Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan makes a thunderous return to the big screen in Pathaan, an adrenaline-fuelled action thriller and the latest instalment of the YRF Spy Universe.
Pathaan and its star exploded onto multiplexes on Wednesday with a display of stunning action sequences, some big plot surprises and simply stunning performances all round.
Pathaan sees producers Yash Raj Films kickstart their YRF Spy Universe, bringing back characters from films like Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and War (2019).
Besides the merging of some of Indian cinema’s finest action heroes, Pathaan also marks the comeback of Shah Rukh, who returns after a four year hiatus.
Following a quarter of a century as one of India’s biggest stars, he finally takes on the avatar of an out-and-out action hero, and the masses are here for it.
The film was released on more than 2,500 screens in over 100 countries outside of India, giving it the biggest ever overseas release in Bollywood history.
Pathaan tells the story of a fictional Indian spy who must combat a deadly private terrorist organisation run by Jim (John Abraham), a former agent-turned-rogue.
Jim partners with former agents from around the world to commit acts of terror to the highest bidder. One of these agents is Pakistani Rubina Mohsin (Deepika Padukone), with whom Pathaan forms an unlikely bond.
Director Siddharth Anand, who was also behind the camera for War, helped conceptualise the Spy Universe along with producer Aditya Chopra.
Anand grabs the enormous project by its horns, by demonstrating in Pathaan an effortless handling of high octane action sequences and brilliant visual effects.
If you were impressed with Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s battles on the big screen in War four years ago, then Shah Rukh and John’s scenes as well as the post-interval train sequence will certainly fuel your fire.
King Khan stands tall throughout, with his charismatic charm at an ultimate high. The scene where he describes how his character got the name Pathaan will give you goosebumps — he really is the son of an entire nation of film fans.
Deepika is excellent, she is back on the big screen after quite some time but does not miss a beat. In support, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana are fantastic as well.
The music by Vishal-Sheykhar fits the bill and Sanchit and Ankit Balhara background theme is one of the film’s brightest spots.
Scrolla.Africa watched the film courtesy of Cine Centre.
Pictured above: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham
Image source: @yrf
