Pathan Movie Review: Blockbuster Shah Rukh Khan goes head-to-head with John Abraham 2.0, Deepika Padukone kicks in high-octane action!
Image: Pathan
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham
Star Ratings: 3.5/5
‘Party pathan ke gar pe rakoke, do mehman nawaji ke liye pathan do aayeka, aur patake bi layeka’. A firecracker from start to finish – it’s Yash Raj Raj’s action film Pathan. Shah Rukh Khan ends his 4-year hiatus from theaters with a big masala actioner starring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in the lead. Without further ado, let’s get to the review:
Meet Sharkey as Pathan
The screenplay begins by mentioning the country’s withdrawal of Article 370 and how it infuriates Pakistani General Qadir (played by actor Manish Wadhwa). His revenge strategy involves Jim – our main antagonist – and Hattie (John Abraham). Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, who plays a Raa officer, plays a pivotal role till the climax. It’s good to see actors like Ashutosh Rana (Colonel Sunil Luthra), Dimple Kapadia and SRK (Pathan as Raw Agent) in the same frame.
Jim, an ex-RAW agent, is a rogue-turned-brutal, armed with deadly weapons and an evil master plan. With all this established, enter Deepika Padukone or ISI agent Rubina Mohsin. He’s charismatic, charismatic and can kick some serious ass. Pathan follows her for vital information and from there the chase begins. As the screenplay moves, the layers of John’s character and his evil are revealed, and this time you should watch John Abraham 2.0 – after Dhoom, this is his best work. The plot tightens in the second half as a virus enters the plot (no spoiler).
There isn’t even a dull moment in this YRF actioner. The action scenes between SRK and Jaan are mind-blowing, albeit over the top. Don’t look for logic in masala entertainment, you will be disappointed. But what will keep you entertained are their faces, heavy dialogues and the lead actors performing some of the boldest action stunts ever seen.
Full marks for the background score, it’s gritty, fresh and has an adrenaline-pumping beat. Director Siddharth Anand is known for his stylish filmmaking. Bang Bang, Por or now Pathan – his signature style is evident and this time he has gone up a notch.
Pathan fans have a visual display that has many ‘wow’ moments. Be it an amazing world tour from Spain, Russia to Afghanistan and Dubai – we traveled the most glamorous way. Music needs clapping, yes here I mean ‘Pesharam Rang’ and ‘Jume Jo Pathan’ which don’t break the rhythm but rather add to it.
Pathan’s biggest blockbuster was the ‘Karan Arjun’ moment which made the audience clap and shout like crazy. Yes, Bhaijaan Salman Khan and SRK’s camaraderie is absolutely adorable and their action sequences are also worth mentioning. Many awws, whistles and claps echoed through those 5 minutes.
Deepika impresses with her performance as Rubina. She can do some crazy stunts and looks easy. He will be seen in many more action films after Pathaan. The actress looks sleek and her stylist Shaleena Nathani does full justice to her character. The cinematography by Sachith Balos is amazing and the action stunts in Pathan by Hollywood action director Casey O’Neill are worth whistling.
Don’t miss the end credits, there are some fun elements for fans.
Overall, our verdict: Fasten your seat belts this weekend and catch Pataan at a theater near you!