Fateh Movie Review: Sonu Sood’s Attempt at Blending International Action with a Desi Touch

Animal, Marco, Kill… and now Fateh. These films share a common thread—an unrelenting focus on violence. In Fateh, Sonu Sood’s directorial debut, blood and gore dominate the narrative, masquerading as a story meant to shed light on cybercrime. Unfortunately, it falls short of delivering on that promise.

What’s Fateh About?

At its core, Fateh revolves around the menace of fake loan apps, where victims are relentlessly harassed for money recovery with exorbitant interest rates. Sonu Sood stars as Fateh Singh, a former secret agent and contract killer. The story kicks off when a young girl from his village in Punjab goes missing. Fateh’s search leads him to Delhi, where he discovers she’s entangled in a dangerous international scam orchestrated by the sinister Raza (Naseeruddin Shah). The film follows his quest to save her and unravel the conspiracy.

While the plot begins with promise, it quickly loses its way. The cybercrime backdrop feels interchangeable with any other issue, as the focus shifts entirely to stylized action sequences. From drilling into a man’s mouth to gouging eyes out, the film revels in bloodshed, with a climax heavily reminiscent of Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal.

Where Fateh Falters

Sonu Sood’s direction is commendable, but the screenplay—co-written with Ankur Pannu—offers nothing new. Despite attempts at slick choreography, the constant action eventually loses its shock value. The digital scam, supposedly the film's core theme, is treated superficially, leaving audiences with little insight into the real-world issue.

The film gives an impression of being an awareness campaign, but by the end, viewers are unlikely to take away anything of substance.

Jacqueline Fernandez, playing an ethical hacker, is reduced to a damsel in distress, limited to crying, screaming, or waiting to be rescued. Naseeruddin Shah’s talent feels underutilized, with his role confined to sneering at computer screens—a performance that could likely have been completed in a day.

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The Saving Grace

Amidst the chaos, Sonu Sood remains the anchor. His heavy-duty action sequences are convincing, and his attempt to infuse an international flair into the fight scenes is evident. The film’s title track, sung by Arijit Singh, pairs well with the overall tone and adds a touch of gravitas.

While Fateh doesn’t break new ground in the action genre, its polished action sequences and international treatment may appeal to fans of high-octane thrillers.

Final Verdict

Fateh tries to strike a balance between an important message and action-packed entertainment but ultimately tilts too heavily toward style over substance. Sonu Sood’s dedication is evident, but the film’s reliance on excessive violence and a weak narrative undermines its potential. For those seeking slick action with a touch of desi flavor, Fateh might be worth a watch—but don’t expect much beyond the surface.