Tiger 3 Movie Review:
The much-anticipated “Tiger 3” had fans on the edge of their seats with the return of Salman Khan as the charismatic Tiger and Katrina Kaif as the formidable Zoya. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film promised a thrilling blend of action, emotion, and espionage. However, as the credits rolled, it became evident that while the film started on a roaring note, it lost its way in the jungle of a poorly executed second half.
Dynamic Beginnings and Script Disappointments
The narrative unfolds with a promising emotional backstory for Zoya (Katrina Kaif) set in 1999, seamlessly merging with the present where Tiger (Salman Khan) returns from a mission involving Gopi (Ranvir Shorey). A plot twist sends Tiger and Zoya on divergent paths, setting the stage for a high-stakes mission against Aatish Rehman, played by Emraan Hashmi.
The first half, filled with Zoya’s backstory, conflict, and the origin story of Tiger and Zoya, is described as “sooooooo goooood.” However, the euphoria takes a nosedive in the second half, echoing the “Fan problem” where a well-constructed first half unravels in the latter part of the film.
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Technical Glitches and Action Letdowns
Despite a visually appealing film, the VFX, particularly around close-up shots of Salman Khan, is consistently poor. While the action sequences are commendable, they lack the visionary impact expected, falling short of creating moments that linger in the audience’s memory. Except for Salman’s introductory bike racing scene on a mountain, the film fails to deliver action sequences that match the caliber of its predecessor, “Tiger Zinda Hai.”
Rameshwar S. Bhagat’s editing, initially seamless, becomes a source of frustration in the second half, with jarring jump cuts that strip away the joy of watching the action unfold. On a positive note, Anay Goswamy’s cinematography takes chances with fast-moving fight sequences, utilizing camera magic to enhance those moments.
Star Performances: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Missed Opportunities
Salman Khan, embodying the iconic character of Tiger, shines in physical action sequences, showcasing the style, sass, and swag that have become synonymous with the character. However, the substandard dialogue writing limits his opportunities to deliver heroic dialogues, and his screen presence can only do so much to salvage the situation.
Katrina Kaif, who owned an iconic action sequence in “Tiger Zinda Hai,” is unfortunately reduced to a steamy hamam scene without a clear narrative purpose. Her dialogue delivery also falters at times, especially when faced with out-of-place lines. Emraan Hashmi’s Aatish, expected to play a significant role, falls victim to a poorly written espionage drama, reminiscent of John Abraham’s character in “Pathaan.”
Vishal Jethwa is underutilized, Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo feels artificial, lacking the anticipated excitement, and the much-anticipated bromance between the two superstars fails to deliver the visionary impact fans were hoping for.
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Direction, Music, and the Missing Vision
Maneesh Sharma’s direction begins strongly but falters in delivering a compelling spy drama in the second half. The film transitions from a promising start to a generic feeling espionage tale, raising questions about the fatigue setting in for the Spy Universe. The lack of elevating sequences contributes to the film feeling tiresome, leaving audiences questioning whether the Spy Universe is already losing steam.
The music, with just two songs, “Ruaan” and “Leke Prabhu Ka Naam,” receives mixed reviews. While “Ruaan” is praised for complementing the emotional context well, the criticism towards “Leke Prabhu Ka Naam” seems unwarranted, with the song being deemed a harmless, foot-tapping track.
A Potential Blockbuster Derailed by Execution Missteps
“Tiger 3” had the potential to be a blockbuster, with its stellar cast, action sequences, and the return of the iconic Tiger and Zoya. However, script missteps, technical glitches, and a lack of vision in the second half contribute to the film falling short of the high expectations set by its predecessors. As the Spy Universe navigates its nascent stage, the creators must reflect on the shortcomings of “Tiger 3” to ensure that future installments regain the magic that made the franchise a crowd favorite.
