The Republic Day release, Sky Force, has received a lot of appreciation from the audience and critics alike for its treatment, performance and most importantly, writing. The second half, especially, has been praised as it doesn’t follow a predictable narrative. Aamil Keeyan Khan, one of the story, screenplay and dialogue writers on Sky Force, spoke exclusively with about the film’s writing process and a lot more.

EXCLUSIVE: Sky Force writer Aamil Keeyan Khan reveals why scripting Akshay Kumar’s monologue in the climax was a challenge; explains why the film wasn’t jingoistic: “Patriotism is like a steady heartbeat – you feel it but it doesn’t need to be SCREAMED from the rooftops”

It’s been really encouraging. People have connected with the story, the realism and the way we brought this lesser-known chapter of history to life. Some even said they felt like they were inside the cockpit, which is great because if the audience is flying with you, you know you’ve done something right.

I had written Runway 34 (2022) with Sandeep Kewlani, the co-director and co-writer of Sky Force. This was a subject he wanted to direct, and that’s how the research work began. The first time I had heard of this was sometime in 2017. When I learned more about the mission, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a story of sheer grit and ingenuity - something that deserved to be told on the big screen. From there, it was about crafting a narrative and screenplay that honoured both the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the events.

Yes, and for good reason. Patriotism isn’t about volume; it’s about depth. Jingoistic films often follow a predictable pattern, but real stories — especially those rooted in history — don’t need that extra layer of noise. We wanted Sky Force to stand on the strength of its truth, not on rhetoric.

Patriotism is like a steady heartbeat — you feel it, you live it, but it doesn’t need to be screamed from the rooftops. What happened in itself was extraordinary and we felt the best way to honor it was to tell it as it happened, without unnecessary embellishments.

(Smiles) And we're so glad it clicked with the audience. Alfred Hitchcock had once famously said, "There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it." The way a story unfolds is just as important as the story itself. We felt a linear approach might have made it predictable. We wanted to keep the moviegoers engaged and hooked for the entire ride. Having started my career in Mumbai as an editor, I’ve always believed storytelling is about timing — what to reveal, when to reveal it and how to keep people leaning forward. Even when you know the destination, the journey should still keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oh, so many! For us, the whole of second half was extremely challenging. The audience knows what the ending might be but how do we take you there while keeping you invested for all of the second half and while keeping the stakes, the journey and the intrigue was tricky indeed.

One scene that stands out is the final monologue by Akshay Kumar, intercut with all the big reveals. Balancing emotion, tension and payoff in that moment (the salute) was a challenge, but also one of the most satisfying parts of the film.

I loved working with Akshay sir. His discipline, his aura and the way he completely owns his role is something to admire. He brings an energy to the set that elevates everyone around him.

As for Veer, I still remember the first time we narrated the script to him; his eyes lit up. He’s a very sweet, grounded and hardworking guy and he’s hungry to learn. That kind of passion always stands out. I truly hope he goes a long way.

Akshay sir is known for his discipline and dedication to fitness, and he has always advocated for healthy practices, including the anti-smoking campaign he was a part of. That being said, he’s an actor playing a character, and the two should not be confused.

Also Read: Dear Sky Force makers, thank you for the Rs. 20 ticket. Now please offer Uber rides at a cheaper price with UBERFORCE500 coupon code

More Pages: Sky Force Box Office Collection , Sky Force Movie Review

Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.