Review: Ek Tha Tiger

Rating: 3.5/5

Salman Khan, a brand that is getting stronger as each EID passes by. Ek Tha Tiger is the ultimate project that he had always aspired to do, a film with the great Chopras'. Another stamp on sequence of EID releases that he initiated 3 years ago.

Supposedly based on true thrilling events, the film is essentially a romantic story of two spies from different nations which happen to be India and Pakistan. Avinash Singh Rathode a.k.a. Tiger (Salman Khan) is a R&AW undercover agent who is in a constant hunt for ISI undercover agents in various countries. His new mission brings him to Ireland on a basic task of observing a scientist of Indian origin whom the R&AW suspects to have been passing his anti-missile theories to ISI. In an attempt to befriend the professor (Roshan Seth), he encounters his gorgeous care taker Zoya (Katrina Kaif) with whom he falls in love for the first time in his life. Gopi (Ranvir Shorey) Tiger's colleague, is against Tiger falling in love which sparks a few funny moments. The movie starts to thrill you after the intermission and will make you praise the Action Director for making Katrina step out of her comfort zone on screen.

Talking about the performances Salman Khan is his usual self and you would not notice any special effort from him to get into the skin of the character. On the other hand his ladylove has gone the extra mile to give justice to her role. She looks absolutely stunning, but that's not all she has performed some jaw dropping action sequences and don't be surprised if you find people whistling around you at Katrina. Supporting cast is good and worth mentioning, Girish Karnad as R&AW chief as Shenoy, British actor Roshan Seth as the professor and it's a Bollywood debut for punjabi actor Gavie Chahal.

The movie was shot in as many as five countries and the cinematographer has done a good job capturing the scenic beauty of Istanbul and Cuba.

This is Director Kabir Khan's third film and I think the best one till date. Unlike his previous flicks this one is fast paced, action filled, with a simple plot that audiences of our country can relate to on Independence Day.

Aditya Chopra seems to have calculated every aspect of his most anticipated movie. Be it the cast, marketing strategy or even the release date. He knew that Salman has been cashing in on EID releases due to his loyal fan following. Releasing the movie mid week instead of Friday will give multiplexes more time to make revenue rather than just relying on the weekend collection. The ticket price has almost been doubled to recover within a week what was spent on the film's production and trade analysts are already gauging its success.

It's a must watch for all Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif fans!

—   Pankaj Sharma