New Delhi: 'Pathaan' starring Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham has been released. The Siddharth 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 that 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.


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 gets whistles as audiences love the megastar’s return to screens after 4 years. 


The best part is Salman Khan’s cameo in the film with an entire sequence on a moving train featuring the two superstars. Salman also asks for SRK’s help in the upcoming Tiger film. 


Besides Salman’s cameo, the second half of 'Pathaan' is more engaging. The action sequences get gruesome, the story better, actors well equipped to play their parts. Special mention to Deepika Padukone who aces action sequences even better than John Abraham and SRK in some parts. The genre suits her really well. 


Shah Rukh’s charisma makes this film a must-watch despite bad dialogues, predictable plot and confused pace of the film.


Yet, Pathaan is a great way to begin 2023 and will surely get great numbers at the box office. 


Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Yash Raj Films, 'Pathaan' is mounted on a budget of Rs. 250 crores. Being the first mega film of 2023, a lot of expectation and excitement is riding on the film's performance at the box office.