Released in 2023 as part of the YRF Spy Universe, Tiger 3 pits Salman Khan's Tiger against a foe from the past who carries a very personal grudge.
2 stars
Movie review
I probably enjoy the YRF Spy Universe more than I should, but Tiger 3 (which is now technically the fifth film within the Spy Universe) is easily the worst of the bunch.
Starring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Emraan Hashmi, Tiger 3 has a cast strong enough to deliver a fun and exciting project. Unfortunately, a bland narrative, and some confused direction by Maneesh Sharma, lets the film down. (In general, I've found Maneesh Sharma to be a bit of a hit or miss director, but he is clearly not the right person for this kind of franchise.)
Tiger 3 is far too slow and self-serious in a cinematic universe/style that’s now built completely around escapist fantasy. Don't get me wrong, serious can be good when serious is the right call (see: Tiger Zinda Hai). But Tiger 3 just didn't understand the assignment.
(Pathaan and War both got the memo: fan service, bright colours, fun.)
In fact, Tiger 3 is at its best when indulging in YRF's extended film universe. But without it, Tiger 3 ends up feels boring, and a little incoherent, with more of the same “Pakistani bad egg”-trope.
The music
Pritam's soundtrack for Tiger 3 is average. There's nothing especially memorable or moving in the music or the choreography.
Are there any animals in Tiger 3?
Yes, horses. If you're worried about them, you can take check out my post on Does the Horse Die in Tiger 3?
Should you watch Tiger 3
If you're a fan of Tiger (arguably, more if you're a big Salman Khan fan) and his exploits, sure. Otherwise Tiger 3 is an okay, but somewhat tiresome watch. There are some good action moments, and many that go on too long. The narrative is dull, and very cliched.
It doesn't do much justice as a follow-up to Ek tha Tiger or Tiger Zinda Hai. And it doesn't match the fun factor present Pathaan or War.
Do you need to watch it as part of the YRF Spy Universe? No, I wouldn’t say so. I don’t think it reveals enough about the Spy Universe that you need to have seen it before you watch whatever the next instalment ends up being. At this point, all you need to know about Tiger in the scope of the Spy Universe is that he's a spy, and that he's played by Salman Khan.
2 stars.
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