Focus: From Fighter’s Thrill to Dream Scenario’s Social Commentary

Sukanya dives into two diverse films for Different Truths: Fighter delivers action thrills, but some raise questions about Deepika Padukone’s character depth. Dream Scenario tackles the dark side of instant fame through Paul Matthews’ story, leaving viewers reflecting on social media’s warped perceptions.

“Fighter,” directed by Siddharth Anand, takes audiences on an adrenaline-fueled journey through aerial battles, fuelled by stellar performances from Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, and a somewhat underplayed Deepika Padukone. While the film shines in action and technical brilliance, there’s a subtle dissatisfaction regarding the depth of Deepika’s character.

The Plot and Performances

“Fighter” revolves around Group Captain Rakesh “Rocky” Jai Singh, portrayed convincingly by Anil Kapoor, who forms a team of skilled fighter pilots, the “Air Dragons,” to counter terrorist threats. Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher “Patty” Pathania delivers a compelling performance, blending intensity and vulnerability. However, Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Squadron Leader Minal “Minni” Rathore feels somewhat underplayed and overshadowed by the male-dominated narrative.

Deepika’s Underplayed Role

In a film predominantly focused on the heroics of fighter pilots, Deepika Padukone’s character, Minni Rathore, seems to lack the depth and prominence her talent deserves. While her action sequences are commendable, the screenplay doesn’t allow her character to fully shine, leaving the audience yearning for more substance in her portrayal. The emotional nuances hinted at in her character’s romantic subplot remain unexplored, leaving a void in an otherwise dynamic ensemble.

Clichéd Storyline and Excessive Jingoism

“Fighter” falls prey to a somewhat clichéd storyline, a common pitfall in action films. The excessive jingoism, while expected in a movie of this genre, might be a turn-off for viewers seeking a more nuanced narrative. The film could have benefited from a deeper exploration of its characters, especially considering the talented cast at its disposal.

Technical Brilliance and Action Sequences

The film’s technical aspects, including cinematography by Satchith Paulose and visual effects by DNEG, contribute to its grandeur. The aerial action sequences are gravity-defying and deliver a pulse-pounding experience. The soundtrack by Vishal-Shekhar, though not groundbreaking, complements the film’s energy.

While the critical reception is mixed, with praise for the action and technical aspects, there’s a consensus that the film could have delved deeper into character development. The box office numbers, impressive at ₹208.27 crores worldwide, reflect the film’s commercial success despite its flaws.

“Fighter” successfully takes flight in the action genre, with Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor leading the charge. However, Deepika Padukone’s underplayed role, coupled with a somewhat clichéd narrative, leaves room for improvement. As the first instalment in a planned franchise, “Fighter” sets a high bar for aerial action, but future films should consider elevating the depth and prominence of all characters to truly soar to greater heights.

***

Beginning 2024 with a Dream Scenario was a great start to my movie year. The film follows Paul Matthews’ ordinary life, his sudden fame, and the challenges it brings. Nicolas Cage’s performance adds depth, exploring fame’s impact in a thought-provoking way. Despite its unlikely story, the movie makes us think about how social media shapes our perceptions of fame and reality.

Here’s an act-wise breakdown of the movie.

Act 1: The Mundane Life of Paul Matthews

Paul Matthews, an unremarkable and disenchanted family man, navigates a lacklustre existence as an unnoticed college professor. His career aspirations remain unfulfilled, clinging to past ideas without tangible progress. Despite a loving family, Paul perceives himself as an uninspiring figure, unaware of the contentment surrounding him. Nicolas Cage portrays this character, capturing his underwhelming presence and futile aspirations.

Act 2: The Bizarre Rise and Fall

When Paul becomes an inexplicable sensation, appearing in the dreams of countless strangers worldwide, his life transforms into a surreal celebrity status. Initially leveraging this inexplicable fame for personal gain, Paul’s unexpected turn to infamy confronts him with the harsh reality of public opinion. As his dream persona diverges drastically from his true self, societal scrutiny intensifies, leading to a rapid descent from adoration to vilification. The film questions the perception of celebrity and the disconnect between perceived and actual personas in a social media-driven world.

Act 3: Cage’s Captivating Performance and Thought-Provoking Themes

Nicolas Cage delivers a compelling performance, breathing depth into the complex character of Paul Matthews. Unlike his usual eccentric portrayals, Cage brings nuance and emotional resonance to the role, elevating the film beyond mere entertainment. Supported by a well-crafted script and a commendable ensemble cast, notably Julianne Nicholson, the movie cleverly examines pertinent themes of instant stardom and societal judgment in the age of social media.

Dream Scenario offers more than surface-level entertainment. While it showcases Cage’s remarkable acting prowess, the film prompts introspection and discussion about the modern phenomenon of overnight fame and its consequences. Despite its seemingly implausible premise, the movie’s exploration of societal perceptions and the dichotomy between public image and reality makes it a thought-provoking watch. 

At the core of this engaging experience lay the exceptional script, expertly blending confusion and clarity into a seamless whole. The twists and turns, though initially perplexing, eventually merged into a cohesive narrative that sparked both our intellect and emotions. It’s a compelling cinematic experience that warrants both enjoyment and contemplation.

Picture design from IMDb