Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Kabul Express”, “Dabangg” & “Bodyguard”

Looks like Salman Khan's career is on a roll with action films lately. From "Dabangg" (2010) to last year's "Bodyguard", this Bollywood hero still readily has in store a few more punches and kicks for the baddies.

It's no different with "Ek Tha Tiger" (English translation - Once there was a man name Tiger) in which Salman plays an Indian spy for RAW (Research and Analysis Wing - India's external Intelligence Agency) under his codename; TIGER. Being a spy for almost 12 years, Tiger serves and has passion for only his country and no one else. On his latest mission to Dublin, Ireland, he is sent to observe Professor Kidwai (Roshan Seth) from Trinity College. After several unsuccessful attempts to meet the professor, he bumps into Zoya (Katrina Kaif) who is the residence caretaker of the professor.

Introducing himself as Manish to Zoya, Tiger tries to get closer to the mission, but slowly develops feelings for Zoya at the same time. Thus begins their journey on embarking a battle in the dark world of intelligence and espionage that forbids them from falling in love. Watch the romantic action thriller film for how the rest of the story unfolds.

Salman Khan looks noticeably old in certain scenes but manages to pull off his usual charming charisma gracefully. Katrina Kaif, who tries her hand at the stunts, is also fairly convincing. Mostly importantly, although Salman and Katrina deny being in a relationship in real life, their onscreen chemistry looks every bit convincing as well and the duo are an absolute delight for the eyes.

However apart from the acting, the director of the film loses a firm grip on the story and the screenplay. It's hard to say that there's everything and more in "Ek Tha Tiger" for which audiences would want to see in a film. Yes, there is the good looking lead cast, glitz and glamour, endearing romance, some laughs, thrills and exquisite action with added patriotism, but in terms of its storyline and pace, it falls flat completely. The camerawork is outright bad, with the faces of the body doubles very visible during the action scenes. Cinematography wise, Aseem Mishra's gorgeous picturesque locations captures would be a delight to Bollywood fans.

Overall, the film's confusion for unable to decide whether it is a spy action film or a soppy love saga, makes the film quite a disappointing watch. "Ek Tha Tiger" also becomes downright silly in some parts and might not impress the mass audience. However, the film does boast some superbly well directed action sequences, foot-tapping songs by Sohail Sen and Sajid-Wajid, and a tinge of Salman Khan's special type of comedy that will make his fans cheer.

Cinema Online, 22 August 2012