"it normalises inappropriate behaviour in uniform"
Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter has become embroiled in another controversy as it has received a legal notice.
The legal notice is over a kissing scene between Patty (Hrithik) and Minni (Deepika Padukone).
It is reported that the notice was filed by Wing Commander Saumya Deep Das, an officer in the Indian Air Force.
The notice stated that the “IAF uniform is not merely a piece of clothing, it is a powerful symbol of unwavering commitment to duty, national security and selfless service”.
With the subject line ‘Legal Notice for Defamation, Insult and Negative Impact of Indian Air Force and its Officers’, the notice read:
“It embodies the highest ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation.
“By utilising this sacred symbol for a scene promoting personal romantic entanglements, the film grossly misrepresents its inherent dignity and devalues the profound sacrifices made by countless officers in service of our nation.”
The notice also accused Fighter of normalising romantic relationships in the Indian Air Force.
It continued: “Moreover, it normalises inappropriate behaviour in uniform, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the moral and ethical standards expected from those entrusted with safeguarding our borders.
“Kissing in uniform, on a runway which comes under the purview of a technical area, while portrayed as romantic, is considered grossly inappropriate and unbecoming of an IAF officer.
“As it contradicts the high standards of discipline and decorum expected from them.”
Fighter centres on Patty and Minni, two fighter pilots who are posted in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the story unfolds, they fall in love.
Throughout the film, the 2019 Pulwama attack, the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the 2019 India-Pakistan border clashes are mentioned.
This is not the first time that Fighter has landed in controversy.
When the trailer was released in January 2024, it faced backlash for its alleged anti-Pakistan themes.
Pakistani actress Hira Khan mocked the filmmakers and questioned their need to create such a film to make money.
“Sad that such big superstars need to bash Pakistan to make your movies work – I feel sorry for you guys.”
Hira also aimed a jibe at India by referencing a quote from Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.
She added: “They forgot to add the ‘Tea was fantastic also’.”
Meanwhile, Hania Aamir wrote:
“So sad and unfortunate to know that there are artists out there in this day and age who are aware of the power that the cinema holds and still go ahead and feed the riff between the two countries.
“I feel sorry for the artists who try to bridge the gap by trusting their art as a medium.
“Distasteful. Let art breathe.”
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