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Sarfira () is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Sudha Kongara and produced by 2D Entertainment, Abundantia Entertainment and Cape Of Good Films starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Radhika Madan. It is a remake of Kongara's own Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (2020), which itself was an adaptation of G. R. Gopinath's memoir Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey. The film follows a man who sets out to make affordable airlines for low income people, which several enemies try to impede.
The remake was officially announced in July 2021 as Project 1, marking the maiden venture of 2D Entertainment in Hindi, and the official title was announced in February 2024. Principal photography commenced in April 2022. The film has music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar. It marks Akshay Kumar's 150th film in a leading role.
Sarfira was released in theatres worldwide on 12 July 2024. It received mixed reviews from critics who praised Kumar's performance.
Tragedy strikes when Vir’s father falls critically ill, and he is unable to gather the ₹5,200 needed for an emergency flight ticket to see him. As he desperately seeks help, his pleas are ignored, and airport authorities prevent him from boarding. Forced to take a train instead, he arrives home too late—his father has already passed away. The incident strengthens Vir’s resolve to revolutionize air travel in India.
Determined to pursue his dream, Vir joins the Indian Air Force but eventually leaves to focus on his entrepreneurial aspirations. Alongside two fellow trainees, he begins developing his airline concept. He approaches Paresh Goswami, a powerful aviation tycoon, hoping to secure investment. However, Paresh dismisses Vir’s vision, mocking his idea of a "flying Udupi hotel." Over time, Paresh emerges as Vir’s biggest rival, actively obstructing his efforts through corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and industry manipulation.
Despite numerous setbacks, Vir remains resolute. He finds unwavering support from his wife, Rani, who shares his ambitions and runs a successful bakery. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and defiance of societal norms, as Rani had previously rejected 20 marriage proposals before finding a kindred spirit in Vir.
After years of struggle, Vir successfully launches his airline, Deccan Air, with a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. However, just as the airline begins operations, a flight suffers an engine failure on the runway. Investigations reveal that the malfunction was orchestrated by Paresh, further crippling Deccan Air’s reputation.
As financial troubles mount, Vir faces another challenge—his airline’s ticket prices become three times higher than those of Paresh’s competing airline, leading to a decline in passengers. Eventually, a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Pune is canceled due to low demand, signaling what seems to be the end of Deccan Air. Disheartened, Vir watches as passengers flock to Paresh’s airline instead.
However, in a twist of fate, Paresh approaches Vir and confesses to sabotaging Deccan Air’s engines. He claims the failure was also due to a software bug in Mumbai’s airport system. As Paresh flees the scene, Vir notices that flights from smaller destinations like Pune and Vijayawada are still operational under Deccan Air. Realizing that his vision is still alive, he smiles, determined to rebuild his airline and continue his mission of making air travel accessible to all.
The first single titled "Maar Udi" was released on 24 June 2024. And the second song titled "Khudaya" released on 27 June 2024.
The satellite rights were acquired by Star Gold Romance, where it premiered on 25 May 2025.
Bollywood Hungama gave 2.5/5 and wrote "On the whole, Sarfira tells an inspiring story in an engaging manner and rests on Akshay Kumar's strong performance." Titas Chowdhury of News18 rated the film 4.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Sudha Kongara's retelling of Soorarai Pottru is as sublime as the original. Sarfira is Akshay Kumar's best performance in recent years." Tushar Joshi of India Today rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Akshay Kumar delights you with his earnest performance" Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote, "An inspirational film that will make you cry and clap at the same time!"
Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated 2/5 stars and observed "Throughout its 155 minutes, every scene is doused in blaring background music and melodrama. Disappointment alone won't do, it must feel like a full blown catastrophe."
Rishil Jogani of Pinkvilla rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "Sudha Kongara, Akshay Kumar and Radhikka Madan breach 'Sarfira' heights with their deeply moving and delightfully inspiring aviation-drama, that warrants a watch on the big screen. Don't miss it." Sonal Pandya of Times Now rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Akshay Kumar's Underdog Remake Retains Its Emotional Impact." Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Akshay Kumar Truly Gets To Explore His Range After a Long Time."
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 2/5, criticizing the chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Radhika Madan as lacking the compelling quality seen in the performances of Suriya and Aparna Balamurali. According to Chatterjee, this shortcoming affects the film's overall effectiveness. Other elements of the film, such as its direction and technical aspects, have been discussed by critics, resulting in a generally mixed reception from audiences and reviewers.
Dhaval Roy of the Times of India rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5.
Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express rated 2.5/5 and wrote, "The film is only interested in fronting its hero. Akshay Kumar, who is in practically every frame of the film, isn't actively terrible, but he doesn't do anything here that he hasn't done before.
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