‘Sarfira’ Film Review: A Predictable Tale of Redemption

Paresh’s Portrayal in Soorarai Pottru: A Menacing and Commanding Presence

Growing up in the 90s, seeing an airplane in a Bollywood flick always made me anticipate Akshay Kumar’s presence either in it or around it. From his daring act in Khiladi 420 (2000), where he leaps from a mid-air biplane onto a hot-air balloon to rescue Mahima Chaudhry, to his recent roles in Airlift (2015) and Bell Bottom (2020), Akshay’s fondness for aviation has been evident. Even his brief appearance in An Action Hero (2022) is on a flight, fitting perfectly with his persona. The narrative of an ex-Airforce officer venturing into the low-cost airline business seems tailor-made for Akshay, aligning with his inclination towards social-savior themed dramas. While the amalgamation of Akshay, aviation, and social issues on screen might evoke nostalgia, Sarfira falls short in delivering a fresh and engaging experience. Being a near replica of Soorarai Pottru, the film feels contrived and lacks originality. It struggles to break free from the shadow of the original, with its highs appearing borrowed and failing to overcome the shortcomings of the source material. In the village, Veer Mhatre (played by Akshay), known for his fiery temperament and unkempt appearance, is viewed as a visionary by the locals. The story unfolds with Rani (played by Radhikka Madan), an independent woman, considering him as a potential husband. However, as their relationship develops, Veer candidly reveals his financial struggles to her family, pitching his ambitious idea of launching India’s first low-cost airline. Despite the initial skepticism, Rani’s smile hints at a budding romance. Yet, the journey ahead is bound to be turbulent, setting the stage for a compelling narrative.

Veer heads back to work and presents his idea to the wealthy and prejudiced aviation magnate, Paresh Goswami, portrayed by Paresh Rawal. After shaking Veer’s hand, Goswami sanitizes his own, setting a formal yet tense tone for their meeting. The encounter quickly turns sour as Goswami attempts to thwart Veer’s plans at every turn, setting the stage for a classic underdog story. The banter between Akshay and Paresh, known for their comedic chemistry, adds a light touch to the narrative, although it feels more like a familiar casting choice. While Paresh’s character mirrors the original from Tamil cinema, he lacks the menacing presence seen in Soorarai Pottru. On the other hand, Akshay’s portrayal of Veer lacks the gritty realism embodied by Suriya’s character in the original. Akshay struggles to convey the emotional depth required, particularly in the sentimental scenes, diluting the film’s impact.

Sarfira attempts to inspire with its tale of resilience against adversity but falls short due to its formulaic storytelling. The plot follows a predictable trajectory, making it challenging to distinguish itself from its predecessor, Soorarai Pottru. The lack of originality hampers the film’s ability to engage the audience, leaving little room for surprises or fresh perspectives.

In the context of the film industry, Soorarai Pottru made its mark on OTT platforms in 2020, garnering critical acclaim and national awards for its exceptional storytelling and screenplay. However, a theatrical release eluded the film. Sarfira appears to capitalize on the success of its predecessor by aiming for a cinematic release to reach a broader audience. Within the storyline, Veer’s refusal of a buyout offer from a prominent aviation figure, Walia, underscores his commitment to integrity and principles. This subplot adds depth to Veer’s character, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to his vision amidst external pressures.