The movie, “Sarfira” is taking a leap in the Indian cinema even after remake of “Udaan”. It has taken center stage in Bollywood this year. Starring Akshay Kumar, the film chronicles the inspiring journey of Captain G.R. Gopinath, the founder of Deccan Air, a low-cost airline that revolutionized air travel in India for marginalized travellers. But how does the film fare in the eyes of critics? Let’s dive into the reviews of “Sarfira” to see if it soars or gets grounded.
A Tale of Inspiration and Challenges
“Sarfira” tells the story of Vir Mhatre (Akshay Kumar), a man with a dream of making air travel affordable for the common people. The film depicts his struggles against established airlines and a system resistant to change. Early reviews point out the film’s ability to inspire:
- Hindustan Times lauds the film for its “inspirational and moving biopic” qualities, praising the consistent emotional journey it takes viewers on.
- Reviewers acknowledge the power of the real-life story, with Bollywood Hungama highlighting the “better content” aspect of “Sarfira,” referencing the inspiring tale of Captain Gopinath.
However, not all reviews reach cruising altitude.
Familiar Territory and Missed Opportunities
Several critics point to the film’s familiarity and lack of innovation. Comparisons are drawn to the Tamil film “Soorarai Pottru,” which also tells the story of Captain Gopinath.
- Lensmen Reviews feels “Sarfira” is an “emotionally slimmer version” of the Tamil film, lacking the depth and lasting impact of the original.
- The Indian Express criticizes the film for relegating the struggles of Gopinath’s partners to the background, focusing primarily on Akshay Kumar’s character.
These reviews suggest that while the story itself is inspiring, the execution might not offer a fresh perspective for audiences familiar with the original tale.
Performances Take Flight
Despite the mixed reactions to the narrative, Akshay Kumar’s performance receives praise across reviews.
- Hindustan Times commends Kumar for “soaring in his 150th film,” delivering a performance that keeps viewers invested in the story.
- Reviewers acknowledge Kumar’s ability to portray the determination and resilience of Vir Mhatre.
Supporting actors also receive positive mentions. Seema Biswas’ portrayal of Vir’s mother and Paresh Rawal’s antagonistic role as a wealthy businessman are noted as strong performances.
A Final Verdict: Is “Sarfira” Worth Watching?
So, is “Sarfira” a must-watch? Reviews offer a mixed thoughts. In my opinion, before you watch Sarfira, I must say that you should watch “Soorarai Pottru: Uddan” it is available on Amazon Prime. If you’re looking for a feel-good, inspirational film and haven’t seen “Soorarai Pottru,” “Sarfira” might be a good choice, bolstered by Akshay Kumar’s performance. However, for those seeking a more nuanced and emotionally impactful story, the original Tamil film might be a better bet. Ultimately, the decision to watch “Sarfira” depends on your individual movie preferences and familiarity with Captain Gopinath’s story.