Director: Sudha Kongara
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal, Prakash Belawadi
Stars: 3/5
‘Sarfira’, a remake of Suriya’s ‘Soorarai Pottru’, is an inspiring and skillfully-crafted underdog saga that makes an impact despite its limitations. The Sudha Kongara-directed film centres on Veer (Akshay Kumar), a pilot-turned-businessman, who tries to rervolutionise the aviation industry by launching a low-cost airline for the common man. He, however, soon realises that this is easier set than done.
The basic storyline is quite relatable as it explores the simple aspirations of the middle class and examines the challenges faced by an ambitious commoner as he tries to fulful his dreams. The promising plot reaches its potential mainly because of the earnest screenplay. ‘Sarfira’ begins with an intense sequence in which Veer tries to facilitate an emergency landing in a “restrictred” area. The scene has a sense of urgency, which compels the viewer to take an interest in the reel action.The focus then shifts to the past as the audience is re-introduced to Veer. These sequences though well-executed are a bit on the slower side.
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The romantic track between Veer and Rani (Radhika Madan) too takes some time to get going. However, it eventually proves to the film’s backbone. The chemistry feels raw and natural, which is the hallmark of Sudha’s brand of storytelling.
The proposal scene is one of the most memortable sequences of ‘Sarfira’. It chrikes a chord as Akshay Kumar restrains himself with ease and let’s Radhika own the scene. Sudha also manmages to highlight the challenges faced by them in their relationship through am intense yet subdued scene where a frustrated Veer confronts Rani. The first half ends with with a heart wrenching sequence in which Akshay channels his character’s anger with ease.
Generally speaking, a film peaks in the post-imnterval interval portions as the world is already established. Sadly, this isn’t the case with ‘Sarfira’. The second half has its moments but doesn’t really rise above the standards set by the first one. Moreover, some of the big twists are predictable. Moreover, despite its emotionally-charged climax, the film does not feature any “theatre moments”. The lack of mass elements and hero elevation serquences makes it less appealing to the wider audience.
Similarly, the subplot involving Veer’s strained equation with his father feels forced and cliched. The scenes with the mother (Seema Biswas) too don’t leave much of an impact.
Coming to the performances, Akshay Kumar elevates the well-written character with his striking screen presence. Moreover, he is at his vulnerable best in his scene with Radhika. Paresh Rawal, who plays Veer’s rival Paresh Goswami, excels in a role that is quite different from his Bollywood roles. Radhika shines in a role that breaks the stereotypes associated with the conventional Bollywood heroine. Much like Ezhil Madhi from ‘Saala Khadoos’, Rani is a fiercely independent rather than “just a pretty face” The supporting cast, which includes the likes of Sarathkumar and Prakash Belawadi, serves its purpose.
GV Prakash Kumar’s tunes gel well with the narrative, something that gives them situational appeal. However, they don’t stay with the listeners. Niketh Bommi’s camerawork blends with the film’s realistic nature. Similarly, the editing is passable as the film doesn’t drag much.
To sum up, ‘Sarfira’ is a faithful remake of Soorarai Pottru and it gives Akshay Kumar a good platform to experiment with his image.