Pathan Movie Review: SRK’s Seat Belt Warning Was Serious! This rugged trek is definitely worth your ticket

Pathaan Movie Review: SRK hits screens on January 25th. The movie, which was directed by Siddharth Anand, is full of high-octane action sequences. But, there are some minor glitches, says our review.

Pathaan Movie Review: Shahrukh Khan’s movie is worth your money.

Written by Tushar JoshiThere is poetic justice in its glow. He has the body of a spy, but it’s the eyes that do the most talking in Bataan. After a gap of four years, SRK is back on the big screen doing what he does best – put your pants on and remind us why he’s part of a waning breed – the real superstars. Director Siddharth Anand, best known for making his stars shine and presenting them in what sometimes seem like sumptuous Hollywood-inspired set pieces, Pathan is no different in his signature style. If anything, it’s a reminder of his earlier work — the romance-laden war and Mr. and Mrs. Smith tribute called Bang Bang! Here, Anand serenades audiences with scenes and images that are direct homages to some of Hollywood’s iconic films.

Pathan Shahrukh is a shadow of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. He may not be as rich as Stark or have a superhero spacesuit, but his game with women and oddballs is a subtle ode to him. Similarly, Deepika Padukone’s ISI agent work has shades of Scarlett Johansson in action films. The climax and some of the other action scenes also feel like plotlines picked from Hollywood movies like Mission Impossible, Fast and the Furious, and more.

But Pathaan is not a wannabe movie. Nor does it attempt to disguise itself as The Vin Diesel Show or Tom Cruise. The Story of Pathan is the first chapter in India’s first domestic spy poetry. If the West has its own MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), India has its own SCU led by the trio of Tiger, Kabir, and now Pathaan. The plot is full of patriotic feelings. A rogue agent, Jim (the good-natured John Abraham), is set to seek revenge on India. The timing of his revenge comes at a time when India has revoked Article 370, setting in motion Pakistan’s sinister plans to take over Kashmir. Pathan is now on a mission to stop Jim, but trust issues arise for Pathan when a sexy distraction appears in the form of ISI agent Rupaya Mohsin (Deepika Padukone). Is she an ally or an enemy? Her backstory reveals her intentions and gives the story its much-needed twist before the time-lapse. Filled with action scenes and clever dialogues, the movie looks exciting and sensual.

Here is the trailer:

The second half in Bataan triumphed over the first. The action pieces are devoid of logic and reason, but then again, this is not a documentary. It’s also the first time you’ve seen SRK doing hardcore action scenes. The reason for its success is that Anand has given him some realistic hand-to-hand fight sequences with John. It’s not just jets soaring through the air or Ferraris sliding on ice, the action in Pathan is gritty and fearless.

Shah Rukh is the heart of Patan and is a constant reminder of why we enjoy watching him on the big screen. He sells the most bizarre plots with a straight face and you are intrigued to buy it. Deepika Padukone needs a standalone action movie. She really has the physique and attitude to do a Tomb Raider game. John Abraham as the bad guy is a great casting choice. Once you get over how cute he is in Pathaan, you will understand why he is one of the greatest action heroes of our time. John hasn’t gotten his due in a lot of his movies. Fortunately, in Pathaan, he not only holds his own against SRK but also shines with grace. The high point that everyone anxiously awaits in Pathaan, which is also a highlight in the movie, is the “Pathaan Meet Tiger” moment. It is an absolute thrill to watch Salman and SRK in the same frame throwing each other while beating up some goons. This will go down in the annals of cinematic history as the perfect tribute to the stardom of these two actors.

The main hiccup in Pathaan is the action blocks, which get tiring at times. Some parts look like she has a stunt double and others make it very obvious that she was shot with a green carpet. Recently, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise did a stunt in his latest movie Mission: Impossible which will go down in history as the greatest love an actor can have for his profession. The 60-year-old actor dived his bike off the edge of a cliff. No serenity, no body double. Only Tom on a bike does what he does. This makes me realize that when it comes to action, we need to install a bit of realism into our choreography. The other glitch in Pathaan is with some dialogues, SRK flirts with Deepika Padukone and calls her a “bomb” while admitting he’s ready to “burst” as her thigh seductively caresses him. In another scene, he tries to use his comedic side in rhyming the Russian currency ruble with the word “boobles” while referring to a lady showing off her cleavage. Smarter writing would surely have saved Pathan.

The Pathans are unapologetic fun. He’s not trying to send a public service message or pass on commentary on the current situation. Instead, it turns back the clock to when SRK’s movie hit cinemas was a moment of joy. In a recent #AskSRK session, the actor revealed his unfulfilled wish. He wrote, “Itni shakti rahe mujh mein ki aap ke bacchon ko bhi to entertain kar sakon” (I hope I have the strength even to entertain your children). He is sure – SRK is not going anywhere.. This Pathan is the perfect opening into the world of Indian espionage.

3.5 out of 5 stars for Pathan.