Sonu Sood’s directorial debut, Fateh, is unapologetically violent, gritty, and visceral, offering no room for subtlety or restraint. From the very first scene, which sees an ex-special ops agent effortlessly massacring a group of people in a restaurant, it’s clear that this film is out to shock and impress with its unrelenting pace and non-stop action.

In a world where many action films are cautious, or at least cautious in their portrayal of violence, Fateh dives headfirst into brutality. There’s no pretense of sophistication or nuanced storytelling. Instead, it’s a one-man army — Fateh Singh (played by Sood) — wreaking havoc with every object he can wield, from guns to axes to knives. It’s a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled ride that doesn’t slow down for emotional beats or character development.

The Story: Cyber Crime Meets Carnage
At its core, Fateh follows the mission of Fateh Singh, a former secret agent turned vigilante, as he seeks to dismantle a criminal network responsible for a series of fraudulent online loan apps. These apps prey on vulnerable, financially struggling individuals, robbing them of their savings through illegal banking practices. Fateh’s pursuit of justice is not just personal; it’s a battle against a global cybercrime syndicate led by Raza (Naseeruddin Shah), a former Indian spy with a sinister agenda.

The plot, while simple, gives Sood a platform to deliver his unrestrained violence. As the film progresses, viewers are introduced to a slew of antagonists, including Satya Prakash (Vijay Raaz), who presents an even darker side of humanity through his cold-blooded actions. Though the film offers a glimpse into the world of cybercrime, its portrayal of the digital underworld feels superficial. The focus on violence overshadows the film’s purported social message — an awareness of the dangers posed by online scams.

Violence and Action: A Bloodbath With Little Subtlety
Where Fateh truly shines — or rather, where it is most memorable — is in its brutal action sequences. The violence in this film is unrelenting and excessive, with an astonishing body count that surpasses most other films in the genre. Whether it’s a fight scene, a shootout, or a close-quarters kill, Sood’s film is designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seat, albeit with a sense of nausea.

Every fight is choreographed by Hollywood action director Lee Whittaker, known for his work on Pearl Harbor, Die Hard, and Fast & Furious 5. The action is fast-paced, brutal, and presented with an international flair, giving the film a high-budget action film aesthetic. Cinematographer Vincenzo Condorelli ensures that each action sequence is captured in a single, stunning shot, pushing the limits of on-screen violence.

However, after a point, the carnage becomes almost numbing. The film’s attempt to evoke shock and awe begins to wear thin, and the once-exciting action sequences become repetitive. The absence of real mystery or intrigue also means that there’s little to hold the audience’s attention outside of the violence itself.

Characterization: A One-Dimensional Hero
Sood’s portrayal of Fateh Singh is no-nonsense and largely one-dimensional. The character, a killing machine with little regard for life, is driven by a need for revenge and justice. Sood plays the role with a cold, calculating demeanor, which suits the tone of the film. His minimalistic performance — characterized by terse dialogue and an emotionless expression — feels right for a character who is more about action than words.

In contrast, the villains, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz, are given little room to develop. Shah’s character, Raza, is a menacing presence, but his performance lacks depth, often seeming to coast through his scenes. Raaz’s Satya Prakash is more memorable, his actions taking a dark, sadistic turn that adds an element of unpredictability to the film.

On the supporting side, Jacqueline Fernandez’s portrayal of Khushi, an ethical hacker brought in to aid Fateh, feels underused. While she has a few emotional moments, her role is mostly limited to reacting to the chaos around her. Shiv Jyoti Rajput as Nimrat, the missing girl whose fate drives Fateh’s mission, has little to do beyond being a plot device.

The Pacing: Relentless, But at What Cost?
One of the most striking aspects of Fateh is its pacing. The film is relentless in its forward momentum, never allowing the audience to catch their breath for long. Even the halfway mark, where a brief “break” is offered, feels more like a necessary pause before the next wave of bloodletting begins. This rapid-fire pace ensures that the film’s energy never dips, but it also sacrifices character development and deeper narrative threads.

In terms of storytelling, the film falters by offering few surprises. The identity and motivations of the antagonists are revealed early on, leaving little room for suspense. The audience knows what to expect: Fateh will continue his violent spree, and eventually, he will confront the mastermind behind the cybercrime syndicate. The predictability of the plot detracts from the overall experience, making it more about spectacle than substance.

The Global Ambition: A Stylish, Yet Shallow Endeavor
Fateh’s international treatment is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the slick action sequences and globe-trotting narrative — which takes the audience from Punjab to Delhi, and even to international locations like Dubai and the U.S. — give the film a sense of grandiosity. On the other hand, the film’s treatment of these settings feels superficial. Locations are used more for visual appeal than for narrative depth, making them feel like mere backdrops for the violence to unfold.

The film’s music, composed by Arijit Singh, complements the chaotic energy of the action sequences. The title track, in particular, stands out, adding to the film’s aggressive tone.

Conclusion: A Violent Thrill Ride With Little Else to Offer
In the end, Fateh delivers exactly what it promises: a non-stop, blood-soaked action thriller that will appeal to fans of high-intensity cinema. However, for those seeking a more nuanced exploration of cybercrime or a deeper character-driven narrative, the film may feel hollow. The unrelenting violence, while visually impressive, can be overwhelming, and the lack of meaningful stakes or suspense makes the experience feel more like an exercise in excess than a meaningful cinematic journey.

As a directorial debut, Sonu Sood’s Fateh is a bold statement. It establishes his prowess in handling action and his ability to command the screen, but it also reveals the limitations of focusing solely on spectacle without much substance. Whether Fateh is a triumph or a misfire depends entirely on your tolerance for unrelenting action and bloodshed. For some, it will be an exhilarating ride; for others, a reminder of the dangers of putting violence at the forefront of storytelling.