'Sky Force' review: Tale of tribute turns into show of jingoism

In a film, there can only be so many motivational speeches and characters villainising our neighbouring country before it crosses the line of patriotism and becomes a jingoistic tale of mindlessly valourising our armed forces.

Driven by the age-old romanticised idea used by apologists for war and the highly problematic idea of the youth’s “duty” towards their motherland, Akshay Kumar-starrer Sky Force lacks both criticality and sensitivity.
Given the volatile position of Kashmir, and the history of conflict between India and Pakistan regarding the disputed territory, directors Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani paint a black and white picture of the extremely grey issue.

The film is a tribute to the historic Sargodha airbase attack by the Indian Air Force, which subsequently led to a ceasefire in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan air war. It also remembers Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, on whom the reckless, overconfident yet competent soldier ‘Tabby’ Vijaya, played by debutant Veer Pahariya, is based
on.

The story is a tale of his and the Tiger Squadron’s courage and merit. It follows the efforts of Group Captain Ahuja (Akshay Kumar) to unravel the mysterious circumstances under which Vijaya was declared a soldier missing in action.

Both Pahariya and Kumar deliver adequately satisfactory performances, while Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur as army wives get little to no screen time.

In this mesh of mediocre writing, melodramatic dialogues, and immature cinematography, the only takeaway, with a pinch of salt, remains an acceptance of the discipline, fearlessness, and sacrifice that is demanded by the army, irrespective of which nation they serve.