MapsofIndia.com/MyIndia.in Rating: 3/5
Director: Maneesh Sharma
Plot
The third Tiger movie opens with the Indian intelligence agency RAW sending Tiger, AKA Salman Khan, to rescue his old friend Gopi, played by Ranvir Shorey, who is trapped in enemy territory. Tiger makes a badass entrance on a dirt bike and engages in an action-packed scene, successfully rescuing Gopi and getting him on a helicopter. However, Gopi is in critical condition and dies soon after. Before he dies, he tells Tiger that one double agent is working for Pakistan, and that agent is Zoya, played by Katrina Kaif.
Tiger returns home to find her with a doctor, as their son Junior has a high fever. Tiger searches for evidence of Zoya’s betrayal but finds none. Later, Tiger is assigned to contact a person in Russia with important information for RA&W. He disguises himself as a bearded American and saves the person from two ISI agents. However, they are then attacked by a motorcycle rider who turns out to be Zoya. Realizing that Gopi was right, Tiger flees from Zoya. After successfully relaying the lead to another RAW agent, Tiger confronts Zoya in one-on-one combat. He defeats her, removes his disguise, and points a gun at her head. Before Zoya can explain herself, Tiger is knocked unconscious from behind.
Upon waking up, Tiger finds himself in the clutches of Aatish Rehman, the film’s main villain and Zoya’s mentor. Aatish recruited Zoya into the ISI when she was just 15 years old, but now he’s seeking revenge. A backstory reveals how Tiger, Zoya, and their respective nations are responsible for Aatish’s downfall. Aatish has their son, Junior, who has been poisoned by the same doctor who visited their home earlier. Tiger and Zoya must go against their nations’ interests to save their son.
Performances
The performances in Tiger 3 are average at best. Salman Khan reprises his role as Tiger with his usual badass swagger, while Katrina Kaif’s Zoya is decent, too. Emraan Hashmi’s performance as the villain, Aatish Rehman, is unremarkable. He attempts to play a clever and menacing villain, but his performance falls short. Compared to John Abraham’s Jim in Pathaan, Hashmi’s Aatish is lackluster.
Analysis
Tiger 3, the latest installment in the YRF Spy Universe, is an average action thriller at best. The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed exciting, and are a step up from the previous two Tiger films. However, the plot is underdeveloped and predictable, even with a few twists and turns. Despite its flaws, Tiger 3 does have a few redeeming qualities. Salman Khan’s entry into the film is adrenaline-pumping, and Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo as Pathaan is special and heartfelt.
One major problem with Tiger 3 is the underdeveloped character of Aatish Rehman. The makers could have done much more with his character, but they fell short. The music in the film is also forgettable, but Aatish’s theme is catchy and cool. Additionally, Arjit Singh singing for Salman in this film is a welcome twist.
Verdict
Tiger 3 is a 1-time watch at best. The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, and the star power of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan is undeniable. However, the plot is underdeveloped and predictable, with a sudden betrayal from Zoya and the appearance of Aatish, her past mentor, leading to nothing more than a generic “agents save the nation” story. However, should you choose to watch the film, don’t miss out on the captivating surprise waiting for you in the end!
