Eesha Kulkarni

In a thrilling Independence Day treat for cinephiles, the much-anticipated film Fighter set pulses racing with the release of its motion posters. The cinematic extravaganza directed by Siddharth Anand boasts of a star-studded ensemble featuring powerhouse performers like Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. This first look was enough to send the internet into a frenzy as fans caught their first glimpse of this action-packed spectacle.

The film’s leading man, Hrithik Roshan, had earlier teased audiences with a sneak peek into his character, igniting anticipation with the unveiling of his ruggedly charismatic pilot persona. However, we got to see Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor’s avatars in the film for the first time.

Painting a vivid picture of what promises to be an adrenaline-pumping experience for cinema-goers, Fighter’s motion poster expertly weaves together the essence of heroism and the spirit of the Indian Air Force, opening with fighter jets soaring across the screen before landing at an Air Force base. This culminates with the emergence of Hrithik Roshan, stepping into the shoes of a fearless fighter pilot and setting the stage for a roller-coaster ride of action and emotions.

Taking to Twitter, Roshan shared the electrifying motion poster, accompanied by a patriotic touch, as he wrote, “Spirit of Fighter | Vande Mataram! See you in the theatres on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day. Fighter releases worldwide on 25th January 2024.” The fervour only grew as Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor joined the poster’s ensemble, both donning uniforms and exuding an air of enigmatic authority, much like Roshan himself.

For fans and cinephiles alike, the anticipation has been palpable as the much-loved actors share the screen for the first time in Fighter. This combination is set to rekindle memories of Roshan’s previous collaboration with Siddharth Anand in War, where his on-screen chemistry with Tiger Shroff became the talk of the town. Whereas Padukone, fresh from the colossal success of Pathaan, continues to capture audiences with her versatility and charm.

The dedication poured into crafting the characters’ appearances is evident, especially in Roshan’s transformation to embody his pilot role. The actor has left no stone unturned, sculpting his physique to mirror the toughness and determination of his on-screen avatar, just like he did in War. His commitment to the role is reflected in the snippets he shared on social media – a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his gruelling gym sessions and an introspective note on the synergy of body, heart, and mind in his journey to becoming the embodiment of his character.

Fighter itself has been a journey fraught with delays due to the global pandemic. Initially slated for a theatrical release in September 2022, the film’s pre-production underwent a temporary hiatus. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm surrounding this iconic collaboration between Roshan and Padukone has only intensified with time.

As the clock ticks down to January 25, 2024, moviegoers worldwide are gearing up to experience this high-flying adventure, promising to be an ode to patriotism, larger-than-life heroism, and the magic of storytelling. So, are you ready for Bollywood’s answer to Top Gun?