Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Fighter’ trailer: A familiar theme of Patriotism 

The trailer for Hrithik Roshan’s much-anticipated film, ‘Fighter,’ set to release on January 25, has generated mixed reactions from audiences. While fans expressed excitement over the collaboration between Hrithik and Deepika Padukone, some critics view the film as yet another attempt to capitalize on patriotic themes that have been recurrent in recent Bollywood releases.

Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Viacom 18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, ‘Fighter’ delves into the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the subsequent conflict, and the valour of Indian pilots. This theme, focusing on India-Pakistan relations and acts of terrorism, has become a recurring motif in recent Bollywood releases, including Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Pathan,’ Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan’s ‘War,’ and Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Uri.’

The trailer, which has garnered praise from fans for its action sequences and star-studded cast, also faces criticism for treading on a well-worn path. The film’s attempt to comment on the role of the Indian Air Force post-Pulwama and the broader India-Pakistan conflict echoes themes seen in previous releases.

It’s noteworthy that patriotic themes in Bollywood have been lucrative, drawing audiences to theatres. However, with several recent films exploring similar storylines, critics argue that the seriousness of such issues may be diluted, questioning the intent behind the repeated portrayal of these narratives.

Despite the controversy, ‘Fighter’ has stirred anticipation, especially with Hrithik and Deepika sharing the screen for the first time. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Sanjida Shaikh, is set to hit the theatres on January 25. As audiences await its release, the industry observes how this film will contribute to the ongoing conversation around the portrayal of patriotism in Bollywood.