Fateh Movie Review: Messy action film

Fateh is an action-thriller that unfolds around Fateh Singh (Sonu Sood), an ex-special ops officer turned dairy farmer, who’s dragged out of his peaceful life in Moga, Punjab, to confront a cybercrime syndicate. He takes an ethical hacker, Khushi (Jacqueline Fernandez) to take down the villains. What’s immediately evident is Sonu Sood’s magnetic screen presence. Whether he’s brooding in silence or cracking deadpan humour, Sood’s delivery makes it clear he’s a natural when it comes to action, his assassin persona bringing an undeniable charisma to the film.

Fateh’s entry scenes, before any fights kick off, are shot with such style and panache that you’d almost think you were watching the opening of a Hollywood film. Alas, the end product is not John Wick. And speaking of the action, the choreography in the fight sequences deserves a mention, sleek and satisfying, if slightly limited in quantity. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t maintain this fast-paced rhythm. The first half of the film meanders along at a snail’s pace, with a pacing problem that the editing doesn’t help. If you’re looking for a heart-pumping action ride, prepare to wait for the climax, where the stakes finally catch fire.

One can’t help but think that the film’s direction, helmed by Sonu himself, could have benefited from a bit more focus. There’s a certain “jack-of-all-trades, master of none” vibe, with the multi-tasking becoming the villain of the piece. Sonu has produced and directed the film and while his ability as an actor is undeniable, he may have been better off leaving the reins of direction to someone else. The film’s narrative falters, particularly when it comes to the backstory of Fateh and his relationship with Nimrit Kaur, his sisterly neighbour, played by Shiv Jyoti Rajput, which feels underdeveloped. Jacqueline does what’s required of her though the two leads don’t share a chemistry.

The supporting cast also gets caught in the web of missed opportunities. Prakash Belawadi as Aayappa sir, the senior figure from Fateh’s old organisation, has a promising grand entrance, only to fade into obscurity. The same fate befalls Vijay Raaz as the villain Satya Prakash and Naseeruddin Shah as the mastermind Raza — both characters are built up to be monumental, only to be dispatched with far too much ease in the end. It’s an underwhelming resolution, considering the weight of their introductions.

But let’s not get too bogged down in the nitty-gritty. Fateh ultimately benefits from Sonu Sood’s strong screen presence, and though the film trips over its own pacing and execution, there’s something undeniably charming about watching him stride through the mess. While the film stumbles, it’s a reminder that Sonu possesses quiet humour, sharp delivery, and sheer on-screen magnetism needed to carry a film. If not for the uneven direction, the film would have ended up as a cult actioner.

In short, if you’re a fan of Sonu Sood, Fateh offers plenty of him, albeit surrounded by a muddled mess.Fateh marks the directorial debut of Sonu Sood. Continue reading …Read More