Film

Pathaan

Name: Pathaan
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
Released: 2023
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana

Military action

Pathaan is a globe-trotting spy thriller that trades plot coherence for spectacle and swagger. Shah Rukh Khan plays a supposedly dead agent returning for one last mission, moving through action set pieces that prioritize style over logic. It's built for audiences who want to see their star look immaculate while executing elaborate revenge, and who don't need the connective tissue between stunts to make sense.

TMDb rating

3.2

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you want a loud, big-hearted spy spectacle where the set pieces are the point and the plot is happy to get out of the way.

Skip it if you tire of stunt-heavy set pieces piled one atop another, or you need espionage that holds up logically; at nearly two and a half hours, it overstays.

What it asks of you: A long, loud ride: nearly two and a half hours of near-continuous motion, with quick breathers between set pieces and little interest in slow-burn atmosphere.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

Mission: Impossible - Fallout2018

Tom Cruise in a similarly high-octane spy thriller where the star's charisma and physical commitment anchor outlandish action across multiple continents. Taut plotting and real stunts give weight to every sequence.

But At 147 minutes it moves faster than Pathaan, but demands more from the plot. If you're watching for character depth, you'll want more development than either film provides.

Ek Tha Tiger2012

The spiritual predecessor, also starring Shah Rukh Khan in a spy role. Lighter in tone, generous with action, and knows exactly what kind of film it wants to be without pretending otherwise.

But Older VFX and lower-budget action sequences. If you're craving modern production values and scale, it'll feel smaller.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan2024

Released the same year, equally committed to absurdist action and star power over plausibility. Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff deliver a film that leans into its own ridiculousness with genuine fun.

But The plot barely exists and the humour is broad. If you prefer spy thrillers with actual espionage tradecraft, this is pure popcorn.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Pathaan

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Johnny English Strikes Again2018

Both are spy thrillers that care more about style and stardom than plot, but Johnny English admits it's funny about that fact while Pathaan plays it straight. Seeing the DNA laid bare is instructive.

Rowan Atkinson as a bumbling spy in action sequences that work because they're funny, not despite being funny. Takes the spy-thriller skeleton and inverts every expectation—the contrast with Pathaan's self-seriousness is revelatory.

But Comedy that depends on physical humour and absurdity. If you want to take your spy thriller seriously, this deconstructs the whole thing.

Captain America: Civil War2016

Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in a duel across action sequences designed to showcase star magnetism. Beautifully shot, richly choreographed, unapologetically about watching two talented performers destroy things.

But The villain's motivation makes no sense and the final act asks you to accept some genuinely baffling decisions. Coherence isn't the priority.

Khel Khel Mein2021

A sharper, smaller Bollywood thriller with Akshay Kumar that still understands the assignment—deliver twists and action without requiring your brain to work overtime. Efficient and entertaining.

But Significantly lower budget and scale. If you're drawn to Pathaan for its globe-trotting grandeur, this will feel claustrophobic.

Fast Color2019

Delivers action and mystery across a tighter runtime with genuine emotional stakes. For those moments when you want spectacle *and* something to feel.

But Sci-fi thriller, much smaller scale, and far more grounded in character than in set pieces. Completely different energy from Pathaan.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.2015

A spy thriller that gets its kicks from style, charm, and the pleasure of watching skilled operatives work. Director Guy Ritchie finds wit in the genre's absurdities.

But Slower paced, more interested in dialogue and character than action. If you want constant motion, this will feel restrained.

Saaho2019

Prabhas in an action-thriller that similarly prioritizes visual spectacle and star presence. Slick cinematography and elaborate sequences, unafraid to be silly.

But Nearly three hours, convoluted plot, and the sequel never arrived. You're signing up for an incomplete experience with inconsistent pacing.

Commando 2 - The Black Money Trail2017

Vidyut Jammwal's action prowess in a smaller-scale spy thriller that moves fast and doesn't overstay its welcome. Straightforward entertainment without pretension.

But Budget limitations show throughout. The action is committed but lacks the glossy production design that makes Pathaan feel grand.

Commando 2 - The Black Money Trail poster

Atomic Blonde2017

Both have spies moving across international locations in pursuit of a goal, but Atomic Blonde treats espionage like a skill set with real dangers, while Pathaan treats it like a launchpad for spectacle. Understanding what Pathaan discards makes it more interesting.

Charlize Theron as a spy in a retro-cold-war thriller with action that's actually about physics, geography, and tactical thinking. Every fight tells you something about stakes or character. Gorgeous, brutal, intelligent.

But Grounded and violent. If you're watching for escapist fun and charisma over consequence, the grim, consequential tone will feel joyless.

Jai Bhim2021

Both are Indian star vehicles released within two years, but Jai Bhim proves the star system can serve a story about justice rather than escapism. Pathaan's empty grandeur becomes visible by contrast.

Suriya in a Tamil-language thriller about a lawyer investigating a death in custody. Grounded, procedural, morally serious—a reminder that Indian cinema can be urgently about something. Raw power from performance and conviction.

But Three hours of slow-burn legal drama with no action set pieces. The stakes are human and institutional, not explosive. Completely opposite register from Pathaan.