Pathaan (2023) - A Review

"Pathaan is an ambitious action thriller that tells the origin story of an ex-army man turned undercover agent, played by Shah Rukh Khan. The film follows India's revocation of article 370 and its impact on a Pakistani officer, who seeks revenge with the help of a formidable ex-RAW agent, Jim (John Abraham), and his ravishing accomplice Rubai (Deepika Padukone). The three engage in a dangerous game of betrayal and revenge as they hop continents and fight to protect the worlds they believe in. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand and presents an over-the-top treatment of a spy thriller with action-packed sequences, evocative dialogues and a femme fatale. SRK's presence salvages an average script and subpar VFX, while John Abraham's portrayal of Jim is a highlight. Deepika Padukone's chemistry with SRK feels underdeveloped, but Dimple Kapadia's presence lends emotional heft to the proceedings. The YRF spy universe reunites Karan and Arjun for an iconic whistle moment. If you are willing to overlook the frivolous dialogues, Pathaan has all the ingredients of a masala potboiler and SRK is still the undisputed king. Keep an eye out for the post-credit scene."

Pathaan is a high-octane action thriller that delivers on its promise of an ambitious spy universe. The film marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen after four long years and he delivers a powerful performance as the ex-army man turned undercover agent Pathaan. The film's plot, which centers around India's revocation of article 370 and the impact on a Pakistani officer, is far-fetched but the star power and style of the film make up for it. The action sequences are over-the-top and reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters like Marvel films and Mission Impossible series. The film's director, Siddharth Anand, has a clear fascination with these types of films and it is evident in the treatment of Pathaan. John Abraham's portrayal of Jim is solid and he manages to outshine SRK in some portions. Deepika Padukone's chemistry with SRK feels underdeveloped, but her performance as the dutiful, double-crossing agent is spot on. The film's music by Vishal & Shekhar manages to reflect the heroism and bravado on display. Overall, Pathaan is a film that will entertain audiences who are looking for an action-packed thrill ride with a dash of patriotism.

It is a film that will appeal to fans of action thrillers and Shah Rukh Khan. The film's plot may be far-fetched, but the star power and style of the film make up for it. The action sequences are over-the-top and reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters. The film's director, Siddharth Anand, has a clear fascination with these types of films and it is evident in the treatment of Pathaan. The performances of the cast are strong, with John Abraham and Deepika Padukone delivering notable performances. The film's music also adds to the overall experience. The film's treatment of patriotism and the revocation of Article 370 may resonate with some audiences and will make the film stand out. Overall, Pathaan is a film that will entertain audiences looking for an action-packed thrill ride with a dash of patriotism.

It's worth mentioning that even though the film has its strengths, it also has its weaknesses. The VFX is subpar and the background score doesn't feel in sync with the scenarios, which might be a let down for some viewers. Additionally, the chemistry between SRK and Deepika Padukone feels underdeveloped, which could have added more depth to their characters' relationship.

Despite these shortcomings, it is a film that will keep audiences entertained with its action-packed sequences, evocative dialogues and a well-crafted spy universe. The performances of the lead actors, Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham and Deepika Padukone are noteworthy and they will keep the audiences engaged throughout the film. The film's treatment of patriotism and the revocation of Article 370 adds an extra layer of depth and relevance to the story. Overall, Pathaan is a film that will entertain audiences looking for an action-packed thrill ride with a dash of patriotism, but it may not be for everyone.

And its important to mention that the film is highly reliant on the audience's willingness to suspend disbelief and to overlook certain inconsistencies in the script. The film's treatment of action sequences, patriotism, and the revocation of Article 370 is over the top, and it may not be for everyone. But for those who are fans of action-packed spy thrillers and Shah Rukh Khan, Pathaan will be a film worth watching. The film's strong performances and well-crafted spy universe will keep audiences entertained throughout the film. However, it's important to keep in mind that the film's VFX is subpar, the background score is not always in sync with the scenes, and the chemistry between SRK and Deepika Padukone feels underdeveloped. Overall, Pathaan is a film that will entertain audiences looking for an action-packed thrill ride with a dash of patriotism, but it may not be for everyone.

Pathaan is a film that has its strengths and weaknesses. The action-packed sequences, evocative dialogues, and well-crafted spy universe will keep audiences entertained throughout the film. The performances of the lead actors, Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, and Deepika Padukone are noteworthy and they will keep the audiences engaged throughout the film. However, the film's treatment of patriotism and the revocation of Article 370 is over the top, and the VFX is subpar, the background score is not always in sync with the scenes, and the chemistry between SRK and Deepika Padukone feels underdeveloped. For those who are fans of action-packed spy thrillers and Shah Rukh Khan, Pathaan will be a film worth watching, but for others, it may not be their cup of tea. It's important to keep in mind that the film is highly reliant on the audience's willingness to suspend disbelief and to overlook certain inconsistencies in the script.

In summary, Pathaan is an ambitious action thriller that plays to the gallery and lives up to the hype, but also has its weaknesses. The performances of the lead actors are strong, particularly John Abraham, who delivers a solid portrayal of Jim. The film's music and overall style also add to the experience. However, the VFX is subpar, the background score doesn't always feel in sync with the scenarios, and the chemistry between SRK and Deepika Padukone feels underdeveloped. The film's treatment of patriotism and the revocation of Article 370 may resonate with some audiences, but it may not be for everyone. Overall, Pathaan is a film that will entertain audiences looking for an action-packed thrill ride with a dash of patriotism, but it's important to keep in mind that the film is highly reliant on the audience's willingness to suspend disbelief and to overlook certain inconsistencies in the script.