Siddharth Anand Claims Fighter Failed Due to 90% of Indians Not Flying in Planes
Director Siddharth Anand’s recent comments regarding the box office reception of “Fighter” have sparked controversy and criticism on social media. Following the film’s release in theaters on January 25, Anand addressed the film’s performance in an interview with Galatta Plus, attributing its lackluster opening day numbers to the unfamiliarity of the Indian audience with the aviation genre.
Pathaan was hit because 90% Indians are RAW agents pic.twitter.com/rj0D9oMowa
— Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) February 2, 2024
Anand remarked, “Fighter is a huge leap. As filmmakers to do in this in the country, and the kind of genre it is. Its a space that is unexplored, and is absolutely new. It has no reference point for the audience, that means what they are seeing is a little… accha… such big stars, a commercial director, accha ye planes kya kar rahi he (what are these planes doing)? I am like is this my film, I don’t know this. If you realize, there is a huge percentage of our country… I would say 90% who have not flown in planes! Who have not been to an airport! So how do you expect them to know what’s happening in the air?”
However, Anand’s remarks have been met with skepticism and mockery on social media, with individuals drawing comparisons to other successful films. One user quipped, “Pathaan was hit because 90% Indians are RAW agents,” in reference to Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 blockbuster “Pathaan,” while another joked, “And Dangal was a blockbuster because 130% indians are into wrestling,” alluding to the 2016 sports drama directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Moreover, Anand’s assertion that “Fighter” resonates as an emotionally grounded and relatable story, despite its unfamiliar genre, has been met with skepticism by the online community.
Despite the controversy, “Fighter” is intended as a tribute to the sacrifice and patriotism of the Indian armed forces, portraying a new elite unit, Air Dragons, commissioned by the Air Headquarters in response to militant activities in the Srinagar Valley.
I mean I can understand #Tejas makers giving such random excuses.
But this coming from a brilliant filmmaker like #SidharthAnand is very unfortunate.
Bro, grow up, accept the failure and move on.
You have a loyal fan waiting to see your next one in the theatres. ❤️#Fighter pic.twitter.com/k1h6MftjDU— Susim Mohanty (@altertwit) February 3, 2024
