Fateh Review

The year 2024 concluded with a bang in Marco, and 2025 kicks off with another adrenaline-pumping action flick, Fateh. Dubbed Bollywood's answer to Marco, Fateh retains the unflinching gore but shifts the narrative focus. While Marco explores the gritty underworld of smuggling and drugs, Fateh delves deep into the shadowy world of cybercrime.

Sonu Sood, a familiar face in Indian cinema known for his countless portrayals of antagonists and formidable sidekicks, takes a bold leap in Fateh. This marks his debut as a director and writer - all while playing the lead role. Shouldering such an array of responsibilities is no small feat, so can he deliver? The answer is a resounding Hell Yeah! With gripping action, a compelling storyline, and Sood's commanding presence both in front of and behind the camera, Fateh cements itself as an electrifying start to the year.

The entire narrative unfolds as a flashback, told from the perspective of the protagonist, Fateh (Sood). A former elite special ops officer burdened by a shadowy past, Fateh has chosen a tranquil life in rural Punjab, managing a dairy farm. However, his peace is shattered when a young village girl Nimrit (Shiv Jyoti Rajput) becomes the victim of a ruthless cybercrime syndicate run by Raza (Naseeruddin Shah), Satya Prakash (Vijay Raaz) and Nishit Biswas (Dibyendu Bhattacharya).

Driven by a singular purpose - to rescue her and bring her safely back to the village - Fateh embarks on a high-stakes mission. Along the way, he crosses paths with Khushi (Jacqueline Fernandez), a brilliant ethical hacker. Together, they form a formidable alliance, combining Fateh's tactical expertise with Khushi's cyber prowess to unravel a vast, nationwide web of deception.

From the outset, Fateh strikes a chord with audiences by tackling a highly relatable and pressing issue: the surge of cybercrimes involving online loans, extortion and exploitation. While the digital age has brought convenience, it has also exposed countless individuals to sophisticated scams - a reality the movie captures effectively.

Focusing on the rampant online loan frauds that have ensnared many unsuspecting Indians, the film sheds light on a crime wave that continues to wreak havoc in the real world. However, while originating in reality, the narrative takes quite a few creative liberties, amplifying the threat to a dramatic scale. In one gripping sequence, the cybercrime syndicate is portrayed as orchestrating an audacious heist targeting nearly 80 crore Indian bank accounts.

This blend of real-world relevance and heightened drama ensures that the film not only entertains but also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the digital age.

This movie takes a different approach to action compared to films like Kill, Max and Marco, which deliver relentless combat sequences from start to finish. Here the action is intermittent, but when it hits, it leaves an indelible mark. Each fight sequence is a visceral spectacle, rivaling the extreme gore of Animal, and pushing the boundaries further than any recent Indian movie.

What sets Fateh apart, however, is not just its brutality but its dialogues. The movie is peppered with lines that elevate it beyond a typical gory action flick to a cinematic experience rich in narrative depth and lasting impact. These lines are as much a weapon as the action itself, delivering a mix of sharp wit and profound commentary.

Sood dominates the film with his commanding presence as the lead. His expertise in executing high-octane action scenes is undeniable, and he delivers sequences that are both gritty and explosive. However, his performance falters when it comes to emotional depth. Even in scenes loaded with intense emotional weight, he often wears a dispassionate expression, which undermines the impact of those moments.

Vijay Raaz and Naseeruddin Shah, despite their limited screen time, leave lasting impressions. Both veterans ensure their brief appearances are memorable and impactful.

Jacqueline Fernandez struggles with a role that demands more than being a visual delight. Her Hindi delivery feels unconvincing, and her lack of emotional connection to the dialogue makes her performance appear hollow. She adds little beyond her presence to the narrative.

On the technical front, the movie is a masterclass in execution. The background score, composed by none other than Hans Zimmer - renowned for his work on Gladiator, The Last Samurai, The Dark Knight, Inception etc. - elevates every scene with its epic intensity. And the precision and choreography of the action sequences are on par with those of the John Wick series - that alone speaks volumes of the movie's technical finesse.

Fateh is marked by ambitious scope and remarkable execution. Sonu Sood's ability to helm a project of this scale and style deserves recognition and applause, especially given this is his first attempt - he delivers a high quality cinematic experience. This one is well worth your time and money.