Rating: 4/5
By: Sarojini Chatterjee
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana
Directed By: Siddharth Anand
After a long hiatus, King Khan is back to the big screens and there is absolutely nothing that can stop the sensation that he stands for. The past year has immensely tried to push action-spy-thriller dramas and while some have fared well, the desi Bond avatars have not really made a mark – neither in audience perceptions, nor in box-office numbers. But Pathaan has been different. After teasing for over a year, it was certain that fans and critiques alike will watch the film. However, the insurmountable love that has been showered over the film, was not exactly anticipated.
Much like many other fans, my personal viewing of Pathaan was at a single screen theatre in Mumbai. From entry to exit, the love for Shah Rukh Khan was unmissable. Throngs of movie-goers from across the city made their way in and out of the theatres. Even better, every time King Khan did just about anything on screen, the crowd cheered on. It was the community viewing experience of a superstar’s comeback after four years that made the film a thriller of a different stature. Or as Dimple Kapadia may say in the film “Ab Pathaan Ke Vanwas Ka Time Khatam Hua”.
For me, Pathaan is a story of love. It is a story of boundless faith and how a nation can come together to display unrelenting loyalty towards a man who may have failed but has never failed them. After a few failed ventures, the Shah Rukh Khan we all know, is back and how!
The film is the newest installment in the YRF Spy Universe franchise. Shah Rukh is Pathaan, a Tom Cruise-ish/Mission Impossible-esque spy brought out of abandonment to take down an international terrorist organisation with no belief system, known as Outfit X. They are spearheaded by a former Indian spy, Jim (John Abraham), who out of spite and hatred for the Indian government is committing terrorising mayhems for the likes of Boko Haram in exchange for financial gains. This time around, Jim has in his possession a biological weapon that can easily wipe out an entire city in a matter of minutes.
What ensues is a storyline filled with many questionable loopholes. But was anyone really going to the theatres to watch this film for logic? I think not. What misses in a style of credible storytelling is made up with flawless performances and perfect levels of fun and glamour. The quirky one-liners, the many innuendos along with a perfect set of abs on nearly everyone, makes this one a fascinating viewing experience. Dialogue writer Abbas Tyrewala has made doubly sure that no opportunity to crack a meta joke is missed.
Siddharth Anand’s skills as a director is impressive. To fulfil the vision of bringing back King Khan with a bang is not an easy one, but Anand ensures that audiences leave the theatres with a full heart.
Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan is phenomenal. Even personal opinions aside, I have not heard a single person so far express disdain for his skills in the film. He is charming, he is fun, he is here to prove his love for the cinema industry and his nation – and he shoulders all of this bravely, responsibly and delightfully. But most importantly, he is not the iron man of action heroes. He is human. And needs a painkiller or a hand from his friend when hurting.
Deepika Padukone in her avatar of a Pakistani ISI agent shines through. She is perfectly in tune with the style and substance that a desi Bond girl is out to showcase.
John Abraham as Jim is the menacing villain this universe needed. Apart from some awkward dialogue delivery every now and then, watching him on screen, challenging the amazing Khan is a sight to watch out for. The actor somewhere knows that he is not the shining star of this film but relentlessly goes on to showcase his best. With power packed dialogues like “Yeh Negotiation Nahi, Ultimatum Hai”, the actor is a sight to watch out for.
Supporting actors Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana display their best. This is the era of comebacks and Kapadia pulls off an incredible performance with wit and charm.
It is not a spoiler to reveal here that Salman Khan aka Tiger is making an appearance in the film as a part of the YRF Spy Universe. But little did anyone guess that Shah Rukh and Salman would be the best chemistry to witness. Their heart-warming bond, that made audiences shout out “mere Karan-Arjun wapas aa gaye!!” shines through in an exchange after a thrilling action sequence. Pathaan asks “Tu darr gaya na?” to which Tiger responds “Haan tere liye”
Even the cinematography by Satchith Paulose and editing by Aarif Sheikh offers the film a rhythmic pace that leaves no room for dullness.
In all its fun and games, this film picks on a few critical topics. The film has been heavily attacked by controversies in the past months prior to its release. On the other hand, at a time when Hindi film industry is falling behind, there has been a question looming over Khan’s career – does he really believe that his one film can save the industry in India? Or will his religious identity overshadow the good he has done in the industry and beyond? These sharp, insightful moments have effectively come to serve as a commentary on pressing issues that have surrounded the actor over the past years.
The film goes on to explain that Pathaan is a child of the nation – he knows not who his parents were (eliminating his religious identity). At one point of time both Shah Rukh and Salman sit together to discuss (in a very meta way) if there is anyone else who can take up the mantle so they can retire. While Salman looks unconvinced, Shah Rukh offers up some suggestions. Without naming names, the two Khans finally arrive at the conclusion that the kids cannot yet take this on.
Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan has already managed a five-day Box Office collection of ₹269 crores in India for its Hindi version. Worldwide, the film has crossed ₹500 crore mark. This continues to prove that the love and trust his fans shower upon him is here to stay.
Opening up a plethora of opportunities to explore with Shah Rukh Khan joining Tiger (Salman Khan) and Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) to complete a group of indomitable YRF spies, we can now expect a ton of helicopters flipping, massive explosions and extravagant action sequences in the coming years. But it is uncertain that anything would be as enjoyable as Pathaan.