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Who knew that one day there would be a Salman Khan film in which he takes his shirt off for a valid reason? Director Kabir Khan makes it happen in his entertaining spy thriller. And we approved! Read Bollywoodlife review

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s Ek Tha Tiger has been one of the most awaited films of the year, and we must tell you first off that it was well worth the months that we twiddled our cinematic thumbs for it to reach the theatres. Director Kabir Khan has made a desi spy thriller that lives up to all the expectations that the makers have built up over the last year or so. Reviewing a film like Ek Tha Tiger without giving away too much is a challenge. But right up front you have to know: Sallu’s latest with Katrina is a treat to watch.

The story of ETT is credited to Aditya Chopra; kudos to him for coming up with Bollywood’s answer to James Bond. What Saif Ali Khan failed to pull off as Agent Vinod, Agent Tiger does…and how! We all know that ETT is about a RAW agent on a secret mission to save his country. We also know that he makes the mistake of falling in love while on the mission. All this comes through in the trailer, the promos and whatever we have been telling you on BollywoodLife. What we didn’t know before we watched the film was what his mission was all about and how he pulls it off. You need to go see the film and find out for yourself…no, we will not tell you more! Except that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Ek Tha Tiger is India’s best action flick so far.

The highlight of Ek Tha Tiger – other than Salman, Katrina (as Zoya) and their sizzling chemistry – is the death defying action. The leading pair goes all out, no-holds-barred. They skid cars, jump off buildings, chase and beat up baddies and run through narrow streets like there is no tomorrow. But perhaps the main reason why we liked this Eid release is that it also shows off the human side of the spy business. In one scene Tiger tells his fellow agent Gopi (Ranvir Shorey), “Yaar, Tiger to kutton ka naam hota hai!” (Dogs are usually named Tiger).

Kabir Khan manages to blend the painstakingly researched style of his documentary films with the elements of commercial masala fare and that is perhaps his biggest achievement in Ek Tha Tiger. The song and dance doesn’t look forced and the dialogue written by Neelesh Mishra is witty. One of the initial conversations between Tiger and Zoya in which she tells him that he is old enough to be married, brought the house down. There are many such situations sprinkled through the film.

To those who feel that Ek Tha Tiger could show Pakistan in a bad light, we must tell you that it is a balanced take. The film talks about peace, love and friendship, all without being preachy or sanctimonious. This spy thriller is a treat to watch also because of the cinematography by Aseem Mishra, showing off exotic locales like Istanbul, Dublin and Havana. Editor Rameshwar Bhagat has kept the film as crisp as a thriller should ideally be. A special mention must be made of the foot tapping music by Sohail Sen and Sajid-Wajid.

After Tere Naam, this is probably the closest Salman has got to a ‘realistic’ film. He makes even the most impossible stunts look natural. Wethinks Katrina must have used a body double for many of the stunts, but when we watch her jumping off the roof and leaning out of cars, it made us clap, whistle and cheer with the back-benchers. It was good to see that Kat wasn’t reduced to mere eye candy – kudos to Kabir Khan for that. Ranvir doesn’t have much to do, but being the accomplished actor that he is, he does a lot in those limited scenes.

Watch this film for the mind-blowing action and the sizzling chemistry between the leading pair. They look perfect together and that itself is a big reason to buy a ticket. Who says spies can’t sing and dance without looking silly!

Rating: 4/5

* Poor – Avoid!

** Average – Give it a shot if you are desperate!

*** Good – One time watch!

**** Very good – Must watch!

***** Excellent – Don’t miss!

ALSO READ: Ek Tha Tiger’s four new promos: Salman Khan is thoroughly entertaining!