Salman always packs in a stylish and balanced performance. Neither is he cliched and repetitive like SRK nor goofy like Akshay and thus whatever the quality of the film, he leaves his charismatic presence and magic. So for HIM and HIM alone its worth to sit through Ek Tha Tiger that promises much and delivers somewhat.
The story is about the workaholic and dedicated RAW agent who has been travelling on "sarkari kharcha" for last 12 years and is unstoppable and hungry for more adventures and missions as he tells his "sitting and checking files" boss, Girish Karnad(back in New Delhi).
The film spins off with some breathtaking action and chases through Zakho where he nabs a deceptive and traitorous RAW fellow agent who has defaulted over to ISI. After this splendid action packed beginning through old minarets, cobbled pathways and intricate mazes, the scene shifts to the placid and laid back Lake Town Of Dublin where he has to simply observe Dr Kidwai(Roshan Seth) who is suspected of being in connivance with ISI .
This part of the movie is the weakest. In an attempt to make a serenng, meandering European tale, the director has taken it too casually. There are no interesting twists and the entire episode is too long, bland and infact without any aim. For a film about a guy on a mission, it seems very insipid much like the heroine who Salman meets on the Trinity College Campus and falls for...HARD.
There is attempt to inject romance and cuteness here but the chemistry is ZERO. They look like good chums having a sweet day out but nothing else. There is no edginess, no excitement and infact no passion at all. After this the film only goes downhill till a small but already anticipated twist comes before intermission where Katrina shows some spunk and is shown as an agent of Pakistan who will not "do gaddari with her mulk". Does the hero kill her or leave her. Does Love conquer the genetic code of enmity so enmeshed in Indians and Pakistanis.
Well the latter half holds some interesting moments but is let down by lack of any dramatic build ups and memorable dialogues. The lovers decide to escape the hawk eyes of both sides’ Intelligence departments and land in Cuba. They spend a few idyllic moments much like the eternal QSQT but soon are caught on cameras and that’s the end of the honeymoon. Wild chases again ensue and in a daring pre climax aero chase, the lovers finally manage to fly off into the golden skies.
Linear story telling, lack of drama and twists, no suspense, no chills and thrills that one would expect from an espionage caper , that too coming from YRF banner whose architect Yashji has been directing for 50 years, these lead to many dull moments. The film after the initial 15 mins never really takes off. It just hovers above the ground in mid speed , giving a moment of pleasure here and there.
But to balance it out are the beautiful tracks esp Banjaara and Laapata. They have made gross mistake of putting the only "hot " item of the pic(in all respects)-The MASHALLAH song in the end credits, That should have appeared just after the intermisiion when the 2 realise they are in love and are willing to brave any danger to make a go for a life together . Its ill placement robs Katrina of the only sizzle she provides. Inspite of a sumptuous role, she is expressionless in most scenes. No depth to carry this multi layered, inscrutable role. In the climax her daring stunts are very clearly done by a body double and it jars majorly in the viewers eyes.
The supporting cast is pretty good esp Girish Karnad, Ranvir Shoery and the guy who plays the ISI team head.
More attention to giving the script more meat, more twists and simple making the romance more palpable would have done the trick. Salman saves the film with his effortless performance, his deadpan humour, his sheer elan while he handles the chases and action. He has to compensate for the non-acting of his heroine and he carries the film single handedly on his shoulders.
Locales and photography are flawless and rivetting.
But sadly, not many scenes or dialogues to be memorable enough.
But India is under mass hysteria of SAL-MAN and this film because of his star power and flawless acting/portrayal will be a sure shot winner
Verdict : 3.5/5
Entertaining WATCH.
Rrachita Gupta
Astrologer, Tarot Reader, Vastu Analyst
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