Unstoppable: Indian Americans Eager to See Shah Rukh Khan’s Comeback Film ‘Pathaan’ Despite Controversies and Calls for Boycott

- Directed by Siddharth Anand, the latest feature in Yash Raj Film's highly-celebrated spy universe, also stars Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana and a much-talked-about cameo by Salman Khan.

No amount of boycott calls and death threats could dampen the euphoria surrounding “Pathaan,” Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the silver screen after a hiatus of four years. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the latest installment in Yash Raj Film’s highly-celebrated spy universe, also stars Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia, Ashutosh Rana and a much-talked-about cameo by Salman Khan.
#Pathaan is finally here… milte hai bade parde par!
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) January 25, 2023
Book your tickets now- https://t.co/KMALwZrdw5 | https://t.co/GHjZukrkRq
Celebrate #Pathaan with #YRF50 only at a big screen near you, in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. @deepikapadukone | @thejohnabraham | #SiddharthAnand | @yrf pic.twitter.com/F8UDM6Pz1I
The film released on Jan. 25 had a stellar opening, “in 5,000 screens across India and to 6 am and 7 am shows in several cities,” according to reports in Indian media. The first-day sales have given “hope to industry insiders” who want the film to signal not just the return of ‘King Khan,’ “but also the good times for the battered Hindi film industry,” as News9 reported.
Aaj tyohaar hai. #Pathaan #JaiHind 🇮🇳🤘🏽
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) January 25, 2023
No spoilers, no images, no videos please. Please support the battle against piracy and report any accounts that post any such thing. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bqLnCNJ1oO
Meanwhile, the Press Trust of India reported that morning shows of “Pathaan” were canceled at some theaters in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, “following protests by right-wing organizations.” According to the report, “Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest against the film and shouted slogans against Shah Rukh Khan at Kastur cinema hall, while activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch showed saffron flags at Sapna-Sangeeta cinema hall.”
#ShahRukhKhan has indeed set the Box Office on fire! The unprecedented and record breaking response to #Pathaan has proved that movie lovers don’t believe in hate politics.They just want a good entertaining movie. Congratulations @iamsrk for uniting people and reviving Bollywood. pic.twitter.com/ZMQ2KctKWN
— Kunwar Danish Ali (@KDanishAli) January 25, 2023
There is a buzz about “Pathaan” in the U.S. as well. Several people American Kahani spoke with before its release, were excited about the film — whether it was because of the lead actors, or the controversies around it.
Neil Mehta of Santa Clara, California, says he will watch the film, but fails to understand the calls for the boycott of a film that looks like “a masala movie.” Sonny Chatrath, a New Jersey-based media professional and actor, says the film will “do well, but hardliners will try to disrupt screenings.”
Actress Sangeeta Bulbul Agarwal of Bethesda, Maryland, has a different take. “Looking at the promos, ‘Pathan’ seems to be everything that is wrong with Bollywood,” she says. “But looking at advance ticket sales it is everything that the janata seems to want. Who am I to judge?”
The film courted several controversies since its trailer dropped on Jan. 10. “Hardline Hindu groups,” who were “already riled by the film’s name, a ‘Muslim’ title, went berserk when they saw Padukone sporting a saffron-colored bikini, calling it indecent and vulgar,” a BBC report said. A complaint was filed before a court in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, seeking the registration of a police report against SRK, Padukone and others for “hurting religious sentiments” of Hindus in the song. However, if the excitement and ticket sales are any indication, the calls for the boycott seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
The film has been receiving glorious reviews, too.
Dear @iamsrk, thank you for your love and presence. I value the bond we share as much as you do. Pathaan collections look poised to go through the roof. I’m happy that as an industry things are looking up for us. https://t.co/rpHVXoVvlr
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) January 24, 2023
The Indian Express says the film “has finally got what’s needed in a spy thriller — non-stop action, glamorous leads, the guy who can save the world, a high-octane set piece, and an emo line at a time.” The Times of India calls it “an entertaining globetrotting spy thriller that’s massy, messy and outlandish.”
