Fighter

Shamsher Pathania, known to his crew as Patty, is a reckless yet brilliantly capable squadron leader who pulls together India's best combat aviators to form Air Dragons in response to a militant assault pressing Kashmir. The group includes Minal Rathore, nicknamed Minni, fearless in the cockpit; Rakesh Jaisingh, called Rocky, steady and loyal; Sartaaj Gill, known as Taj, a sharp tactician; and Saanchi Gill, whose resilience keeps the team grounded. They embark on perilous air missions that push both their aircraft and their nerve to the brink. The squadron faces drone swarms, hostile fighters and weather that tests every decision. As dangerous sorties mount and personal traumas surface, the bond among crew members becomes the shield against fear and chaos. The production leans on practical effects, real aircraft and on location shoots in rugged terrain, with a tactile soundscape that puts viewers in the cockpit.

Released in 2024, Fighter is steered by Abbas Dalal and Siddharth Anand with Ramon Chibb among the producers, a rare cross studio collaboration. The project foregrounds military aviation and original storytelling, backed by a budget of about 30.07 million dollars and practical combat sequences. Filming took place across mountain ranges and desert airfields to capture the realism of aerial operations, with flight training sessions designed to reflect authentic procedures.

Fighter earned approximately 43.16 million USD worldwide, reflecting a solid performance against its 30.07 million dollar budget. The figures suggest a respectable global footprint for a high stakes action drama released in 2024.

Awards: No major nominations or wins are listed to date. While the film showcases a large ensemble and ambitious aerial sequences, its recognition has not yet translated into a trophy tally.

Reception and themes: Critics note the rapid aerial sequences and the focus on leadership under pressure. Shamsher Pathania guides Minni, Rocky, Taj and Saanchi through missions, balancing duty with burden. The film weighs courage against fear, loyalty against doubt, and the cost of flight while keeping teamwork as its central message.