Sarfira review: Akshay Kumar returns to form with must-watch emotional biopic that will make your heart swell with pride

Director: Sudha Kongara

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal

Where to watch: Theatres

Rating: 4 stars

Inspirational stories have the power to lift people, and Akshay Kumar's Sarfira is one such tale that deserves attention. It follows the life of Vir Mhatre (an ex-Air Force officer and the founder of Deccan Airlines, played by Akshay Kumar), a man from a Maharashtra village with an ambition to launch a low-cost airline for people who can't afford to travel by plane. Driven by this entrepreneurial spirit, Vir overcomes numerous challenges in his journey. Paresh Goswami (played by Paresh Rawal) dominates the aviation industry with his Jaz Airlines, making things tougher for him.

Vir's partner, Rani (played by Radhika Madan), is not just ambitious herself but also becomes Vir’s strongest support throughout his journey. She is fiery, practical, and self-assured, managing her bakery. Her story is as significant as Vir's.

Directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad, this film is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you feeling proud and teary-eyed. It's an inspirational journey with a simple message of never giving up. Everything, from the dialogue to the music, screenplay, and actors' performances, is spot-on. The movie shows the different phases of Vir's life, his youth, conflicts with his father, falling in love with Rani, and facing present-day challenges.

To be honest, it's been a while since we've seen a truly impressive movie starring Akshay Kumar. While recent films like Mission Raniganj and Raksha Bandhan had touching stories, they fell short in terms of quality. However, Sarfira stands out and is one of the best films I've seen him in in recent times.

Radhika Madan has done a fabulous job. Her dialogue delivery, screen presence, expressions are all impressive. She deserves a special mention; for nobody in the current crop of young Bollywood actresses could have done this role better than her. She brings a different energy to her role, and impressively holds herself alongside a star like Akshay Kumar.

Paresh Rawal, who leaves no stone unturned to make Vir’s life hell, has also done a commendable job. His obsession with sanitizing his hands when anyone touches him brings out his classist attitude. The supporting cast, including Prakash Belawadi, Anil Charanjeett, and Rahul Vohra bring emotion, strength, and life to the film. Overall, all the actors in the film have done justice to their characters. Suriya's cameo in the climax is a whistle-worthy moment. His stylish appearance is not to be missed.

Some stories need to reach people, and the story of Deccan Airlines is one of them. In today’s world, plane travel is convenient and affordable for many. But there was a time when it was a dream for middle and lower-class people. Air travel was accessible only to the wealthy. This film tells the story of a man who changed that perception and revolutionised the aviation industry.

I was on the top of my emotions while watching the biopic of Captain Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath (founder of Deccan Airlines). From the dialogue to the struggles portrayed, every middle-class person would be able to relate to this film.

One thing that really touched me is the message that having people who care about you and wish for your success can protect you from anything. There's a scene where villagers and Air Force officers come to support Vir when powerful businessmen and the system were trying to stop his business. It shows how when many people want you to succeed, no powerful person can harm you.

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