Indian filmmaker Siddharth Anand’s latest Hindi outing, Fighter, has been making waves at the global box office, inching close to the $40 million mark. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, the movie was released on January 25 to great anticipation.
Within its first fifteen days, Fighter grossed an impressive $27 million in India alone. The film kicked off its box office journey with a strong opening collection of $4.5 million, taking advantage of the extended weekend in the country as it coincided with Republic Day, resulting in a four-day weekend. On its first day alone, Fighter raked in $3 million.
The film gained significant attention globally as well, topping Comscore's list of highest-grossing films worldwide during the weekend ending January 28, with a total global gross of $25.1 million. In the US, Fighter earned $3.7 million and secured the seventh spot on Comscore's list of top-earning films during the same weekend.
Fighter is the fifth Indian film and the third Hindi film to dominate the Comscore list in recent times. Previously, the Hindi films Brahmastra Part One: Shiva and Animal had also grabbed the top position. Other Indian films such as RRR and Master have also achieved this feat.
In its first week, Fighter collected nearly $30 million worldwide, with $16 million coming from India. The film witnessed significant growth during its second weekend, capitalizing on strong weekend box office numbers. However, its collections experienced a expected dip on the weekdays, resulting in a net collection of $23 million by the end of the second week in India.
Loosely based on real-life incidents near the India-Pakistan border in 2019, Fighter intricately weaves in references to the Balakot airstrikes and Pulwama terror attacks. The movie draws inspiration from Hollywood's Top Gun, especially in its thrilling action sequences. The visuals are visually stunning, with beautifully framed shots that enhance the viewing experience.
The star power and screen presence of Kapoor, Roshan, and Padukone add to the charm of Fighter. Ashutosh Rana also delivers a standout performance, despite limited screen time, adding gravitas to the film. However, the movie falls short in terms of writing. A more coherent and rational screenplay and dialogues could have made Fighter even more engaging.
Fighter has received praise from retired Major General GD Bakshi, an Indian combat veteran, who described it as a 'great and befitting tribute' to Indian air warriors. Bakshi commended the thrilling action sequences and Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of a fighter pilot, even comparing him to Tom Cruise.
Before its release, Fighter held a special premiere in New Delhi for the Indian Air Force, attended by over a hundred decorated officers, including Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.
With its impressive box office performance and positive reception, Fighter reaffirms the popularity and global appeal of Indian cinema. As the film edges closer to the $40 million mark, it continues to captivate audiences across the world with its action-packed storyline and star-studded cast.
