PATHAAN (2023)

Critic No. 311

Director: Siddarth Ananad 

Written by: Siddarth Ananad, Abbas Tyrewala

Produced by: Yash Raj Films

Casts: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana

Music: Vishal-Shekar, Ankit Balhara

Language: Hindi

Genre: Action


SYNOPSIS: 

An Indian spy, Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan) takes on the leader of a group of mercenaries, Jim (John Abraham) who have nefarious plans to target his homeland.


REVIEW:

‘Pathaan’ expands Yash Raj Film’s spy universe (previously led by Salman Khan’s Tiger & Hrithik Roshan’s Kabir), and presents the origin story of an ex-army man turned undercover agent Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan) and his arch nemesis, Jim (John Abraham). From the word go, the film celebrates the presence of the celebrated super star of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and sets the tone that everything that happens on the screen will be doubled or tripled from realism. 


The film almost feels like a superhero film after one point of time and we know that Pathaan will never lose. Of course, after a while I tuned myself to expect a Mission Impossible / Fast & Furious kind of treatment and immediately everything that seemed logicless or tacky, seemed fun. That tuning is important for you to truly enjoy the film. The plot is simple and except for a stunning cameo by a famous actor, there are no true surprises. Even the midpoint can be smelt a mile away. 


But what makes Pathaan an important film in a time where Bollywood is facing a serious decline? Shah Rukh Khan plays to his strength and his charisma is the biggest engaging factor in the film. Like he says in a post credit scene, even after 30 years, some stars need to strike back to save the industry. With just 2 songs placed (a welcoming change in a mainstream Bollywood), Siddharth places creatively staged exhilarating action sequences that increase in scale as it comes. He stays true to the genre and uses set pieces to move his story. He infuses that with some good old Bollywood conventions - punch dialogues, slowmo entries, iconic good versus evil with a fair share of glamour. That said, due to the surface level depth in character, we can never connect with Pathaan’s emotional journey. 


Deepika Padukone and Dimple Kapadia are great in their roles with the former doing great in dangerous stunts. The much discussed “Besharam” song is tastefully shot and choreographed that matches the colour of the film. John Abaraham does another Dhoom- like, good looking villain. Technically the film looks rich and Satchith Paulose’s painstakingly framed grand shots ensure ‘Pathaan’ looks equal to any big budget Hollywood film. Vishal Shekar’s songs are good but the score is incredibly loud and generic. 



VERDICT:

Packed with over the top action sequences, loud patriotism, glamour and clear self awareness of its outlandish treatment , ‘Pathaan’ brings back the true blue Bollywood fun back again, led by the beloved Indian Star, Shah Rukh Khan. 


CELLULOID METER- 3.25/5:





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