Lightstorm Entertainment’s Avatar: Fire And Ash (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is the third in the Avatar franchise.
Shortly after settling in with the Metkayina clan, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zeo Saldaña) family grapples with grief because of son Netayam’s (Jamie Flatters) death. Jake and Neytiri take Spider (Jack Champion) and depart, leaving the clan, because some flying merchant ships arrive. An aggressive Na’vi tribe — the Mangkwan clan — also called the Ash People, set the ships afire and loot them, killing all the survivors. The Na’vi tribe leader is Varang (Oona Chaplin). Jake, Neytiri and their children — Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) and Spider — are separated. Varang wants Spider for conducting tests on his body. So while she won’t kill Spider, his life is, nevertheless, in danger. Also, Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) joins forces with the Na’vi tribe and also has an affair with Varang. Meanwhile, Kiri’s powers to connect with Eywa are intact.
How Jake, Neytiri and the kids eliminate the evil Na’vi tribe forms the crux of the drama. They are aided in their battle by the Tulkuns. Lo’ak wins his dad’s approval in the process.
The story, written by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno, is interesting, especially after interval. The first half gets boring at places but that’s mainly because the characters are introduced and their alignments are established. The second half is far better because it moves at a very fast pace. The screenplay, penned by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, is excellent in the post-interval portion. Besides, the drama of the second half is such a visual treat that it partly makes up for the shortcomings of the pre-interval portion. Overall, the drama entertains.
Sam Worthington does very well as Jake Sullly. Ioe Saldaña is wonderful in the role of Neytiri. Sigourney Weaver shines as Kiri. Stephen Lang leaves a fine impact as Colonel Quaritch. Oona Chaplin is terrific as Varang. Britain Dalton is lovely as Lo’ak. Jack Champion is endearing as Spider. Kate Winslet has her moments as Ronal. Cliff Curtis is nice as Tonowari. Jemaine Clement makes a lovely impression as Dr. Ian. Jamie Flatters makes his presence felt in a brief role as Neteyam. Joel David Moore (as Dr. Norm Spellman), CCH Pounder (as Mo’at), Edie Falco (as General Frances Ardmore), Brendan Cowell (as Captain Mick Scoresby), Giovanni Ribisi (as Parker Selfridge), David Thewlis (as Peylak), Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (as Tuk), Bailey Bass (as Reya), Filip Geljo (as Ao’nung), Duane Evans Jr. (as Rotox), Matt Gerald (as Corporal Lyle Wainfleet), Dileep Rao (as Dr. Max Patel) and the others provide good support.
James Cameron’s direction is splendid. Having said that, it must be added that his narration of the first half leaves something to be desired. Simon Franglen’s background music is extraordinary. Russell Carpenter’s cinematography is outstanding. Computer graphics and visual effects are terrific. Production designing (by Dylan Cole and Ben Procter) is remarkable. Editing (by Stephen E. Rivkin, David Brenner, Nicolas de Toth, John Refoua, Jason Gaudio and James Cameron) is tight. The 3D effects are too good. Dubbing is lovely.
On the whole, Avatar: Fire And Ash will score very well at the box-office in spite of a weak pre-interval portion. Its spectacular second half is the winning point. It will not do as much business as Avatar: The Way Of Water, but it will keep the cinemas happy, for sure.
Released on 19-12-’25 at Metro Inox (3D; in daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru JioStar India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: good. Opening: very good. …….Also released all over. Opening was impressive in good cinemas.