"They're here to witness my charisma," declares Indian super-spy Tiger in the midst of "Tiger 3," an Indian anti-terrorist thriller that, while mostly conventional, still manages to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience. Salman Khan, portraying the square-jawed Tiger, sets the tone for the Yash Raj Spy Universe, a Bollywood action series featuring stars from the late '90s and early '00s, Marvelized for Indian audiences.
In this latest installment, Tiger finds himself enmeshed in the familiar formula established by predecessors "Ek Tha Tiger" and "Tiger Zinda Hai." The plot revolves around Tiger's clash with his Pakistani super-spy wife, Zoya (Katrina Kaif), as they join forces to thwart Pakistani terrorists jeopardizing peace talks between India and Pakistan. The storyline, while well-executed, lacks originality, following the predictable pattern set by its predecessors.
"Tiger 3" bears a striking resemblance to "Tiger Zinda Hai," a superior sequel set in contemporary Iraq. Unfortunately, Tiger and Zoya's diplomatic escapades now feel somewhat predictable, with the added twist of Zoya plotting against her own Prime Minister alongside a disgruntled ex-spy, Aatish Rehman (Emraan Hashmi).
While the film introduces a personal twist by portraying Tiger's attempt to keep his family intact, this element adds only superficial charm to the overall box-checking narrative. The inclusion of Shah Rukh Khan's cameo and borrowed story beats from Hollywood contribute to the film's familiar yet entertaining charm.
The narrative kicks off with Tiger embarking on a rescue mission, weaving through familiar territory established by the previous films. The introduction of a twist involving Zoya's alleged betrayal adds a layer of intrigue. However, the subsequent flashback to Zoya's past and a musical number exploring Tiger's trust issues follow a formulaic pattern.
Despite its predictable nature, "Tiger 3" benefits from being the fifth entry in the franchise, showcasing improved action choreography and storytelling compared to its predecessors. The film also outshines "Pathaan," Shah Rukh Khan's recent addition to the Yash Raj Spy Universe, with better guest appearances and more polished execution.
In essence, "Tiger 3" epitomizes the fifth installment in a franchise, with its strengths and weaknesses. While the action and musical scenes offer enjoyable moments, the film navigates the well-trodden path of genericism akin to Marvel's cinematic universe. As the Yash Raj Spy movies evolve, "Tiger 3" could serve as a defining moment, or it may remain a passable entry until the series further integrates marquee-topping heroes in future sequels.
Whether one finds satisfaction in "Tiger 3" depends on the appetite for the genre. A holiday crowd might relish this family-friendly potboiler, but others may choose to await its appearance on a streaming service for a more surprising cinematic experience. Currently in theaters, "Tiger 3" is Salman Khan's latest cinematic endeavor, offering a blend of action, music, and the familiar charisma of the Yash Raj Spy Universe.
Playing in theaters now.