Fighter's Anil Kapoor Reveals What Went Into The Making Of Group Captain Rocky In BTS Video

Fighter, one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, made its debut in theatres on January 25. The evident success at the box office signals that Fighter has successfully captured the audience’s attention. Featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in leading roles, the film has become a focal point for movie enthusiasts. Additionally, seasoned actor Anil Kapoor plays a pivotal role in the action-packed narrative. He steps into the shoes of Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh aka Rocky.

Amid the raging success of the film, Anil Kapoor recently treated his fans to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of his character, Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, through a video shared on his social media platform. In the clip, Anil Kapoor, adopting his character’s call sign, Rocky, welcomes everyone to the sets of Fighter. Reflecting on his role, Anil Kapoor says, “Rocky, his demeanour is very strict and tough, very authoritative. But deep inside, he’s a very wet and emotional person.”

The BTS video also features producer and writer Ramon Chibb, praising Kapoor’s convincing portrayal of the character. “Anil Kapoor, the day he landed, that evening only he said I want to sit with my counterpart. A 65-year-old man playing a 45-year-old man. I’m telling he’s the most convincing group captain I have seen,” says Chibb.

Director Siddharth Anand shares Kapoor’s dedication to authenticity, highlighting the actor’s efforts to connect with officers to ensure accurate language and dialogue delivery. Anand expresses his privilege in witnessing Fighter as one of Anil Kapoor’s finest works, noting the actor’s transformative approach to embodying a character 20 years his junior.

He says, “He would come back to me like a newcomer and say, ‘Can I say this instead’. Fighter is not just another film for Anil sir, it just became his being. I feel privileged that Fighter will be one of his finest works. Rocky is supposed to be a character who is 45 years old. And when I told him that, he went into a spin and just transformed himself.”

Anil Kapoor sheds light on the challenges he faced during the film’s shoot, talking about the role of a commanding officer and a fighter pilot, he says, “The real challenge was that I’m playing a commanding officer and a fighter pilot. So, the physical transformation, I didn’t want to starve myself. So, I had to look fit and look that age also. That was a big challenge.”

The seasoned actor also remembers about his journey of playing characters in the armed forces, dating back to 1978 with the film Param Vir Chakra. Kapoor shares a heartfelt moment, expressing his hope that the late Raj Kapoor, a great filmmaker, would appreciate his portrayal of an Air Force officer, a role the legendary director had envisioned for him.

Deepika Padukone, who essays the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in the movie, praises Anil Kapoor’s infectious energy. “His energy is extremely infectious. He has a lot of love and a lot of respect. So, every time we were on set, it just felt really comfortable, and he just has this amazing, lovely energy, always curious,” she said about her Fighter co-star.

Watch the video here:

The male lead, Hrithik Roshan who plays Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania (Patty) in the movie, also reposted the video and gave a shoutout to Kapoor saying, “Meet the Commanding Officer of the Air Dragons – Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh aka Rocky!”

Before Fighter, Anil Kapoor was praised for his character Balbir Singh in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s blockbuster film, Animal, also starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.