New Delhi: 'Pathaan' starring Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham has been released. The Siddharh Anand film has created much buzz ever since its songs and trailer were unveiled. Surrounded in controversy, the film opened to early morning shows amidst the anticipation which fans have for the mega release.
'Pathaan' joins the current bandwagon of the patriotic film genre. However, it's only grander in action and style. Like Siddharth Anand had directed 'WAR', 'Pathaan' retains the grandiose-in action, drama, star power and everything in between. Shah Rukh Khan in action will remind audiences of his massive blockbuster action films like 'Don' and 'Don 2'. In fact, much of SRK's look from 'Pathaan' bears resemblance to some of his looks in 'Don 2'.
Pathaan opens in the most typical action films of this genre; in Pakistan, as it preps to bring ‘ India to its knees’. SRK is formidable as an action hero, complimented by an equally bold adversary Deepika Padukone. John Abraham plays an ex-RAW agent who has gone rogue because he loses his wife after India refuses to pay ransom for him and his wife who are captured by a terrorist group.
The action is great, background score compliments the genre but the story lacks gravitas. The screenplay gets better when the film gets slightly grounded and it takes some to find momentum.
SRK’s entry is sure to get whistles as audiences love the megastar’s return to screens after 4 years.
What doesn’t seem to work is the dialogue, the predictable plot and the confused pace of the film.
Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Yash Raj Films, 'Pathaan' is mounted on a budget of Rs. 250 crores. Being the first megafilm of 2023, a lot of expectation and excitement is riding on the film's performance at the box office.