There’s a title card at the beginning of “Pathaan” that explains the movie is connected to the YRF spyverse. Both “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Tiger Zinda Hai” were produced by the same studio. This latest instalment stars Shah Rukh Khan as Agent Pathaan in yet another spy film. In this spy universe, we also get a visit from agent Tiger.

Everything about “Pathaan,” from the setting to the plot to the production, is typical of a spy thriller. The plot doesn’t amount to much. But director Siddharth Anand presents it so that it can win over both general moviegoers and Shah Rukh Khan fans.

The first half of the film is largely spent on establishing the hero’s mission, introducing the villain, and Deepika Padukone – SRK’s romance. After the interval, the movie gets going. An explosive “Pathaan meets Tiger” moment kicks off the action after the intermission. The on-screen chemistry between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan makes for a fun episode.

The second half features a plethora of exciting and visually stunning action sequences. The lack of logic and reason is disappointing, but the thrills are well worth the price.

Let’s be honest: the film strictly adheres to the norms of the spy thriller genre and its established formula. It’s just too taxing to watch some of these stunts. Also, the story’s attempt at an emotional appeal falls flat. There isn’t much in the film to make you feel patriotic, either. But the charisma of Shah Rukh Khan makes us believe in the unbelievable.

Star power and action are Pathaan’s are main assets. The film’s targeted viewers are those who enjoy action movies in general. So it’ll be effective for them. To others, however, it will just be another high-budgeted slick action movie.

All in all, watch “Pathaan” for Shah Rukh Khan’s charm and a few stunning moments, but don’t expect much from it. It’s neither great nor a total letdown. However, in the theatre, the film provides a decent amount of enjoyable entertainment.