The trailer of Sonu Sood-starrer action thriller, Fateh, has recently kicked up a storm on social media, with fans comparing him to the “Sasta John Wick.” This literally means “budget John Wick,” and is both an insult and a compliment while referring to the film.
But does Fateh earn this tag, or has it been a fresh move in the action genre? Let’s dive into the trailer’s details, the parallels, and whether the comparisons are justified.
The Similarities: Black Suits, Slick Hairstyles, and Action Galore
The first and most apparent comparison arises from Sonu Sood’s appearance in the trailer. Dressed in a sharp black suit, complete with a tie and neatly styled hair, Sood’s look closely mirrors Keanu Reeves’s iconic portrayal of John Wick.
The resemblance is uncanny enough that it’s hard for fans to ignore. The black suit has become synonymous with the John Wick character—a symbol of a refined yet deadly professional—and Sood’s choice of wardrobe seems to borrow heavily from this imagery.
The tone of the action sequences also adds to that. The Fateh trailer features a number of stylish fights, hand-to-hand and gunplay, coupled with dynamic choreography, under hazy atmospheric backdrops, which have become standards within the John Wick franchise-one that redefined action within modern cinema through its gun-fu and extended shots of action.
Of course, people were already picking up on the comparison-the film has been nicknamed, after all, as being an “Indian John Wick” but with budget, of course.
Another notable similarity is the single hero-centric storyline. As John Wick is a man on a mission with personal motivations, so does Sonu Sood’s character in Fateh, who seems to be a relentless protagonist against the system.
Although the trailer doesn’t go too deep into the story, it seems to be on a vengeance or justice trip—a common theme of the John Wick franchise.
Why “Sasta John Wick”?
While the term “Sasta John Wick” is amusing, it conveys more than just a direct comparison. It also reflects the perception of fans about the scale of production. Hollywood blockbusters like John Wick are well known for their high budget, polished visuals, and groundbreaking action choreography.
Indian cinema, while growing rapidly in its action repertoire, often operates within different budgetary constraints. In a word, therefore, the “sasta” tag could be nothing but a cheeky nod from Fateh to the constraint of following the John Wick style of movies.
But the similarity also carries a tinge of admiration with it. Many fans have appreciated the resemblance as a compliment to Sood’s effort to bring an international-style sleek action film to Indian audiences.
The trailer’s visuals, though not as polished as John Wick, are impressive and promising of a significant leap in Indian action cinema.
Does Fateh Offer Something New? The Case for Originality
While the surface similarities to John Wick are undeniable, some fans argue that Fateh shouldn’t be dismissed as a mere imitation. The film seems to have its own unique elements that distinguish it from the Hollywood franchise.
One thing that changes here is the cultural context. The story seems to be constructed more around the problems of society, like perhaps corruption or injustice, with which every Indian audience relates on a much deeper level.
Sood’s character is not out for personal vengeance, unlike John Wick and his mission to take down those responsible for his dog’s killing and for depriving him of his previous life as an assassin. His more socially motivated purpose may infuse Fateh with an emotional depth it wouldn’t have otherwise had.
In a similar vein, Sonu Sood’s persona as an actor gives a different flavor to the role. With the image of a philanthropist and real-life hero in the off-screen life of Sood, the character that he portrays on the screen becomes more relatable and respectable. This differs from Keanu Reeves’s portrayal of John Wick as a morally ambiguous antihero, which adds another flavor to Fateh.
The Fan Debate: Copycat or Inspiration?
Fans have been quite vocal about their debate on the comparison between Fateh and John Wick. One side is that people feel that the trailer was an obvious cash-in on the popularity of the John Wick franchise. They say the similarities in style, wardrobe, and action choreography are too significant to be ignored, indicating a lack of originality in the approach of Fateh.
“Why not create something entirely new?” asked one Twitter user. “We love Sonu Sood, but this feels like a copy-paste version of John Wick.”
On the other side, fans argue that inspiration is a natural part of cinema. Many iconic films have drawn from predecessors and given their own twist to them. The supporters of Fateh believe that the trailer may hint at some similarities, but the entire film might surprise the audiences with its unique storyline and execution.
“Let’s give it a chance,” wrote another user. “Every great film is inspired by something. It’s about what they do differently, and I think Fateh has potential.”
A Broader Trend in Indian Cinema
The comparison of Fateh with John Wick also hints at a broader trend in Indian cinema: Hollywood’s growing influence on Indian filmmaking. Global streaming platforms have made international films accessible, and Indian filmmakers and audiences are exposed to global cinematic styles than ever before.
This has led to a wave of Indian films experimenting with genres and aesthetics traditionally dominated by Hollywood.
This cross-cultural exchange is exciting but raises questions about originality and authenticity. Can Indian cinema adopt global styles while retaining its unique identity? Or does it risk becoming a shadow of Hollywood? Films like Fateh will probably play an important role in answering those questions.
Final Thoughts: Is “Sasta John Wick” Fair?
The label “Sasta John Wick” might sound catchy, but it is far from the truth. While Fateh, without a doubt, draws inspiration from the John Wick franchise, it can also make its own identity.
The trailer seems to suggest a film that, though familiar in style, may be unique in terms of its narrative and emotional depth as suited to its cultural context.
The end, of course, will be about how well Fateh will be able to balance its inspirations with its innovations. If it delivers a story well and memorable action sequences, it might just get away from the “sasta” tag to be the milestone in Indian action cinema.
For now, though, fans can only wait and watch—and perhaps enjoy a bit of playful banter along the way.
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