In a candid conversation with The Pioneer, Sandeep Kewlani, the director of the blockbuster film Sky Force, shares the inspiration behind the movie, the meticulous research that shaped its authenticity and the challenges of bringing large-scale aerial combat sequences to the big screen. Kewlani’s passion for storytelling and his dedication to honoring the heroes of the Indian Air Force shine through in this exclusive chat
Sandeep Kewlani’s directorial debut, Sky Force, is more than just a film—it’s an immersive experience that brings the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force to life. With Akshay Kumar leading the cast, this high-stakes action drama has taken audiences by storm, making its mark as a standout entry in the 100-crore club.
Kewlani was captivated by the idea of Sky Force because there have been very few films about the Air Force in Indian cinema. The film offered a unique opportunity to explore the depth and intensity of an Air Force officer’s life—showcasing not just their high-octane missions but also their deep-rooted sense of duty, camaraderie and the emotional sacrifices they make. “At its core, the film reflects the powerful mantra, ‘We never leave one of us behind.’ We wanted to bring that emotional depth to the screen,” he explains in a chat with
The Pioneer. To enhance realism, the team incorporated real aircraft sounds, making sure the audience could feel the sheer power of high-speed jets and the intensity of the situations the officers navigate.
But more than just an action-packed spectacle, Sky Force is an emotional journey—one that pays homage to the unsung heroes who serve the nation.
For Kewlani, finding the right balance between action and emotion was crucial. “The film is emotionally driven, focusing on sacrifice and the grief of families, while the action sequences—especially the air combat—highlight the risks and courage of the Air Force.”
One of the most poignant aspects of the film is its exploration of the families left behind when an officer goes missing in action. Inspired by the real-life story of A.B. Devayya, Sky Force captures the harrowing uncertainty that families endure—waiting endlessly for answers that may never come. “The goal was to create a thrilling yet deeply moving experience, where the emotion stays with the audience long after the action ends,” Kewlani says.
Developing the characters was a challenge, especially with limited information available on real-life pilots like O.P. Taneja, A.V. Devayya and Pakistani pilot Amjad Hussain. To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers collaborated with Air Force officers, including Wing Commander Abhijit Gokhale, who provided valuable insights into the officers’ behavior, protocols, and body language. “We wanted to ensure that the emotional arcs felt natural and relatable,” Kewlani says. Akshay Kumar’s character, for instance, carries a certain vulnerability—mirroring real-life details like O.P. Taneja’s chain-smoking habit, which Kumar accurately portrayed using herbal cigarettes.
The families of Taneja and Devayya were deeply moved by the authenticity, expressing gratitude that their loved ones were represented with such care and accuracy.
A film of this scale demanded top-tier visual effects and action choreography. The team conducted extensive research on aircraft capabilities—understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different fighter jets.
Collaborating with action director Craig (a pilot himself) and Wing Commander Gokhale, the filmmakers choreographed the aerial combat scenes with precision. The visual effects were handled by industry giants DNEG and Prime Focus, bringing Hollywood-level expertise to the project. With shoot locations spanning London, Hyderabad and Mumbai, the team worked tirelessly to create action sequences that felt dynamic and real. “A dedicated team of 1,000-1,500 people worked behind the scenes to bring these intense moments to life,” Kewlani reveals. In today’s fast-paced entertainment industry, holding the audience’s attention is a challenge. Kewlani ensured Sky Force was a tight, gripping experience. “We kept the film at a crisp two hours, knowing that attention spans are shorter. Every scene—whether action-packed or emotional—was strategically positioned to maintain momentum.”
From the screenplay to the sound design, every element was fine-tuned to keep viewers immersed in the story. “The goal was to make the audience feel the reality of the film, keeping them captivated from start to finish.”
Filming Sky Force came with its fair share of challenges. One of the most difficult sequences was the high-intensity train scene shot in Jaisalmer. With a moving train, bullets flying and an aircraft circling above, coordinating the action was a logistical nightmare. The extreme heat added to the struggle, with half the crew hospitalised on the first day. “The climax was also a massive challenge. We had only one day to shoot it, so we used 5-6 cameras to capture every angle. There was immense pressure, but Akshay Kumar’s performance, especially in the emotional moments with Tabby’s story, made it all worthwhile.” When the audience gave a standing ovation, it was clear that all the hard work had paid off.
Akshay Kumar’s involvement was instrumental in bringing Sky Force to life. “He’s naturally jovial and keeps the atmosphere light, but his performance in Sky Force was intense and deeply emotional,” Kewlani shares. Kumar’s ability to balance action and subtle nuance made his portrayal one of his most powerful to date.
His return to action films post-COVID was highly anticipated, and his star power played a crucial role in drawing audiences back to theatres. “His loyal fanbase ensured strong engagement, reaffirming his reputation for delivering box-office hits.” Making Sky Force was a relentless journey. “We worked tirelessly for 3-4 years, dedicating every day—including Sundays—to perfecting this film,” Kewlani says.
He credits the film’s producers—Dinesh Vijan, Jyoti Deshpande, Poonam Vijan and Amar Kaushik—for their unwavering support. Special mention goes to his co-director Abhishek, first AD Sunil Shetty, assistant director Jeet Desai, cinematographers Santha, action director Parvez Sheikh, costume designer Shivank Kapoor, and the VFX team at Prime Focus.
“It was surreal to have our producers trust us with such a big-budget project,” he adds. The cast, which includes Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, Veer Pahariya, Sharad Kelkar and Manish Choudhury, also contributed significantly to making the film a reality.
Kewlani was especially impressed with Veer Pahariya, who made his industry debut with Sky Force. “He brought a unique depth to his character, and I have no doubt he will go on to achieve great things in the industry.”
