Akshay Kumar’s “Sarfira” Review

Story:
“Sarfira” follows the inspiring journey of Vir Mhatre (Akshay Kumar), a man determined to fulfill his impossible dream of launching India’s first low-cost airline in 1998. Living on the outskirts of Jarendeshwar, Maharashtra, Vir’s life takes a turn when Rani (Radhikka Madan) arrives for an arranged marriage, intrigued by his ambition but insisting he must succeed first.

Despite facing numerous rejections from banks, Vir remains steadfast in his pursuit. His idol, Paresh Goswami (Paresh Rawal), the owner of Jaz Airlines, becomes the focal point of his aspirations. In a bold move, Vir spends his savings on a business class ticket to meet Paresh during a flight. However, his proposal is met with rejection, as Paresh believes his clientele wouldn’t accept traveling alongside common people.

Fortunately, Vir’s luck changes when Prakash Babu (Prakash Belawadi) from Fundflow Ventures is on the same flight and shows interest in his vision. With persuasive skills, Vir convinces the board that his airline can turn a profit through innovative strategies. Just as everything seems to be falling into place, Vir receives a shocking turn of events that tests his resolve and determination to achieve his dream.

Story Review:

“Sarfira”, inspired by the book *Simply Fly – A Deccan Odyssey*, presents a fascinating narrative by Sudha Kongara, with a gripping screenplay co-written by Kongara and Shalini Ushadevi. Pooja Tolani’s sharp dialogues enhance the storytelling. Kongara’s direction effectively unfolds an inspiring tale about the origins of low-cost air travel in India, filled with entertaining moments that maintain viewer interest.

Key scenes, such as Vir’s first encounter with Paresh Goswami on the flight and his pitch to Prakash Babu in an Udipi restaurant, stand out. The emotional weight of Vir struggling to gather money for his journey home is particularly poignant, leading to an unexpected intermission. The final 15 minutes are sure to resonate deeply with audiences.

However, the film does have its drawbacks, especially in the second half where pacing drops. While the romantic subplot adds charm, it also elongates the narrative unnecessarily. The portrayal of APJ Abdul Kalam feels overly dramatic compared to the original context. Additionally, *Sarfira* primarily appeals to urban audiences, and many viewers may not be interested in the intricate details of India’s low-cost airline origins, potentially limiting its broader appeal.

Performances:
Akshay Kumar delivers a superb performance, rich in emotion, excelling in both comedic and dramatic scenes, especially during the emotional moments. Radhikka Madan impresses with her confident portrayal, navigating a challenging role with ease. Paresh Rawal shines as the antagonist, evoking strong dislike for his character’s actions. Prakash Belawadi provides solid support, while R Sarathkumar, Anil Charanjeett, Iravati Harshe Mayadev, and the actor playing Vir’s father all contribute effectively in supporting roles. Seema Biswas leaves a significant impact, particularly in the flashback scene. Krishnakumar Balasubramanian and Saurabh Goyal deliver decent performances, while Jay Upadhyay adds humor as Rani’s mama. Rahul Vohra is fair as the DGCA official, and Suriya makes a striking appearance in a cameo. Overall, the cast elevates the film with their strong performances.

Technical Aspects:
G V Prakash Kumar’s music fits well within the narrative, though the soundtrack lacks a standout hit. Songs like “Maar Udi,” “Khudaya,” and “Dhokha” are soulful compositions. His background score is exhilarating. Niketh Bommi’s cinematography is stunning, while Falguni Thakore’s costumes are realistic. The production design by Arvind Ashok Kumar and Bindiya Chhabria feels authentic. Action sequences by ANL Arasu and Parvez Shaikh are minimal yet effective. VFX by NY VFXWaala and The VFX Triangle Studio adds appeal, though Sathish Suriya’s editing could have been tighter.

Verdict:

Overall, “Sarfira” delivers an inspiring story in an engaging way, anchored by Akshay Kumar’s strong performance. However, its box office prospects are likely to be limited due to its niche subject and lack of widespread buzz, leading to expectations of ordinary business performance. Despite its compelling narrative, it may struggle to attract a broader audience.

#Rating: 3/5

Director: Sudha Kongara
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal, Seema Biswas, Prakash Belawadi, and Anil Charanjeett
Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer: Niketh Bommi
Editor: Sathish Suriya