Why Sudha Kongara named the Hindi remake of Tamil hit ‘Soorarai Pottru’ as ‘Sarfira’ is something only she knows. Yet, the story of the hero, who brought India’s first low-cost airline to life, now unfolds with Akshay Kumar in the lead. The film ‘Sarfira’, a Hindi remake of the Tamil film ‘Soorarai Pottru’, tells the story of Captain Gopinath, a former Indian Army captain who succeeded in establishing Air Deccan. This airline, despite its initial success, has since ceased operations. However, Captain Gopinath’s legacy lives on through government initiatives like UDAN, which aim to provide affordable air travel.
From ‘Ghajini’ to ‘Singham’ to ‘Force’ to ‘Sarfira’
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal in ‘Sarfira’ brings high expectations. Tamil actor Suriya received the National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Soorarai Pottru’. Hindi remakes of Suriya’s films have previously seen success with movies like ‘Ghajini’, ‘Singham’, and ‘Force’. In ‘Sarfira’, Akshay Kumar, at 56, attempts to depict a young man who couldn’t attend his father’s funeral due to a lack of funds for air travel, which motivates him to start a low-cost airline. The film adapts incidents from Captain Gopinath’s book ‘Simply Fly’ into an engaging narrative, and Akshay strives to fit into the character’s age and story.*
Biopic Specialist Akshay Kumar’s New Venture
Akshay Kumar has proved his mettle in biographical films like ‘Padman’, ‘Samrat Prithviraj’, ‘Mission Raniganj’, ‘Kesari’, and ‘Airlift’. However, these films show that while Akshay is talented, his distinct mannerisms sometimes hinder his ability to blend into biopic roles. His signature walk, hand gestures, and crying style have become predictable, posing a challenge for directors who aim to push him out of this mold.
A Story Shaped by Marathi Influence
Set against the backdrop of Maharashtra, the characters in ‘Sarfira’ speak Hindi mixed with Marathi. Akshay Kumar, his friends, and his on-screen wife, Radhika Madan, incorporate a poetic Marathi lilt into their conversations, though this varies with different characters. The film’s frequent Marathi reminds viewers of Baburao from ‘Hera Pheri’, where Paresh Rawal, who also plays a significant role in ‘Sarfira’, delivered memorable lines. Despite these echoes, the narrative of ‘Sarfira’ remains distinct. It emphasizes that many airlines inspired by Air Deccan have ceased operations, including Air Deccan itself.
Unmasking the Story
‘Sarfira’ indirectly comments on alleged corruption in the Civil Aviation Ministry during the UPA regime. It highlights the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including Ratan Tata, in starting airlines. Both the Tamil original and its Hindi remake aim to shed light on these bureaucratic hurdles. While ‘Soorarai Pottru’ was released on OTT platforms, ‘Sarfira’ hits theaters. Noteworthy performances include Akshay Kumar’s friends and Prakash Belawadi. Seema Biswas’s presence is always appreciated. However, there is nothing particularly remarkable about the film’s music and technical aspects. Paresh Rawal’s involvement, more as a favor to the filmmakers, lacks the enthusiasm seen in his past performances.
