Cast, budget, and release date: Everything we know about ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’

The double trouble starrer is already generating a buzz

While the YRF Spy Universe is yet to beat the Marvel Cinematic Universe in terms of instalments, the fact that it has created massive hype cannot be understated. With some of the biggest names in the industry roped in for all the ambitious projects, the next few years will be quite intriguing in terms of Indian film releases.

That being said, it is pertinent to keep up with all that we do know about the spy universe, which sees Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan), Tiger (Salman Khan) and possibly Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) joining hands at some point in time. Here is a comprehensive list of everything we know:

Cast and crew

Yash Raj Films has confirmed that filmmaker Siddharth Anand will be directing the much-anticipated film Tiger vs Pathaan as part of the studio's spy universe. The movie will feature Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who will be sharing the screen together in this capacity for the first time since their 1995 film Karan Arjun. Tiger vs Pathaan will be the biggest film ever produced in India, with Siddharth Anand receiving full support from Yash Raj Films to create a remarkable movie.

Furthermore, a source close to Yash Raj Films informed the Times of India that only the two leading men have been locked in thus far for the cast. This raises questions about whether or not Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif will be taking up their respective roles from their films of origin. 

“It all depends on how the two heroines’ roles shape up,” the source stated. “If this time they don’t have much to do then Tiger vs Pathaan may not opt for the leading ladies from the original (Katrina from Tiger and Deepika from Pathaan). For all you know there may be just one leading lady for both the Khan superstars.”

The villain

While nothing is set in stone, the rumour mill let slip the fact that Jason Momoa was being eyed as the villain for the film. Momoa, best known for his portrayal of Aquaman in the DC Universe, is allegedly being considered for the role, as reported by Entertainment Times. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh had previously stated on Twitter that YRF and Anand were planning to rope in a big-time Hollywood star for the role of the main villain. According to the unconfirmed reports, Momoa is currently the top choice for the part. 

The theme, budget, and release date

The official social media channels for YRF dropped a theme video recently, which sets the tone for the upcoming film. “With Pathaan and Tiger in the same frame, goosebumps are guaranteed! Watch them in action with the Pathaan x Tiger theme, video out now!” stated the caption. The production house has reportedly invested Rs 300 crore for the making of Tiger vs Pathaan, according to News18. The film will commence principal photography in January 2024 and is slated for release in 2025.

About the YRF Spy Universe

The spy universe kicked off with the Tiger franchise, which featured Salman Khan as Avinash Singh Rathore, also known as Tiger, an agent of the Indian intelligence agency RAW. Katrina Kaif played Zoya Humaini, an agent of Pakistan's ISI. The series started with Ek Tha Tiger in 2012, followed by Tiger Zinda Hai in 2017, and War in 2019, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. The four films collectively grossed over $300 million.

Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, and Deepika Padukone, has been a box-office hit in 2023, grossing over $130 million. The movie was the first time that the two spies of Yash Raj Films' spy universe, Tiger and Pathaan, met on-screen. Tiger 3 is the next film in the spy universe, with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif returning as Tiger and Zoya, respectively. The movie is set to release in November during the Diwali festival holiday frame.

In Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan played Pathaan, an exiled RAW agent, while Deepika Padukone played Rubina 'Rubai' Mohsin, an ISI agent. The film also featured Colonel Sunil Luthra, played by Ashutosh Rana, who first appeared in War and is expected to appear in Tiger 3.

At the end of Pathaan, Tiger and Pathaan pondered on their possible replacements and concluded that they would have to carry on themselves, as the task of saving the nation cannot be left to children.

It has also been reported that Jr NTR will be joining War 2. He will star opposite Hrithik Roshan in the film. Reportedly, Yash Raj Films has invested Rs 170 -200 crore for the making of War 2, which is also slated for release in 2025.

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