Manoj Muntashir, music by Tanishk Bagchi and sung by B Praak, the song will remind you of Teri Mitti, but is only as good, if not better. Kya Meri Yaad Aati Hai is another song that will tug at your heartstrings and make you feel the pain of lost love.

What’s not?

For a war film that evokes the feeling of patriotism, the dialogues were unimpressive. In some cases, it is clear that not enough time was spent in crafting these.

BL Verdict

Sky Force is not just another patriotic film inspired by or set against the backdrop of war; it brings to light a lesser-known chapter of India’s history. The movie, centered on India’s unsung war hero Ajjamada Devayya, will fill your heart with pride for the country and for the selfless service of our defense forces. Sky Force is the perfect watch for Republic Day.