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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.’
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.”
Singer Mika Singh echoed the frustration of many fans when he tweeted that he was unable to get any tickets.
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.”
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.”