There are two conflicting factors in Ek Tha Tiger: Salman Khan’s overriding principle of silliness and Kabir Khan’s intrinstic liking for seriousness. But so overwhelming is Bhai’s past aura that serious keeps threatening to slide into silly, and the moment you give in to that in-between space, the film becomes something you can enjoy. Most of the time.

Ek Tha Tiger is Salman Khan’s best film since Dabangg. But because his last two films were Ready and Bodyguard, the bar is not exactly high. Still, Ek Tha Tiger has more of a story as well as greater coherence and emotion than both those films put together.

Ek Tha Tiger has a lot going for it with its two certified stars no one will contract an eyesore looking at and a supporting cast (Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad) that never lets you down along with plush production values typical to a Yash Raj product.

Ek Tha Tiger isn’t what one whould rate as great cinema, but it isn’t just harmless fun. The pacifist message dovetailed into its core lends the film a far greater degree of relevance than Bollywood spy thrillers generally strive for.

Ek Tha Tiger, by far, is Salman Khan’s most entertaining and accomplished works in recent times. Hope he takes the correct cues from this film and stays away from mediocrity henceforth.

Salman never fails to entertain and the release of Ek Tha Tiger is aptly timed. This Tiger is sure to bite his way to another box office success. That’s not news anymore.

For those asking, yes, Salman Khan does take off his shirt. Salman fans won’t be disappointed by Ek Tha Tiger. For others, it’s a fun watch even though it’s a bit long.

On the whole, EK THA TIGER is a high-octane thriller that works big time. This one has style and substance, both, besides dazzling action, stunning international locales and stylish execution. Most importantly, it has Salman Khan, the trump card of this enterprise. There’s no denying that Salman’s charisma has resulted in a mind-blowing, astounding, never-seen-before start at the ticket window, but the film’s content will sustain it thereafter. The film has long legs to prolong its splendid run. This is, without doubt, Salman’s best. Sure shot Blockbuster!

What works for the film big time apart from Salman Khan is the action. It’s slick and woven well into the script. It pushes the story forward unlike the song which jerks it backwards (by many miles). Also, the fact that Salman is gung-ho about the action and romance in this film is a huge plus. Clearly, he is having the time of his life, doing what he loves to do best and in return getting appreciation from his fans.