Direction: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada
Rating: 2 stars
First and foremost, congratulations to the creators for presenting a patriotic film titled ‘Operation Valentine’ featuring Telugu hero Varun Tej, which depicts the tense moments of the Pulwama attack and the subsequent IAF missions to bomb a terrorist camp in PoK. While the events are not explicitly named, it is evident to the audience. Varun Tej portrays a daring fighter pilot who takes on more risks than necessary, showcasing his character’s depth and physicality. However, the film lacks emotional depth and relies heavily on patriotism, which may disappoint commercial film viewers. Adapting such stories for the screen is no easy feat.
Director Shakti Pratap Singh attempts to incorporate a love story between IAF officers Varun Tej and Manushi Chillar, but it gets overshadowed by the anti-Pakistan sentiment dominating the narrative. The back and forth storytelling fails to engage the audience, with hero Varun Tej and his colleagues mostly engaging in dogfights while exchanging IAF jargons. The film lacks the necessary drama, songs, and comedic relief expected in commercial cinema.
The story follows Wing Commander Varun Tej coping with the loss of his friend during a risky fighter plane test. His lover Manushi Chillar joins him on a mission but is troubled by his reckless behavior. As Varun embarks on a critical mission, the film explores whether he can successfully complete it. Varun Tej’s performance as a fighter pilot falls short of expectations, while Manushi Chillar delivers a commendable performance. Cinematography by Hari K Vedantam shines with breathtaking visuals, but the soundtrack by Mickey J Meyer fails to make an impact.
Director Shakti Pratap Singh must be appreciated for highlighting the valor and bravery of the IAF in a patriotic film. However, relying solely on patriotism does not make for a compelling cinematic experience. More nuanced storytelling and character development are essential for engaging the audience in a big-ticket film.