Paramount Pictures, Legendary Pictures and Capcom’s Street Fighter (dubbed from the Hollywood-Japanese film of the same name; UA) is a story about the World Warrior Tournament. It is a martial arts comedy film. It is based on the Street Fighter video game series.
In 1993, estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are recruited by Chun-Li (Callina Liang) to enter the next World Warrior Tournament. They are required to confront dictator M. Bison (David Dastmalchian). Ryu and Ken have demons from the past, which they address when they meet after several years. They not only face each other at the tournament but also resolve their differences.
In 1987, Japan-born Ryu had defeated Sagat in the first World Warrior Tournament. But his fighting abilities had awakened deity Akuma (Joe Anoa’i), who murders Gouken (Don Lee), Ryu’s mentor. The incident results in Ryu and his adoptive brother, Ken Masters, parting. Six years later, M. Bison initiates the second World Warrior Tournament. Chun-Li recruits Ryu, Ken and several other fighters around the world. Ryu declines to fight but he goes to Metrolao to warn Ken not to participate. However, Ken doesn’t heed Ryu’s advice. After Ken’s refusal, Ryu defeats E. Honda (Hirooki Goto) to take his place in the tournament. Meanwhile, Chun-Li is revealed to be an undercover Interpol agent who wants to avenge her father’s death at the hands of M. Bison. How Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li go about their jobs forms the crux of the drama. In the process, Ryu is captured by Bison and the latter offers the former to join his empire. Ryu rejects the offer. Bison tries to absorb Ryu’s powers, but fails. Ryu later regroups with Ken and reveals his jealousy of Ken’s positive attitude. Ryu and Ken then fight until Ryu defeats Ken with a Hadouken. Soon, Ryu’s dark persona, Evil Ryu, is unleashed. However, Ken incapacitates Ryu with a Hadouken unlocked from within himself.
Dalan Musson and Gary Doberman have written a story which will appeal to the fans of the Street Fighter video games. The screenplay, written by T.J. Fixman and Kitao Sakurai, is fast-paced and engaging. Of course, non-fans of the video game series will find the drama too violent.
Noah Centineo is good as Ken Masters. Andrew Koji is effective as Ryu. Callina Liang makes her mark as Chun-Li. Joe Anoa’i is alright as Akuma. David Dastmalchian makes his presence felt as M. Bison. Cody Rhodes performs ably as Guile. Andrew Schulz has his moments as Dan Hibiki. Eric André makes his mark as Don Sauvage. Vidyut Jammwal leaves a fine impression as Dhalsim. Curtis (50 Cent) Jackson is fairly good as Balrog. Jason Momoa does well as Blanka. Don Lee (as Gouken), Orville Peck (as Vega), Olivier Richters (as Zangief), Hirooki Goto (as E. Honda), Mel Jarnson (as Cammy), Rayna Vallandingham (as Juli) and Alexander Volkanovski (as Joe) provide the desired support.
Kitao Sakurai’s direction is nice. Background music (by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson) is impactful. Ken Seng’s cinematography is very fine. Kevin Kavanaugh’s production designing is appropriate. Luke Lynch’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, Street Fighter will be liked only by the fans of the Street Fighter video games. For the rest, the film doesn’t hold much appeal.
Released on 16-10-’26 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Digital18 Media Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: fair. Opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.