Last night, I went for a movie called Ek Tha Tiger. I normally don’t dare to watch movies as soon as those are released but I had a free time and got the tickets as well so went for it. To my surprise, more than half the seats were empty. But after seeing the full move I realized it why.
Writing down my own views:
Salman
His presence and act in entire movie length. He has been presented differently in this movie. May not be acceptable for Salman’s hardcore fans. He acted balanced and matured.
Stunts
some stunts are well design and executed on screens. some lacks attention to detail and special effects are visible. Particularly chase scene of Katrina, one can make out she is not Katrina but a duplicate. Movie starts with a stunt sequence and that stunt is really impressive. Just looks like influenced by Casino Royale and does the desired effect. But increases expectations from movie and which eventually fails to justify the expectations.
I guess Bollywood is so influenced with Casino Royale, it uses same technique to start the movie. Same treatment you can see in Vinod Agent.
Locations & Cinematography
Scenic locations across middle east, part of Europe, Istanbul etc. Nicely shot frames. Every angle is beautiful. Highly saturated colors do wonderful job of impressing the audience. Camera movements are good to experience and not harsh on eyes even in stunts.
Background Music & Songs
Music in particular was not of my kind, but was ok. I dint remember any songs after I left the hall, but background score is good, not too harsh and goes with the theme of the movie. Mashalla song can be remembered for for a while as its a end title song. I guess this song was added to give just enough returns for the money we pay. Katarina is typical in this too.
Plot & Direction
Although the plot is good, but Bollywood used similar plots many times in relation with Indo-Pak so looks ghisa pita.
Actually plot has a power to build a much better movie but got wasted due to director coming under OVER INFLUENCE of Yash Raj Films (Producer). You feel strongly that, if Kabir Khan had this film totally under his control, would have been a great movie, but YRF’s inclination towards making it dragging towards romantic kept the director as well as you and me in confusion of "Is it a love story or a thriller or a drama or a patriotic or spy story?" One can easily make out that Kabir Khan is also lost in this confusion so much.
Some other production house would have given the same movie in much better way.
Overall Taking of the plot
Movie is dead slow. Just to show the culture of Istanbul or so, adding unwanted scenes like street performers playing traditional music. Songs are disturbing the flow of movie. Movie always remains in confusion of romantic or thriller or Salman or Katrina? Lacks impressive dialogues which are typically expected from Salman or from such movies. Storyline losses its pace and never cruises at consistent speed. First half is dead slow and full with unwanted stuff and second half is with lots of important stuff but goes waste in confusion between drama, romance, stunts or thriller.
I strongly feel, Kabir Khan has under utilized himself, whatever are the reasons.
Cast & Acting
Casting is good. Salman does his job well but under utilized. After long time Girish Karnad is seen on screen and did impressive in his role. Ranbir Shaury , played well in his role and fits the role. His changed appearance looks good too. Katarina , its high time she should stopp working in bollywood or restrict herself only for item songs (purposely using word "Working" at the place of "Acting"). Her typical style of pouting lips and same expression through out the movie. Many people say they have liked her acting in this movie but big thumbs down here from my side.
She looks and keeps the same expression all the time...may it a mango juice advertisement, or chikni chameli or a mashalla or a stunt scenes in Tiger or ajab prem ki gajab kahani or Newyork. Now being in Bollywood for so many years her hindi or even english accent is just horrible and getting intolerable day by day.
The Salman Effect
This movie is not for hardcore Salman fans those who expects no shirt, catchy dialogues and stylish dance steps. He does great on stunts front but no charming or impressive dialogues which normally lure his fans. His opening scene stunt, light rail stunt and overall presence is good. but jumping in the plane from bike is effect wise totally messed up stunt and was not needed. He looks very fit and suits the role of a SPY.
Again on concluding part of the story, lacks conclusion and as usual Kabir Khan’s or YRF’s effort of showing another side of story (Pakistan’s side) which is not needed in either love story or in thriller guess.
So all in all, even if you miss to watch this movie in theatres nothing to miss. If you have large screen TV at home and a typical home theatre, you can enjoy this on rented DVD/Blu-ray or in couple of months some channel will surely premier this on TV so you can watch it then too.