Pathaan, featuring Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham in the lead roles released in theaters worldwide today amidst sky-high expectations. Here's our review of the Siddharth Anand directorial. 

Story: Pathaan (SRK) is a free-spirited lethal spy who sets out on a mission to take down Jim (John Abraham), a rogue soldier who has turned out to be a contract terrorist. In the process, he meets Rubina (Deepika) who is on a mission of her own. Can Pathaan nab Jim who is on an anarchist mission? If yes, then how?

How did the actors perform?

Shah Rukh Khan has made a comeback on the big screens in a stellar manner. He oozes charm and suave in the role of a rugged spy. It is a treat for his fans to watch him in such an action packed role. He aces the rugged looks with his trademark charisma. 

Deepika Padukone looks really gorgeous too and she has come up with a fiery performance. There's a fair bit of glamour show associated with her character and she nails it. John Abraham is also good in his role. 

Salman Khan makes a brief entry towards the end and he adds the impetus with his swag and energetic portrayal. 

What about the technical finesse?

The director Siddharth Anand has created a Spy universe that revolves around the lives of multiple spies and this sure looks interesting. He has incorporated the likes of SRK, Deepika, Salman, and also Hrithik Roshan, and Tiger Shroff(WAR fame) in the same. 

The idea of creating a spy-verse and packing it with commercial highs and entertaining elements promises box office bonanza and that is exactly what Siddharth is aiming at now with Pathaan. 

The background score is pulsating and the audio album is a good one. Besharam song has repeat value. The BGM highlights certain sequences in the film. The visual composition looks good as the cinematography looks lavish and rich. The VFX is tacky though. Many CGI shots look dull on big screens.

Analysis:

Pathaan is a full-blown action thriller that is loaded with several action sequences. It is a treat for action lovers as thy get to watch SRK in full flow in a racy action thriller. But for the general audience, the overdose of action might be too much to process.

Watching SRK, Salman, John Abraham, and others in action is fun. Deepika plays a glamour doll role and she provides a treat to the eye with the same. She is true lady superstar.

The opening half relies mostly on high octane sequences and there isn't much to offer on story or plot front. The latter half is where the core plot sets in and we are introduced to Salman Khan's character. This is the pinnacle point of the film as Salman gets a heroic entry.

The film closes with a hint for the upcoming outing from this Spy-verse franchise and this should excite a section of the audience to a great extent. 

Verdict: Pathaan is a feast for action lovers as it is loaded with several high octane action blocks. It offers a good visual experience. But at times, the action part goes overboard, which is understandable for films like these that rely more on action than story. This film is sure to emerge as a box office blockbuster. 

Rating: 2.75/5