Pathaan (2023) Movie Review

Overview

The reviewer hypes up Pathaan (2023) as a “crazy” spy-action spectacle they expected—then watched it immediately with their sons. The film is presented as part of the Spy universe. Even though the reviewer hasn’t seen the other movies, they note that cameos still land strongly with audiences, and that the movie’s flashbacks do an excellent job of filling in context.

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Main plot + structure

• Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan) is tasked with stopping a major threat: a villain/leader of mercenaries planning an attack on Pathaan’s homeland.
• The story relies heavily on many flashbacks—the reviewer says at least half the runtime—which help make characters and motivations feel understandable and emotionally grounded.

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Standout performances + chemistry

• Shah Rukh Khan (Pathaan): Described as charismatic and cool, not arrogant. He’s sympathetic and confident, bringing levity with excellent timing while still delivering serious, believable kick-butt action.
• Deepika Padukone (Rubina): Praised for looking like she’s truly “owned” in fight scenes; sequences feel tense and captivating.
• John Abraham (Jim): Given extra emphasis—joking about “an American in a Hindi movie” named Jim, then marveling at how hard he “brings the pain.” The reviewer highlights monstrous punches, making the action feel brutal and fun.

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Action highlights (why it’s memorable)

The reviewer compares the vibe to Mission: Impossible, The Expendables, and kung fu—jam-packed with set-piece action.

• It’s not nonstop: there are slower character/exposition beats, but when action hits, it becomes a wild ride.
• Big praise goes to:
  • Hand-to-hand combat on moving objects
  • Gunfights with slick, high-impact visuals (said to feel like John Wick-style energy)
  • A particularly famous-feeling train fight, which seems like a one-shot continuous take, with the camera dynamically moving through the battle

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Jokes / reactions / pacing notes

• The film includes several music-number interruptions, including:
  • An early musical moment described like a music video inserted into the plot, with costume-change style transitions that feel slightly jarring (though still catchy)
  • A late musical/credit-track moment compared to a fragrance commercial
• There’s also an urgency clock (a dwindling time limit, sometimes even a literal countdown), which boosts suspense even when outcomes seem predictable.
• The reviewer admits some predictability, but says the movie still surprises them with twists and expectation subversions.
• Runtime is relatively brisk: 2 hours 26 minutes, with enough downtime that it never feels boring.

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Ending beats / universe tease

• Besides the end credits musical content, there’s a mid-credit scene the reviewer finds funny and says it teases what’s next in the cinematic universe.
• They briefly list prior/spinoff connections (via Wikipedia) and express excitement to see whether the other films deliver a similar level of fun.

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Rating + content notes

• Content notes: no sex/nudity; some profanity; a lot of violence
• Final verdict: 4.5/5, calling it high-octane, charismatic, emotional, and entertaining, with memorable action and enough surprises to keep it engaging.

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Personalities mentioned

• Chris (the reviewer/host)
• Reuben (friend who recommended the film)
• Pathaan / Shah Rukh Khan
• Rubina / Deepika Padukone
• Jim / John Abraham