Pathaan Movie Review: A Bumpy But Worthwhile Ride

Pathaan Movie Review: A Bumpy But Worthwhile Ride

Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Shah Rukh Khan, made its debut in cinemas on January 25. Despite featuring intense action scenes, the film contains some minor shortcomings according to our review.

In Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan’s gaze holds a sense of poetic justice. Despite his spy-like physique, it’s his eyes that convey the most emotion. After a four-year hiatus, Khan returns to the big screen displaying his signature charm and reminding audiences why he’s a true superstar among a dwindling group.

Director Siddharth Anand stays true to his signature style of showcasing his stars in grand and luxurious settings, reminiscent of Hollywood films. This is evident in the film, which bears similarities to his previous works such as War and Bang Bang! Anand presents the audience with scenes and imagery that pay homage to iconic Hollywood films.

Sharukh Khan role in Pathaan

Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of his character in Pathaan bears resemblance to Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark in its wit and charm with the opposite sex. Similarly, Deepika’s portrayal of a Pakistani ISI agent has similarities to Scarlett Johansson’s roles in action films. The climax and certain action sequences in the film also appear to have been heavily influenced by Hollywood films such as Mission Impossible and Fast and the Furious.

About Pathaan

“Pathaan is not an imitation of Hollywood spy films. Instead, it serves as the first installment in India’s own spy universe, following the story of the trio of Tiger, Kabir, and now Pathaan. The plot is heavily steeped in patriotic sentiment as the story centers on a rogue agent, Jim (played by John Abraham), who seeks vengeance against India. 

The timing of his revenge coincides with the Indian government’s decision to scrap Article 370, which leads to neighboring Pakistan’s attempts to capture Kashmir. Pathaan is on a mission to stop Jim but encounters trust issues when he becomes distracted by a sexy ISI agent Rubina Khan (played by Deepika Padukone). The audience is left to question her true intentions, adding a twist to the story before the intermission. The film is heavy on action and smart dialogue, making it a visually and verbally stimulating experience.”

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