Sarfira (2024) - "A common man dream to Start a Airline"

Directed by: Sudha Kongara

Screenplay by: Sudha Kongara, Shalini Ushadevi
Dialogue by: Pooja Tolani
Story by: Sudha Kongara
Based on: Soorarai Pottru by Sudha Kongara
Produced by: Aruna Bhatia, Vikram Malhotra, Jyothika, Suriya
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Radhika Madan
Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy
Edited by: Sathish Suriya
Music by: G. V. Prakash Kumar, Tanishk Bagchi, Suhit Abhyankar
Production companies: Abundantia Entertainment, 2D Entertainment, Cape Of Good Films
Distributed by: Pen Marudhar Entertainment
Release date: 12 July 2024
Running time: 153 minutes
Country: India
Language: Hindi

Plot:

"Sarfira" revolves around a common man, Veer (Akshay Kumar), who dreams of starting his own airline in the competitive world of startups and aviation. The film is a remake of the acclaimed Tamil movie "Soorarai Pottru," and follows a similar storyline, detailing Veer's struggles, determination, and ultimate success against the odds.

Performances:

• Akshay Kumar (Veer): Akshay brings life to the character of Veer, showcasing his determination and resilience. While he performs admirably, his portrayal does not entirely capture the impact created by Suriya in the original film.
• Radhika Madan: Radhika plays her part well, embodying the strong, brave, and independent characteristics typical of Sudha Kongara's heroines. However, she does not quite match the intensity of Aparna Balamurali from "Soorarai Pottru."
• Paresh Rawal: Paresh delivers a solid performance in his role, adding depth to the narrative.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting actors, including the actor portraying Veer's mother, perform adequately, but lack the impact of their counterparts in the original.

Technicians:

• Direction and Wr
  iting: Sudha Kongara directs the film, largely sticking to the original storyline with some scenes even removed, which makes the film feel incomplete at times.
• Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy's cinematography is competent, capturing the essence of the aviation world effectively.
• Editing: Sathish Suriya's editing is decent, though some cuts make the narrative feel choppy.
• Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar’s music is a mixed bag. While the background score for the lead characters retains the original charm, the rest of the film features new music that doesn't quite hit the mark.

Strengths:

• Akshay Kumar's Performance: Akshay's portrayal of Veer is a highlight, showcasing his dedication to the role.
• Story Concept: The inspirational story of starting an airline from scratch remains compelling.

Weaknesses:

• Casting Choices: The casting of some roles, particularly the character played by Sharath Kumar, feels miscast. Mohan Babu's role in the original was much more impactful.
• Incompleteness: The removal of certain scenes from the original makes the film feel incomplete and less impactful.
• Comparison with Original: Akshay’s performance, though commendable, does not reach the emotional depth and impact of Suriya’s portrayal in "Soorarai Pottru."

My Personal Take on This Film:

"Sarfira" is a well-intentioned remake of the critically acclaimed "Soorarai Pottru." While it aims to capture the essence of the original, it falls short in several areas. Akshay Kumar delivers a solid performance, but it lacks the emotional resonance of Suriya's portrayal. The removal of certain scenes and changes in casting choices detract from the overall impact of the film. The narrative feels incomplete and fails to fully engage the audience.

The film's strength lies in its inspirational story and Akshay's dedication to his role. However, it misses the mark in recreating the magic of the original. For viewers who have not seen "Soorarai Pottru," "Sarfira" may still offer an engaging experience. For those familiar with the original, this remake might feel like a less impactful version.

Rating: 2.5/5