Sky Force Review: Akshay Kumar Shines in 1965 War Drama

Sky Force, a war drama inspired by the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict, tells the story of bravery and loss through the lens of two Indian Air Force pilots. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, the film blends historical events with fictional elements to create a narrative focused on courage and camaraderie. While the film succeeds in some areas, it struggles to maintain a consistent impact throughout.

The story follows Wing Commander Om Ahuja, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, who leads Squadron 1 during a critical phase of the 1965 war. Alongside him is Flying Officer T. Krishna Vijaya, played by newcomer Veer Pahariya. The film explores their relationship as mentor and protégé, with Vijaya’s impulsive nature often clashing with Ahuja’s disciplined leadership style.

The narrative intensifies as the squadron undertakes a daring mission to strike Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase, a pivotal operation in the war. When Vijaya goes missing during the mission, Ahuja’s determination to uncover the truth years later becomes a central theme, adding emotional depth to the story.

The film’s second half gains momentum with its focus on the high-stakes mission and its aftermath. However, the first half is bogged down by excessive CGI and an overpowering background score, which detract from the storytelling. The aerial combat sequences, while visually engaging, often overshadow the emotional and historical aspects of the narrative.

The screenplay, written by Kewlani, Aamil Keeyan Khan, and Niren Bhatt, briefly touches on the personal lives of the pilots and their families. Ahuja’s wife (played by Nimrat Kaur) and Vijaya’s pregnant spouse are given limited screen time, leaving these emotional subplots underdeveloped.

Akshay Kumar delivers a compelling performance as the seasoned Wing Commander, anchoring the film with his portrayal of a leader grappling with loss and duty. Veer Pahariya makes a promising debut as the spirited yet impulsive pilot, though his character could have been explored further. The directors succeed in capturing the tension of wartime missions but falter in balancing action with character-driven storytelling.

Sky Force highlights the challenges faced by Indian pilots during the 1965 war, emphasizing their resourcefulness against technologically superior adversaries. The depiction of the Sargodha airstrike—India’s first offensive mission on enemy soil—underscores the strategic importance of the operation and the bravery of those involved.

The film also reflects on the human cost of war, with Ahuja’s character embodying resilience and honor. A poignant moment occurs during the 1971 India-Pakistan war when Ahuja interacts with a captured Pakistani pilot, showcasing mutual respect despite being on opposing sides.

At 125 minutes, Sky Force is relatively concise for a war drama, which works in its favor. While the film’s uneven pacing and sound design issues hinder its overall impact, it succeeds in paying tribute to the bravery of Indian Air Force personnel. Akshay Kumar’s performance and the historical significance of the Sargodha mission make it worth watching.

For fans of war dramas, Sky Force offers a glimpse into a pivotal chapter of India’s military history. Despite its flaws, the film’s focus on courage and sacrifice ensures it leaves a lasting impression.