Sarfira

Story: A remake of the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (2020) and an adaptation of G R Gopinath's memoir Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey, Sarfira follows a man's audacious dream of creating a low-cost airline for those who can't think of opting for air travel as means of getting from one place to another. But his vision faces headwinds as powerful enemies threaten to ground him before takeoff.

Review: Sarfira takes viewers on a high-octane ride with its opening scene, in which two men, trying to avert a mishap at an airstrip, are arrested by commandos. This adrenaline-fuelled intro sets the stage for Vir Jagannath Mhatre's (Akshay Kumar) brave dream: creating a low-cost airline that empowers ordinary people to fly.

The narrative weaves together Vir's journey—from Air Force pilot to ambitious entrepreneur—with the challenges he faces in the aviation sector, dominated by the powerful tycoon Paresh Goswami (Paresh Rawal). Glimpses into Vir's personal life reveal his unwavering support from his equally spirited wife, Rani (Radhika Madan).

For those seeking a story of resilience and unwavering determination, director Sudha Kongara's movie comes up aces. The film celebrates Vir's ability to overcome every obstacle and relentlessly pursue his dream.

Sarfira is not just a rags-to-riches story or one about fighting odds. It is also a commentary on patriarchy, class divide, and casteism. While Vir has high-flying dreams, his fiesty wife Rani has no less ambitions of her own. Her life's purpose goes beyond choosing the right husband and being a perfect domesticated wife. She has dreams of her own—to start a bakery, and she puts her mind to that and achieves. Time and again, she questions patriarchy in her spunky style without loud dialogues and comments on feminism. And the way she supports her husband's dreams and larger purpose without losing her own individuality is one of the highlights of the film. The banter and affection the duo shares will warm your heart. Vir believes that his mission to start a low-cost airline is also a way to break the caste barrier. While on the other hand, this is what Paresh is against—the rich rubbing shoulders with the not-so-affluent.

The screenplay by Sudha Kongara, Pooja Tolani, and Shalini Ushadevi occasionally stretches the narrative, with the lead character's challenges becoming somewhat repetitive. The dialogues (by Pooja Tolani) try to convey one clear message throughout the film in different situations, which makes it a tad wearisome. The story unfolds across multiple timelines—Vir and Rani's courtship, his past activism, and the present-day struggle. Frequent flashbacks and shifts can be confusing at times, and the music by GV Prakash Kumar borders on being melodramatic rather than inspirational. The message at hand is genuine and the lead character's intent is noble. However, all of it could have been narrated within a much tighter runtime. While the film is enjoyable, it's not always a steady flight.

The film is an Akshay Kumar showcase from start to finish. The actor delivers a nuanced performance, effortlessly portraying a range of emotions — disappointment, frustration, gratitude, helplessness, and love. He shines in scenes like his heartfelt plea for a loan at the airport and his endearing awkwardness when borrowing money from Rani to see his plans to come to fruition. Radhika Madan is equally impressive as a woman who is neither a quiet supporter nor apologetic about her own ambition. While the lead couple shines, Paresh Rawal’s character is one-dimensional and creates no real impact. Seema Biswas and Anil Charanjeett lend able support.

While the film's narrative could certainly be crisper and the length tighter, ultimately, it lands safely. It turns out to be an inspiring tale elevated by top-notch performances from the lead cast. Buckle up for this flight!