New Delhi: 'Tiger 3', the newest entry in the YRF spy series, brings us back to the story's beginning chapter before moving ahead. The prequels had set the groundwork and the Maneesh Sharma-directed action film explored the world that was created and carried the tale with larger-than-life characters.
The third installment turned out to be more engaging than 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai', even after an interminable flashback sequence. In fact, it wouldn't be a stretch to argue that Salman Khan has constantly rewarded his fans with the Tiger franchise. This time, he lived up to the hype unlike anyone else (for a non-Salman fan to say something like, it takes a lot.). His appeal is reinforced by a packed theater for an early show on the day of Diwali, but the film's performance can be gauged by the same crowd exiting feel content.
Make no mistake, the movie still has a lot of uncalled-for flaws, grandiose action, and swag rather than realism. However, given that it comes in the package of a mainstream spy thriller, particularly the ones that make up the YRF universe, one has come to terms with it. The romantic plotline got a great deal of spotlight in the first two chapters, which was my one issue. In the film directed by Kabir Khan, the love story between a RAW and an ISI agent did a good job of winning hearts.
The plot of the sequel follows Tiger and Zoya, who are now married and have a son, as they head on a mission together. However, the entire plot of 'Tiger 3' centers on Emraan Hashmi, an old foe who is ravenous for vengeance and eager for bloodshed. More than anything, the movie explored the intricacies of spies' lives as well as duty and dignity. The movie focused more on the intricacies of spies' lives, duty, and honor. With this installment, the Salman Khan film becomes unexpectedly more touching and intimate.
'Tiger 3' (written by Sridhar Raghavan) is the continuation of the tale of an Indian agent and former Pakistani spy as the former faces allegations of treachery, his son's life is in danger, and his wife takes the burden of saving both her family and the nation. Aatish Rehman (Emraan Hashmi), the antagonist, is a resentful former Deputy Director of ISI who must get revenge for the brutal murder of his wife Shaheen (Ridhi Dogra) and the baby they are expecting. There are old scars that need healing.
Peace negotiations between India and Pakistan are on the line as the two are assigned to securing a suitcase. Aatish, the rogue Pakistani agent, who aspires to oust the prime minister of his home nation and lead a military takeover traps Tiger and Zoya to attain his sinister goal. This culminates in a clash between Tiger and Aatish's troops, full of hand-to-hand combat, deceit, crossfires, plot twists, and an ample supply of chest-thumping patriotism.
There is barely any depth in this tale; therefore delving too far would only bring us to the bedrock. The elements are largely the same as in other spy flicks. 'Tiger 3' takes you on a real rollercoaster after a slow-paced first half. Action scenes steal the show, occasionally even making up for overly dramatic dialogues (Thank goodness, there aren't any preachy speeches), as Tiger takes on his rivals and Hashmi prances around.
Emraan, who is constantly experimenting with different genres in an attempt to regain his stature, is simply not unnerving enough for us, let alone for Tiger. Though the script doesn't help him, the actor seems to be making a lot of effort to appear as a believable 'bad guy'. But his exchanges with Zoya give nearly all of the best scenes for the character. As for her, Tiger is no longer a Salman Khan film series because Katrina Kaif has at last taken the throne right next to him. In contrast to the previous films, Kaif's portrayal this time around was more polished and real, even overshadowing Khan during the combat scenes. Kaif steps it up and gets you to cheer for her as a sauna turns into a wrestling mat.
But one of the best parts of the new film is the bromance between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. His character keeps his word from the last action-packed blockbuster from the realm of YRF espionage, 'Pathaan', and flies into a far-off land with sharp one-liners to rescue his pal. Amidst thunderous cheers and deafening whistles from fans showing their immense joy, the two super spies bring style and nostalgia to the big screen.
The element of surprise that enriches even foreseeable content is missing in 'Tiger 3'. Even Pathaan's entrance moment is a bit stretched out and the scenarios have a formulaic feel. It could serve to ramp up the excitement, but it goes against the appeal of unexpectedness. On top of that, while some of the fight scenes are masterfully concocted, there are moments when the choreography seems hasty.
Even while 'Tiger 3' is massive and full of intense action, its backbone is still fragile. A slick actioner like this one still couldn't find a better ending for its hero after all these years, with the third installment. There will undoubtedly be a 'Tiger 4', and we hope that the movie doesn't wrap up like a morally-laden Panchatantra tale.