Kids of the 90s and 2000s kids who watched Indian movies on cassettes, CDs and DVDs cannot erase the memories of the suave, charming, chocolatey and forever smiling Rahul or Raj from their mind, which Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) played since the beginning remembered for romantic roles that he played in his film career. of his career. Despite trying his luck in action films such as Ram Jaane, Army, Josh, Don, Ra.One and Dilwale, SRK is still
His comeback film Pathaan seemed to be a challenge not only for him but also for Yash Raj Films and Siddharth Anand, as it was not a small risk to feature SRK in an out and out action flick, that too in a titular character.
The love-hate relationship between India and Pakistan needs no preamble. Lately, Bollywood’s obsession with churning out patriotic movies that highlight Pakistan as the most vicious enemy of India has resurfaced. Films such as Mission Majnu, Shershaah, Uri and Bard of Blood are just a few examples. Strangely, all these films score a zero in the research area, since none of the films highlighted or depicted the real culture of Pakistan.
Weirdly enough, the film industry that made films like Tashkent Files and Kashmir Files is churning out patriotic content with zilch research. The plotline of every Indian patriotic film is how one Indian army office or secret agent can beat thousands of Pakistanis by becoming some sort of superhero who is invincible, and at many places even invisible. This, to be honest, is just too funny.
First things first, if you want to watch an Oscar-worthy film that offers sense, logic, realistic approach and basic intellect then Pathaan is not what you should be investing your time in. If you want to watch a stylised action thriller that offers only larger-than-life sequences including stunts, chase, brawl, blasts and super-heroic instances then you will enjoy the ride without feeling any guilt whatsoever.
Pathaan is undeniably one of the most anticipated Bollywood action-thriller films, which has created a buzz among fans ever since its announcement. Fans claim that Pathaan seems to be SRK’s comeback film after a hiatus of four years. Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Yash Raj Films, Pathaan features a commercially viable cast of actors, each bringing their own unique flavour to the film. There’s John Abraham as a baddie, Deepika Padukone as a Pakistani ISI agent as well as SRK’s love interest, to twitch the plot and add emotions to the high octane action flick, and guest appearance by Salman Khan.
SRK stars as the titular character, Pathaan, who is a fearless and highly skilled RAW agent. Throughout the film, Khan looks different from his Raj and Rahul avatar. He for a change brings a raw intensity to his performance that is both captivating and intimidating. SRK looked chiselled, rugged and all that he is ideally not known for. He delivers his dialogue with a swag, as the film demands that kind of projection. He is shown as an agent who can walk anywhere, intrude any country, event and location without a fraction of hesitation or uneasiness. Though, the audience at many times question how could this be possible but is indignantly ‘shushed’ by SRK fans by saying if Tom Cruise and Dwayne Johnson can do that, so can he. However, since an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, SRK brings in his romantic-intense-self to the screen in many scenes, that was not really required.
John Abraham plays the role of the main antagonist ― Jim, an ex-Indian army officer gone rogue. Since the high command could not save his pregnant wife’s life, he started to work for money and no matter which country hires him for the destruction in just about any country, he is shown accepting all the jobs. Abraham brings a ruthless and calculated demeanor to his performance, making him the coolest, sophisticated and deadly foil for Pathaan. Abraham gets limited screen presence that comprises of a few cool walks that show his six-packs and a few dialogues that are hard-hitting and lots of action scenes that look an extended version of his character from Dhoom. He looks confident in front of SRK and in a good number of scenes flaunts his style with a swag. The scenes between Abraham and Khan are some of the highlights of the film, as the two actors face off in a battle of wits and strength.
What audiences saw previously in Ek Tha Tiger, witness in Pathaan too. Just like Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone is also shown as ISI agent, named Rubina Mohsin. Rubina is a mysterious and alluring figure who becomes embroiled in Pathaan’s mission. Padukone brings a quiet strength to her performance, making Rubina both a help and hindrance to Pathaan. Her dialogue is sharp and to the point, adding a sense of intrigue to her character. The scenes between her and Khan will remind you of many scenes from Hollywood movies dubbed in Hindi language. Yes, at times they are that lame. Then there is manipulation, seduction, dances and a tussle wrapped in a romantic angle, for no good reason.
Dimple Kapadia plays the role of Nandini, Pathaan’s mentor and the head of RAW. Kapadia brings a seasoned presence to the film, delivering her dialogue with conviction. Her scenes are a combination of both witty one-liners and patriotic lines that make her a character that resembles many top agents from Marvel. She looks graceful and performs her part well.
Salman Khan makes a cameo appearance as Tiger in Pathaan. His entry scene can be compared with any of Spider Man’s scenes where he tears apart the ceiling of a train and hits the floor to beat the baddies who messed with SRK. The stylish entry takes the audience in the cinema hall to next level. With a cup of coffee in one hand beating half a dozen bad boys and then handing it to the beaten up SRK with a pain killer is a fun scene, sans logic. The entire act on the train, the blasts, the choppers and the fight scenes are all hard to digest and believe, but SRK and Salman fans are enjoying the chemistry between the two.
Pathaan is a fast-paced and thrilling film that is sure to keep audience who love to watch action films on the edge of their seats. The characters are shown in different shades, the dialogue is sharp, helping to appeal to the masses. The film also features stunning action sequences, which are inspired from superhero movies and other Hollywood films. A few scenes look good but there are quite a few that miss the mark at a grand level.
The film’s cinematography is stunning, with beautiful locales and breathtaking action sequences. The music is catchy and adds to the overall vibe of the film. Besharam Rang and Jhoomay Jo Pathaan are the two songs in the film and they stand out as fans round the world are dancing to them. Khan and Padukone faced heat for Besharam Rang by extremists in India but that’s the story of the past, since the film is whipping crores of rupees at the box office.
As director, Siddharth Anand manages to deliver what was expected from a film like Pathaan, there are emotional scenes, fight sequences and a few twists and turns in the film that are well executed by him. Pathaan is an entertaining film for the masses and it visually appeals to them as well.
From what it looks, Pathaan is the first of many upcoming series of films as Yash Raj Films plans to create a spy universe of its own. There will be more actors in the main lead that will join the cast. Already there are speculations that in the next installment of Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan (SRK) will make appearance. Let’s see what the makers and team has in mind and how they will execute the idea. So, the audience will perhaps watch not only Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, but also feast on Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff from War in upcoming installments, as in that film Ashutosh Rana played Colonel Luthra too. This is a welcome development for fans of the actors and the action genre, as Pathaan is sure to be one of the biggest action-thriller films of the year.
Films like Pathaan will keep earning massive box office results as far as people will want to watch patriotic films where one country will ridicule the other by pulling its leg culturally and politically. The way Pathaan is marketed and the cast is taken on board, it shows that cine goers are more interested in action packed, larger-than-life films that provide them with brainless entertainment and a good time pass.
The film is already doing wonders at the box office worldwide. For those who like films like War, Ek Tha Tiger, Baaghi and others will enjoy Pathaan as well.
Shafiq Ul Hasan Siddiqui is an avid movie buff, and film and drama critic and a digital inbound marketer. He tweets as www.twitter.com/shafiqulhasan81. All information and facts are the responsibility of the writer