Bollywood Hungama gives a shoutout to Vishal-Sheykhar’s “chartbuster” music — “Besharam Rang,” and “Jhoome Jo Pathaan” — as well as the choreography and Satchith Paulose’s “spectacular” cinematography. “On the whole, ‘Pathan’ is a complete entertainer, replete with action, emotions, patriotism, humor, thrill, and of course, the star power of Shah Rukh Khan,” the portal added.
#OneWordReview…#Pathaan: BLOCKBUSTER.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 25, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½#Pathaan has it all: Star power, style, scale, songs, soul, substance and surprises… And, most importantly, #SRK, who’s back with a vengeance… Will be the first #Blockbuster of 2023. #PathaanReview pic.twitter.com/Xci1SN72hz
Celebrities and fans took to Twitter as well to praise the film and Khan’s star power. Several viewers shared clips of the film recorded from movie theaters that show people cheering for the ‘Badshah of Bollywood.’
CINEMAS Full Crowds 💥😎 hai..
— Salman Sajid Bhai Jaan (@SalmanSajidBha7) January 25, 2023
.When @BeingSalmanKhan entered everyone took out their mobiles to record it. the screen presence of #SalmanKhan which undoubtedly makes him the biggest superstar Ever 🔥 #Pathan #KBKJTeaser #KGF2 pic.twitter.com/pZ10xF6kwo
#king #Pathan you were missed @iamsrk ..a full total paisa wasool film if there was one … and a tight screenplay too boot … go for it guys !!! pic.twitter.com/4kukRabBRg
— samar khan (@samarmumbaikhan) January 25, 2023
If at all, BJP should be happy with Pathan for tacitly backing Article 370 abrogation by showing how it irked Pakistan
— Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) January 25, 2023
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh called Khan “a magnetic personality and character to pull off with such suaveness, consistency and charm.”
An incredible experience that you cannot miss. #pathan is breathtaking!! @iamsrk is simply outstanding. What a magnetic personality and character to pull off with such suaveness ,consistency and charm. @deepikapadukone is electrifying and @thejohnabraham is simply Brilliant. pic.twitter.com/R5Gza6NFCR
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) January 25, 2023
Singer Mika Singh echoed the frustration of many fans when he tweeted that he was unable to get any tickets.
Many many congratulations to the whole team on for the success of #pathan .. but a little Angry with @iamsrk bhai .. yar ek bhi ticket ni mil rahi all are sold out.. but I’m dying to watch this movie. pic.twitter.com/fgqiPY0Bhz
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) January 25, 2023
Even naysayers like actress Kangana Ranaut and Kamaak R. Khan also praised the film and Khan’s performance. “One thing is confirmed Shah Rukh Khan has defeated #BajrangDal #VHP and #BoycottGang. Because #Pathan collected ₹50Cr+ on day 1, the highest ever for SRK’s film.”
One thing is confirm that Shah Rukh Khan has defeated #BajrangDal #VHP and #BoycottGang. Because #Pathan collected ₹50Cr+ on day1, the highest ever for SRK’s film.
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) January 25, 2023
Queen of Indian Cinema #Kangana Ranaut is supporting #Pathan movie 🔥🔥🔥 Okay King Khan is back with Bang 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bEmSIFiK1B
— Lady Superstar Kangana Ranaut (Kangster) (@LadyRanaut) January 25, 2023
Some users had tips for those who were yet to watch the film. “Pro Tip — if you are going to watch #Pathaan then stick around till the very end. There is a delicious banter between two stars that shows that Bollywood is learning to joke on itself.”
Pro Tip- if you are going to watch #Pathan then stick around till the very end. There is a delicious banter between two stars that shows that Bollywood is learning to joke on itself. pic.twitter.com/SkWEXdkD4B
— The DeshBhakt 🇮🇳 (@TheDeshBhakt) January 25, 2023