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‘Sky Force’: A high-flying triumph of heroism, sacrifice, and cinematic brilliance

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Mumbai, Jan 23: As Republic Day 2025 approaches, ‘Sky Force’ doesn’t just soar through the skies, it soars straight into your heart. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, this film is an awe-inspiring tribute to the valiant men of India’s Air Force. It seamlessly blends heart-stopping aerial combat with an emotionally charged narrative, offering more than just an action flick—it’s a tribute to real-life heroes, both on-screen and off.

The film is set against the backdrop of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, and chronicles India’s first retaliatory airstrike, a defining moment that not only shifted the course of the war but also cemented the Indian Air Force’s place in history. At the heart of this gripping tale are two characters whose journeys will keep you glued to your seat, Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja (played by Akshay Kumar) and T. Vijaya (played by Veer Pahariya). A war movie this intense, this personal, is something Bollywood has rarely seen before.

The film kicks off with Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja, a seasoned and determined leader, on a mission to uncover the truth about his missing pilot, T. Vijaya. When Ahuja discovers that Vijaya may still be alive, it leads him down a path of revelation, sacrifice, and a bond that no one can break. What unfolds is not just a search for a missing pilot, but a testament to the unwavering courage and brotherhood between soldiers.

Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Wing Commander K.O. Ahuja is nothing short of spectacular. The man who fought for justice, led his men, and wore his duty like a badge of honor, Kumar brings the gravitas and emotion that makes Ahuja one of the most compelling characters in recent cinematic memory.

His performance isn’t just about being the stoic military commander—it’s the subtle vulnerability that shines through. Ahuja’s deep connection to his men, particularly the missing Vijaya, elevates Kumar’s performance to another level. There are moments in the film when his eyes do the talking, and that’s when you realize the true depth of his character.

Veer Pahariya, in his debut role, is an absolute revelation as T. Vijaya. Pahariya doesn’t just play the role of a fearless pilot—he embodies the spirit of sacrifice, rebellion, and valor. As Vijaya, a man who risks everything to defend his country, Pahariya channels both the youthful defiance and the gravity of a soldier who knows the cost of duty. His portrayal of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya MVC will surely leave a lasting impression. His emotional arc is brilliantly interwoven with the film’s action, and by the time he faces his final moments on screen, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, feeling every bit of his sacrifice.

Then there’s the powerhouse of supporting performances—Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur. Kaur’s portrayal of Ahuja’s wife offers a quiet, deeply emotional strength. While the world is engulfed in war, she holds the fort back home, a reminder that the battle isn’t only fought in the skies. Sara Ali Khan, as Vijaya’s pregnant wife, brings an emotional depth that adds even more weight to the film. Her struggle, caught between hope and despair, creates one of the film’s most heart-wrenching moments. Together, Kaur and Ali Khan humanize the toll war takes, not just on the soldiers, but also on those waiting back home.

What truly sets ‘Sky Force’ apart from other war films is the fusion of action and emotion. Kapur and Kewlani manage to balance the pulse-quickening aerial dogfights with intimate moments of vulnerability. The pacing is tight, and the direction doesn’t allow the film to lose its emotional focus, even in the midst of spectacular combat sequences. Every scene builds on the previous one, raising the stakes as the film progresses, ensuring you’re emotionally invested in both the fate of the pilots and the larger historical events.

Speaking of those aerial combat sequences, ‘Sky Force’ raises the bar for Indian action films. The flight sequences are nothing short of jaw-dropping, shot with such precision and realism that you feel like you’re strapped into the cockpit yourself. The dogfights are breathtaking, grounded in authenticity, with each plane’s movement feeling as if it’s a carefully calculated military maneuver rather than a CGI-heavy spectacle. The visual effects are top-notch, capturing everything from missile strikes to the twisting barrel rolls with such clarity and realism that you’ll be holding your breath through every second.

The VFX team deserves special mention for crafting these sequences with such attention to detail. The explosive airstrikes, the dogfights, and the painstakingly recreated historical moments are not just visually stunning—they’re intensely immersive. The action sequences in ‘Sky Force’ are designed with a purpose—they’re thrilling, yes, but they’re also integral to the film’s emotional heartbeat.

And then there’s the background score—if the action is what keeps your pulse racing, the music is what makes your heart swell. The score is epic in every sense of the word, driving the narrative, intensifying the tension, and underscoring the sacrifices made by the pilots. It’s perfectly timed, swelling during key moments and allowing the quieter, emotional scenes to resonate with the same power. The music doesn’t just accompany the action—it enhances it, making every combat sequence and emotional beat feel larger than life.

In the end, ‘Sky Force’ is a triumph in every sense. It’s an action-packed spectacle, yes, but it’s also a deeply human story about sacrifice, duty, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. With unforgettable performances, spectacular direction, and mind-blowing aerial combat, ‘Sky Force’ is a cinematic masterpiece that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best war films Bollywood has ever produced.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, along with Jyoti Deshpande under Jio Studios, ‘Sky Force’ is a landmark in Indian filmmaking. It’s a film that celebrates courage, a tribute to the heroes who defend the skies, and an unforgettable cinematic journey that will leave you in awe.

Director – Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani

Cast – Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur and Sharad Kelkar

Duration – 125 minutes

Rating – 4.5

Bollywood

Karan Johar to Shah Rukh Khan: ‘All hail the king of the MET’

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Mumbai, May 6: Global icon Shah Rukh Khan made a dazzling debut at the Met Gala 2025, setting the red carpet ablaze with his signature charm and style. His longtime friend Karan Johar couldn’t hold back, declaring, “the internet didn’t just broke into a gazillion hearts” the moment he stepped out.

