Fateh movie review: Sonu Sood's bloodbath is brutally entertaining, film has strong intent with heart in right place

Director: Sonu Sood 

Star cast: Sonu Sood, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz, Naseeruddin Shah

Runtime: 2 hr 10 min

Where to watch: In cinemas

Rating: 4 stars 

Fateh Singh (Sonu Sood) a common man, working in Punjab, goes on a quest to bring back Nimrat Kaur (Shiv Jyoti Rajput) who falls into the trap of an app loan scam and cyber terrorism. In this pursuit, Fateh slays every possible threat, and he is accompanied by Khushi Sharma (Jacqueline Fernandez). Soon we realise that Fateh is more than just an ordinary guy. What follows is a nail-biting thriller that is gruesome but emotional at the same time. 

From 2023, action movies have been levelled up with blood, gore, and violence. Thanks to Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, a ruthless killing-machine protagonist has now become a minimum requirement for a film in this genre. Fateh isn't Animal or even Kill or Marco, and that's the biggest victory of actor-director-writer Sonu Sood. 

What makes Fateh stand apart from the titles mentioned above is the intent of the protagonist, the crux of the story and the convincing factor of Sonu Sood. The movie starts on a bloody note, with Fateh killing more than 80 people in a hotel room, and then getting injured in a bomb blast. The movie goes into flashback, and we are in for a rollercoaster ride. 

Fateh scores due to its storyline, which is relevant and sensible. In the digital age of app loan scams, UPI links frauds, Fateh makes you aware of cybercrime and how the syndicate works, how these faceless cyber-terrorists can enter your world through your phone and destroy your life forever. Without being too preachy, Fateh maintains the thrills and emotional core intact. 

The film doesn't waste time in introducing the boss of the cyber-terrorist, Raza (Naseeruddin Shah) and Satya Prakash (Vijay Raaz), and they are merciless parasites who prey on innocent souls and leave them bankrupt. They have their own ways to eliminate threats, they electrocute their enemies and put it on a live stream. 

Watch the trailer of Fateh

The movie was promoted as an actioner, but Fateh is more than that. There are only two action set pieces in the first half, and yet you are engaged in the narrative, and it's because of the screenplay. The movie goes full throttle in the second half, and you will see Sonu slaying baddies left right and centre. After a point, you'll forget the body count and still be rooting for Fateh Singh. 

Speaking about the performance, Sonu aces as an actor, director, and producer. Sonu showcased his untapped potential as an actor. Whenever he kills someone, it looks believable. Sonu can make you convinced that he can kill 40-50 people in a room and that he's not just an invincible killing machine. Vijay Raaz was good, still looks unutilised. Naseeruddin Shah has 6 scenes in the film, but he holds the narrative brilliantly. Jacqueline doesn't have much to offer but still shines in her parts. Fateh also wins due to slick editing and its 130-minute runtime. 

However, there are a few shortcomings, the first half could have been much better. The songs are forgettable, and the character arcs of Khushi, Raza, and Satya Prakash look incomplete. Overall, the intent of Fateh wins, it is an engaging action thriller. A movie like this should get support from filmgoers, as Sonu Sood makes impactful debut as writer-director. 

Also read: Sonu Sood admits South filmmakers tapped his true potential, reveals rejecting 'best of Bollywood' for regional cinema