Thirteen years ago, Bollywood witnessed the arrival of a film that didn’t just storm the box office but also carved a permanent place in cinema history. Ek Tha Tiger, released in 2012, wasn’t just another action entertainer, it became a cultural phenomenon, setting the foundation for Yash Raj Films’ now-famous Spy Universe.
Directed by Kabir Khan, the film brought together Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in roles that remain iconic even today. Salman played Tiger, a fearless RAW agent, while Katrina’s Zoya turned out to be more than what she seemed. Their chemistry lit up the screen, while the thrilling narrative kept audiences hooked.
The story begins with Tiger traveling to Dublin on an intelligence mission. His task is to shadow an Indian scientist suspected of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan. But duty takes an unexpected turn when Tiger meets Zoya, the professor’s caretaker. What starts as a sweet romance quickly spirals into chaos when he discovers her shocking truth, i.e., Zoya is an ISI agent. From there, the film transforms into a rollercoaster of love, betrayal and high-voltage action sequences.
Audiences couldn’t get enough of the action-packed stunts, the sizzling romance and the unforgettable soundtrack. Songs like Mashallah, Saiyyara and Banjara became instant chartbusters, further fueling the film’s popularity.
Interestingly, the film could have looked very different as Hrithik Roshan was first offered the role of Tiger but he turned it down due to other commitments. Salman Khan stepped in and his larger-than-life presence took the film to another level.
Ek Tha Tiger went on to cross over Rs 334 crores worldwide, making it the biggest hit of 2012. It also swept up 19 awards, proving its dominance not just commercially but critically too. The success of the film paved the way for two more blockbusters in the franchise, with fans still remembering Ek Tha Tiger as the thrilling beginning of a saga that redefined Bollywood’s action genre.