Karan Johar to Shah Rukh Khan: All hail the king of the MET

Mumbai, Global icon Shah Rukh Khan made a dazzling debut at the Met Gala 2025, setting the red carpet ablaze with his signature charm and style. His longtime friend Karan Johar couldn’t hold back, declaring, “the internet didn’t just broke into a gazillion hearts” the moment he stepped out.

Wearing a sharp ensemble by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Shah Rukh looked dapper in a floor-sweeping black trench coat layered over an unbuttoned shirt. He completed chunky jewellery including eye-popping diamond-studded pendants emblazoned with “K”.

To add to the drama, he carried a walking stick with a tiger-top, which was completely in sync with this year’s theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”.

Karan took to his Instagram, where he shared a video of Shah Rukh walking out in style. The filmmaker captioned it: “All hail the king of the MET!!! The internet just broke into a gazillion hearts!!! Bhai you rule.”

He then shared a picture of Shah Rukh originally posted by the star’s manager Pooja Dadlani and wrote: “The King” along with the song “Here Comes The Hotstepper” playing in the background.

As per reports, Shah Rukh posed, smiled, waved and even treated fans with his signature pose.

The 2025 theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by Monica L Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, published in 2009. The fashion gala for the first time has put the spotlight on menswear.

The Met Gala is the annual haute couture fundraising festival held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in Manhattan. The Met Gala is popularly regarded as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event.

Attendees are given the opportunity to express themselves through fashion, often producing elaborate and highly publicized outfits inspired by the evening’s theme and broader cultural context.

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Maharashtra Day: Sonali Kulkarni opens about her Konkan hiking trail achievement

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Mumbai, May 1: Actress Sonali Kulkarni, who has been appointed as a brand ambassador of Maharashtra’s Public Service Commission, is celebrating Maharashtra Day on Thursday.

The actress is deeply in love with the state, which accounts for the highest GSDP in the country.

She revealed that she has completed the Konkan trail on foot taking inspiration from her father, who is an avid hiker.

The actress works across Marathi and Hindi cinema, and has been given the honour alongside music composer Shankar Mahadevan.

Speaking on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, the actress told Media, “May 1 holds a special place in my heart. It marks both Maharashtra Day and International Labour Day. I deeply value every individual who contributes through their work, whether it’s a makeup artist, someone from the production team, or support staff. I respect and appreciate the effort and time each person puts in. I consider myself a worker too, both at home and in my field. I’m not shy of doing any kind of work, and I take pride in every person who brings their labour and talent to the table.”

The actress called Maharashtra, a diverse land of artists and sportspersons, as she said, “In our national pledge, we say ‘sampanna aur vividhta se bhara desh’ and Maharashtra reflects that beautifully. We have exceptional writers, sportspersons, actors, and artists in the Marathi industry. Our language is rich and musical; it carries a unique rhythm, a ‘naad’ of its own. I speak fairly good Marathi and deeply love our traditions and cultural landscape. Maharashtra is a treasure trove of art and heritage. It’s my dream to take my family to all the forts I’ve visited.”

She further mentioned, “My father, an avid hiker, has explored every fort in the state. We’ve completed the entire Konkan walking path. My mother, a Warkari, once walked from Anandi to Pandharpur — a tradition I dream of following someday. I love our music, our deities, and our folk culture. I feel truly blessed — by default — to be born in Maharashtra.”

Sonali was feted as the brand ambassador of Maharashtra’s Public Service Commission with greetings from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Sujata Saunik and Ashish Shelar.

“It makes me feel very proud. Shankar Mahadevan ji and I will be the faces for this initiative. In the Ramayana, there was a small squirrel who helped Ram and his army to build the bridge to Lanka. She was tiny but did her bit. I feel equally responsible and powerful to be the messenger of the government for the public. As an actor, I believe it is my duty to support and contribute positively to the efforts of the government wherever I can,” she added.

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Indian cinemas biggest stars rally behind WAVES 2025 event in Mumbai

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Mumbai, April 19: The who’s who of the Indian film industry are set to attend the WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) in Mumbai.

On Saturday, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister of Railways of India took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a promotional video featuring the biggest stars of Indian cinema including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Vikrant Massey and Nagarjuna.

In the video, the actors talk about the upcoming event, and also reveal that the conversation will be taken forward by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

It’s also revealed in the video that the event will see thought leaders from the entertainment industry, and pioneers across the industries lending their inputs to the event.

The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is a global platform that unites pioneers, visionaries, and aspiring creatives from the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry.

The event is organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Create in India Challenge, and is poised to be a groundbreaking forum for discussions, collaborations, and transformative innovations.

It is sponsored by Netflix and orchestrated by Reskilll, and is set to redefine the future of storytelling, filmmaking, and digital content creation.

Waves Summit 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. With over 3,000 applications, only the top 600 candidates were meticulously selected and trained, ensuring a pool of highly skilled and passionate participants. The ‘Trailer Making Competition’, the event’s crown jewel, saw an overwhelming 134 entries, showcasing an array of creative talents eager to make their mark in the industry.

The event has seen over 3,000 applications, of which top 600 candidates have been selected and trained, ensuring a pool of highly skilled and passionate participants. The event is set to be held in Mumbai from May 1 to May 4 in the BKC area of Mumbai.

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