According to insiders at Yash Raj Films, the renowned Indian studio, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are set to star in “Tiger vs Pathaan,” the latest addition to producer Aditya Chopra’s spy universe.
Principal photography for the film is scheduled to commence in January 2024, as per sources close to the studio, although Yash Raj Films has declined to comment on the matter.
“Pathaan,” featuring Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, and Deepika Padukone, has been the most successful Indian movie of the year so far, grossing an impressive $130 million.
The spy universe began with the “Tiger” series, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, with the first installment being “Ek Tha Tiger” in 2012, followed by “Tiger Zinda Hai” in 2017. The franchise also includes “War,” featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Collectively, the four movies have grossed over $300 million.
The forthcoming movie in the spy universe, “Tiger 3,” is scheduled for release in November during the Diwali festival holiday period.
In the “Tiger” series, Salman Khan portrays Avinash Singh Rathore, also known as Tiger, who is a member of India’s intelligence agency, RAW, while Katrina Kaif plays Zoya Humaini from Pakistan’s ISI.
In “War,” Hrithik Roshan portrays rogue RAW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, with Tiger Shroff as his protégé Khalid Rahmani. In “Pathaan,” Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of exiled RAW agent Pathaan, and Deepika Padukone portrays ISI agent Rubina Mohsin.
Although Tiger has an extended cameo in “Pathaan,” he and Pathaan ponder over their potential replacements without specifying any names. They conclude that they must continue to carry out their responsibilities themselves, as the task of safeguarding the nation cannot be entrusted to inexperienced individuals.
Around half of Yash Raj Films’ upcoming theatrical lineup is expected to comprise titles from the spy universe, with Colonel Sunil Luthra (Ashutosh Rana) making an appearance in “Pathaan,” having first appeared in “War.” He is also expected to feature in “Tiger 3.”
