Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan has an immense fan following but for some reason, after the shock he received with Zero at the box office, he went into silent mode. This disappointed all his fans though he appeared in a few cameos and special roles now and then. Finally, Shah Rukh Khan decided to break the shackles and announced action entertainer Pathaan with Siddharth Anand. Right from the film's announcement, movie lovers waited eagerly for the film's release. The film is releasing on 25 January as a Republic Day special. Already the film's first look, teaser, trailer, and songs got tremendous response. Shah Rukh Khan's new look, Deepika Padukone's sensuous bikini treat, and John Abrahamn's presence along with Salman Khan's cameo are becoming the talk of the town. The film's OTT rights have been bagged for a fancy sum by Amazon Prime video and streaming will be done after the film's theatrical screening. The film directed by Siddharth Anand who is known for action entertainers is driving us all crazy. Let us travel with Pathaan and find out what thrilling ride he offered to movie lovers.
Pathaan's story is all about an exiled RAW field operative who is assigned to take down "Outfit X", a private terrorist organization that is planning a nuclear attack on India. Pathaan, an exiled RAW field operative is assigned to take down "Outfit X", a private terrorist organization that is planning a nuclear attack on India. Pakistan's military realizes that the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir by the Indian government is a signal to India's decision to take over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. To thwart that, General Qatar meets Shaitan. In the meantime, Indian Colonel Sunil Luthra (Ashutosh Rana) and his team that includes (Dimple Kapadia) sound a red alert and go in search of Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan). It all boils down to the unraveling of the sinister plot by Pathaan and its connection to Jim (John Abraham), leader of Outfit X. Where this leads to, what is Rakth Beej and what is the connection of all these developments to Dr. Rubina Mohisin (Deepika Padukone) an ISI agent and Tiger (Salman Khan) should be unraveled on the screen.
The story penned by Siddharth Anand is an out-and-out action entertainer. He included all the commercial elements and got the optimum out of the lead cast of Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham. He blended action elements featuring Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, and even Deepika Padukone. Though the story is predictable with little or no real twists, the action elements and the romantic elements made up for it. The action-packed story with patriotic flavor appeals to all. The story is inspired by superhit Hollywood blockbusters and those who have watched it will not find it interesting.
Rating For Pathaan Story 2/5
Pathaan's screenplay is provided by Shridhar Raghavan. The screenplay at the start is interesting and captivating when things unfold with the Article 370 abrogation and the turn of events in the aftermath. After the glimpse of John Abraham, the introduction of Shah Rukh Khan with a high octane and breathtaking action sequence is whistle worthy. Shah Rukh Khan's intense stunts blow the minds of all. Even the scenes involving Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham came out quite well. However, the scenes in between and the back-and-forth narration of the past and the present ended in confusing as Shah Rukh Khan also sported different looks.
The screenplay had its ups and downs. From racy, it turned out to be tardy with the romantic scenes between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. But the action episodes featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone excite all. For all the talk of the screenplay, all the scenes looked to have been heavily inspired by Hollywood flicks and mostly Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible. The first half ends in an interesting way paving the way for the second half.
Screenplay in the second half treads on a predictable note, but the entry of Super Star Salman Khan takes the film to another level. Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan's action episode for around 10 minutes is a treat to watch not only for the fans but also for the masses. After the predictable turn of events, the film ends in a routine fashion on a happy note. Director Siddharth Anand and Sridhar Raghavan for all the high points showed a soft corner to the villain and this in fact diluted the mission. The characterization of John Abhram brings him sympathy from the viewers. The narration also lacked an emotional connection due to the routine elements and lack of real twists and turns.
Rating For Pathaan Screenplay 2.5/5
Shah Rukh Khan made a spectacular and stunning return to the silver screen after nearly three years. He looked stylish, macho, and cool and elevated the scenes with his screen presence. His dialogue delivery and expressions are near perfect. Shah Rukh Khan flaunted his well-toned physique and he indulged in breathtaking high-octane stunts taking many risks. However, the way he sported different looks and hairstyles, impacted the continuity of the narration.
Deepika Padukone is a delight to watch on the screen. She gave ample treat to viewers in bikinis and also in low-neck outfits and slit gowns. What comes as surprise is she enacted intense action scenes along with Shah Rukh Khan. John Abraham scored brownie points among all of them. He sported a fiery look and delivered powerful and impactful dialogues. His scenes with Shah Rukh Khan stand out.
Salman Khan made a powerful impact in the special role. His role took the film to another level. His screen presence elevated the scenes of the routine narration exciting all the movie lovers. Others like Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana performed according to their roles.
Rating For Pathaan Artists Effort : 3/5
Satchich Palouse's cinematography is rich and beautiful. The exotic locations in Dubai, Afghanistan, UAE, Turkey, Italy, Russia, France, and Spain are shot in a lavish manner. The action sequences are canned in an exciting manner. Stunt choreographers composed action sequences in such a way to attract the masses. But they are unidimensional and could have been more creative.
Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara's songs are a treat to watch on the screen. Besharam song is beautifully shot and the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone is awesome. Even the Jhoome Pathaan in the end is shot in an appealing manner with good dance choreography. The editing of Aarif Sheikh could have been far better. There are many drags and repetitive scenes that slowed the pace of the film. Dialogues are good at times and are thought-provoking. Most of the time, dialogues just looked ok. The production values of Yash Raj Films are grand.
Rating For Pathaan Technicians Effort : 3.5/5
Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone
Salman Khan Cameo
Cinematography
Action Sequences
BGM
Thin Story Line
Illogical Scenes
Convenient Screenplay
Predictable Narration
Altogether, Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan directed by Siddharth Anand is a perfect comeback treat for all his fans. Action movie lovers will love Shah Rukh Khan showing his versatility in romance, action, and witty dialogue. He also showed good emotions. Complimenting him is John Abraham who locked horns with him and Deepika Padukone who on one side exploded like a beauty bomb and on the other side exploded in action sequences. The presence of Salman Khan powered the film to another level. Had little more twists and turns included in the screenplay and the story been fine-tuned to remove the monotony, Pathaan would have resulted in a powerful explosion. Considering all these elements, Cinejosh goes with a 2.75 rating for Pathaan.