Pathaan is an action-packed film that marks the return of Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen after four years. While the plot may seem far-fetched, the film’s star power and style make it a thrilling ride. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film follows the impact of India’s revocation of article 370 on a Pakistani officer who seeks revenge. He enlists the help of Jim, an ex-RAW agent wronged by his own people, and Rubai, an ex-ISI agent with ambiguous motives played by Deepika Padukone. The trio engages in a dangerous game of betrayal and revenge, racing to protect the worlds they believe in.
Anand’s treatment of the spy thriller is over-the-top and reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters like Marvel films and Mission Impossible. The film features exaggerated action and chase sequences, death-defying stunts, and a femme fatale, all steeped in the idea of patriotism. While action takes precedence over emotions, Shah Rukh Khan’s presence as a full-fledged action hero salvages the film’s average script and subpar VFX. John Abraham’s portrayal of Jim is also a highlight, overshadowing the hero in portions.
While Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of the double-crossing agent is solid, her chemistry with SRK feels underdeveloped. Dimple Kapadia lends gravitas and emotional heft to the proceedings, but other characters lack the sincerity of her part. The film reunites Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, delivering an iconic whistle moment.
Overall, Pathaan is a masala potboiler with all the ingredients of a classic Bollywood action film, including slowmo entries, an iconic battle of good versus evil, and a sexy-smouldering Shah Rukh Khan, who proves that he’s still the undisputed King.
