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By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | January 11, 2025 Rating: 3/5 The Essence: For fans of Bollywood action films and Sonu Sood, Fateh is worth a watch. It’s […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | January 11, 2025
Rating: 3/5
The Essence: For fans of Bollywood action films and Sonu Sood, Fateh is worth a watch. It’s an ambitious directorial debut that sets the stage for what could be an exciting franchise. However, for the series to truly stand out, a stronger narrative voice, and memorable performances from its ensemble cast will be the need of the hour.
Fateh marks the arrival of a new action hero on the Bollywood stage: Sonu Sood, transitioning from real-life pandemic saviour to reel-life vigilante. With his directorial debut, Sonu Sood delivers a film that aims to strike a balance between high-octane action, gritty storytelling, and emotional drama.
The movie centers around Fateh Singh (Sonu Sood), a righteous and skilled man on a mission to tackle cybercriminals who prey on middle-class victims with scams and loan frauds. The story starts with Fateh flattening a room full of men. We later learn that he is in pursuit of a missing girl, ensnared in a devious loan scam orchestrated by a powerful cybercrime syndicate. Naseeruddin Shah portrays Raza, the enigmatic and sinister leader of this network, with Soundous Essayd Moufakir as his assistant, Elena, who shadows him throughout the film.
Fateh’s journey is fuelled by a personal sense of justice, and his character’s quirks—such as his love for tea and his deadpan delivery—add a layer of relatability. However, his pursuit of justice is anything but ordinary. The film features several sequences where Fateh methodically dismantles his opponents, showcasing his intellect and physical prowess.
The action scenes are the film’s backbone, and they deliver in style. From hand-to-hand combat to larger-than-life sequences, Fateh pulls out all the stops. The theatre scene, where Fateh takes down seven criminals in one go, is reminiscent of The Equalizer (restaurant scene). However, while Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall dispatches enemies with swift precision, Fateh’s approach is more deliberate, dwelling on the violence with an intensity that may not appeal to all viewers.
In its quest to deliver an impactful action film, Fateh borrows heavily from Bollywood staples like Jawan, Pathaan, and Dabangg. The mix of graphic violence and stylized action feels familiar, and while it’s executed well, it’s hard to shake the sense that we’ve seen this before. The gruesome scenes, in particular, might leave some viewers cringing rather than cheering.
Sonu Sood carries the film on his broad shoulders, both as its lead actor and director. His portrayal of Fateh Singh is compelling, and he manages to strike a balance between intensity and vulnerability. His journey from an underdog to a one-man army resonates, even if the script doesn’t always give him enough depth to work with.
Jacqueline Fernandez plays Khushi Sharma, an ethical hacker who joins Fateh in his mission. While her character adds an interesting dimension to the plot, her performance feels underwhelming. Despite a few moments of spark, Khushi’s arc lacks the grit and substance needed to make a lasting impact. Her aversion to violence contrasts with her eventual involvement in Fateh’s quest, but this internal conflict remains largely unexplored.
Shivjyoti Rajput shines as Nimrit Kaur, a brief but impactful role that hints at her acting potential. Her portrayal brings authenticity to the character, and she leaves the audience wanting more. She’s a bright talent to watch out for.
Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz, both seasoned actors, seem underutilized in their roles. Naseeruddin’s Raza is menacing but lacks depth, while Vijay Raaz’s Satya Prakash fails to leave a memorable impression. They both look like they have been woken up from a slumber to give their shots. Soundous Essayd Moufakir’s Elena, with her eye-catching outfits and constant presence, is more eye candy, adding minimal substance to the narrative.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya as Nishit Biswas, the corrupt cop, is another disappointment. Known for his strong performances, Dibyendu seems restricted by a poorly written role. His character’s quirks, like the cucumber slices over his eyes, come off as forced rather than engaging. Even the cucumber is lazily sliced!
As a directorial debut, Sonu Sood’s effort deserves credit for its ambition. The film’s pacing is brisk, and the action sequences are choreographed with finesse. However, the screenplay occasionally falters, with uneven character development and predictable plot twists. The excessive reliance on graphic violence might alienate some viewers, as it overshadows the emotional core of the story.
The film’s cinematography effectively captures the gritty underbelly of cybercrime, and the background score amplifies the tension. Yet, there’s a lack of originality in the narrative. The influence of Hollywood action thrillers is apparent, and while homage is acceptable, Fateh struggles to find its voice amidst the comparisons.
The film’s ending teases a sequel, with a bullet fired in the final moments leaving the audience on a cliffhanger. While the end credits roll before revealing the outcome, it’s clear that the franchise aims to establish Fateh Singh as Bollywood’s next enduring action hero. For the sequel, stronger villains and a more layered plot could elevate the series. A formidable antagonist would not only raise the stakes but also give Sonu Sood’s character a more compelling challenge.
Additionally, the supporting cast needs better roles. Jacqueline’s character could benefit from a more nuanced arc, or perhaps the sequel could introduce a new partner with a flair for action and drama. The dynamic between the hero and his adversaries, as well as his allies, should be explored more deeply to create a richer narrative.
Fateh is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s an entertaining action film that showcases Sonu Sood’s potential as an action star and director. The action sequences are well-executed, and the film’s premise of tackling cybercrime is timely and relevant. On the other hand, the reliance on familiar tropes, underdeveloped characters, and excessive violence prevents it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of Bollywood action films and Sonu Sood, Fateh is worth a watch. It’s an ambitious directorial debut that sets the stage for what could be an exciting franchise. However, for the series to truly stand out, a stronger narrative voice, and memorable performances from its ensemble cast will be the need of the hour.
For now, though, brace yourself for the beginning of the Fateh franchise—a one-man action hero who’s here to stay.
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