Indian directorSiddharth Anandhas made his stake in the action-thriller genre clear, producing blockbuster after blockbuster, includingShah Rukh Khan’s theater-shattering epicPathaanearlier this year. Specializing in high-octane action sequences that are a feast for the eyes, Anand is buckling up to do it all again in his upcoming filmFighter. The star-studded film, which stars icons of Indian cinemaDeepika Padukone,Anil KapoorandHrithik Roshan, screamsTop Guninfluence in a first look teaser.
The video opens from the skies with three fighter jets soaring in perfect formation. In the background, a new, thunderous version of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” can be heard booming. Its use implies the trio could in some way be serving their country. As the camera pans down to the tarmac, we are introduced to Roshan in a dapper pilot uniform and sunglasses combination that rivalsTom Cruise’s classic look. Further afield is Padukone who looks every bit the ultimate boss in her own getup as she looks onwards whilst steaming down the runway – with gloves in hand. The final unveiling is Kapoor, who boats his usual effortless charm, looks to have stepped fresh off a flight with his aviation helmet in hand and a jet in his rearview. Beyond the highly-anticipated introductions and a 2024 release date for the film, nothing else is given away but the rapid transitions and emphasis on aviation hint at plenty of sky-high excitement.
Siddharth Anand Has a Legacy in the Action Genre
Anand’s reputation in the genre proceeds him, with a healthy portfolio packed with action offerings. It’s also not his first time dipping into Cruise influence as Khan-ledPathaanalso bellowedMission Impossiblein its soaring sequences and grand theming. If the first look is anything to go by, there is a good chanceFighterwill look toTop Gunfor inspiration. That coupled with Anand’s own footprint, which often marries up romance and drama into the bones of action stories, suggests we could also expect sparks to fly on the ground as well as in aerospace.
The film will be Roshan and Anand’s third collaboration after 2019 hitWarand 2014 offeringBang Bang!Meanwhile, Padukone and Anand last worked together inPathaanwhere she starred opposite Khan as a fierce secret agent with an aim of taking down a mounting threat from the inside. Although both actors have worked in the genre, neither have starred opposite one another before making for an interesting watch. Whilst the details are still sparse at this stage,Fighterevidently has all the makings to kick 2024 off with a bang.
Fighterlands in theaters on July 22, 2025, on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day. You can watch a teaser for the film below.
