Sky Force starring Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur was released a few days ago. The movie has received positive reviews, and it has been doing a very good business at the box office. Sky Force is directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani. Free Press Journal interacted with Abhishek recently, and spoke to him about the film’s success, comparison with Fighter, and a lot more…
How has life changed after Sky Force release?
Nothing has changed so far apart from just being happier. You know when you have been working on something for two and a half years and it is being very well appreciated and accepted all over, you just feel happy and content. I and Veer went to a few theatres, just to see the overwhelming reaction.
The movie has received fantastic reviews. A lot of critics called it a ‘National Award’ winning film. Of course, box office is important, but reviews come in first. So, how was that feeling when you read such positive reviews?
We were extremely nervous. But, we had shown the film earlier to some people and we were appreciated. Dino sir (Dinesh Vijan) and Amar sir (Amar Kaushik) were confident, and confidence of your producer always puts you at ease. But, the nervousness peaks when the Friday is getting closer. So, I was very fortunate that I went for the critics screening. I was just quietly standing at a side, nobody knew me, none of critics knew me and I could just see the reaction that they were clapping. When the climax came I could see females who were in the age of around 60, they were wiping their tears with their chunni. I saw a video of a man who said that he doesn’t cry ever, but after watching the film, he can’t stop crying. So, that was happening right in front of me. I was like what is happening? It is difficult to process that you film is being so well received.
Last year, Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter had released which was also based on IAF. Sky Fore and Fighter are set in two different eras, but people are comparing both the movies. So, what you have to say about this comparison?
I would just take pride in it. I really look up to Siddharth Anand, he has given Pathaan, Fighter. He is one of the most sort out directors of the country; he is one of the biggest filmmakers of our country, so for a debutant director to be compared to a director of that calibre, I would just take immense pride in it. But, somewhere I would say it is not right to compare two films just because they are based on air force. That film is completely different, our film is completely different. Ours is a story based in 1965, his film is based on Balakot, but said in a different way. But yes, if people are comparing I take pride in it. Fighter is a super hit film, I have seen it thrice, I love Hrithik Roshan, I love Siddharth Anand. So, if you are comparing me to my idols than thank you, that’s great.
There was a lawyer and an influencer who had posted on social media that Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya was from Kodava community, but you have shown him as a Tamilian. So, what do you have to say about the controversy?
Honestly, I have seen that but I am aware of it, and I would like to apologize if we have hurt someone’s sentiments. But, you know when you make a film on a real hero, we had to get the air force parts right and for that we did all our research. However, when it comes to this, it becomes very difficult. Our teams did all the possible research, but if we didn’t adhere to something, I would like to apologise. Fortunately, for us, we didn’t take the real names as we knew that if we take the real names somebody somewhere might feel offended because there are so many people related to this one human.
What’s happening next for you?
So, right now, I am reading scripts. I have not finalised anything, it is too early. I am enjoying the appreciation of Sky Force.
