Ek Tha Tiger
Producer: Aditya
Chopra
Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: Salman Khan,
Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad, Roshan Sheth
Genre: Romance-
Thriller
Ratings: Superb
by Bhawana Somaaya
Story:
In the dark world of intelligence and espionage many secrets
are stored for security but some escape the files and become legends. Tiger
(Salman Khan works for Research and Analysis Wing, India’s external intelligence
agency and is always trotting the globe on assignments. On one such mission
Tiger meets Zoya and what follows is a tumultuous journey watched and followed
by two nations.
What works about the
film:
Everything: from the opening frame showcasing credit titles
against the back drop of Turkey
to the closing shot freezing on a Black & White frame, writer -director Kabir
Khan travels his audience through unfamiliar path and constantly surprises
them.
There is not a dull moment in the film and for this the
credit goes to the writers-Nilesh Mishra and Kabir Khan. The plot, characters
and dialogues are completely believable.
The film has all the twists and turns necessary for a
thriller and is ably aided by all the technical departments. Julius Packiam’s
background score is seductively upbeat even though it has a striking resemblance
with the background score of Akhtar’s Don. Rameshwar Bhagwat’s editing is razor
sharp and action director Conrad Palmisano conceives fearless, magical moments
on screen. Aseem Mishra’s cinematography captures blue seas, brown mountains,
orange skyline, magnificent architecture and a gorgeous star pair!
It is a treat to watch virgin locations like Turkey, Ireland, Kazakhastan as part of
narrative and not just for song and dance. Interestingly even the choreography
and the songs are in harmony with the story. Special mention must be made of
Katrina’s costume by Alvira Agnihotri and the vibrant production design.
Performances:
To all those who have complained that Salman Khan never
breaks away from his star image, watch the actor play a RAW agent with sincerity
and restrain. He is tough when on a mission, awkward when he is ogled by
neighbours, attentive when with his senior, endearing in romantic scenes
involving Katrina, anguished when betrayed and fearless when courting danger. Tiger
alias Rathore Singh is a character suiting Salman’s age and image!
Katrina Kaif always underplays and that is her strength as
an actor. She surprised everybody in New York and Rajneeti and Ek Tha Tiger
is one more feather in her colourful cap. As Zoya she is mysterious and alluring
and manages to affect you in all her important scenes.
What does not work:
Very small things: There is no explanation about what
happens to Roshan Sheth and the Ranvir Shorey and Girish Karnad’s premise of
disagreement is unconvincing.
What’s special:
The action sequences are majestic, that Kabir Khan dares to
unfold a story untold so far, Salman Khan and most important, the politics of
the film! The message was infallible in Veer
Zaara and perfect now and both these films
are produced by YR Films.
Verdict:
It guarantees a blockbuster opening and house full running
for three weeks all over India
in single screens, multiplexes and abroad.
The review appears as it is in Blockbuster, a newly launched trade magazine.
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The second half does not live up to the promise of the
first half and drags unnecessarily. The climax is particularly disappointing
and almost unbelievable.
