Do we need to watch other movies before this one?

Not really. While it's part of a larger 'Spy Universe,' Pathaan works perfectly as a standalone story. There are cameos from other movies, but the film explains who they are well enough that you won't be lost.

How violent does it actually get?

It's high-intensity action. Think lots of shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and things blowing up. There isn't much 'gore' (like guts or dismemberment), but there is some blood and a fairly intense torture scene involving needles and electricity.

Is it appropriate for a 10-year-old?

It depends on the kid. If they've seen Marvel movies, they can probably handle the action. However, the themes are more adult, and the nearly 3-hour runtime is a lot for a younger child to sit through.

Is there any 'romance' content to worry about?

There is some suggestive dancing and outfits (mostly in the musical numbers), and a bit of flirting, but it stays very PG-13. No actual sex scenes or heavy nudity.

Pathaan – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Pathaan

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Shah Rukh Khan returns in a high-octane spy spectacle that trades realism for pure, unadulterated Bollywood adrenaline.

85%

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Pathaan

movie

12A, 2023

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Shah Rukh Khan returns in a high-octane spy spectacle that trades realism for pure, unadulterated Bollywood adrenaline.

85%

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85%

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Screenwise Verdict

Pathaan is a loud, proud, and incredibly fun return for the 'King of Bollywood.' If you're looking for a grounded spy thriller, keep walking. This is about as grounded as a kite in a hurricane. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it is: a vehicle for its stars to look cool while saving the world.

For parents, it's a solid choice for a movie night with older kids who are bored of the standard superhero fare. The violence is frequent but mostly fits the 'action hero' mold, and the themes of sacrifice and duty are handled with enough sincerity to give the explosions some weight. Just be prepared for the long runtime and the inevitable 'wait, who is that guy?' when the big cameos happen.

Age Fit

Best for kids 13 and up. It’s essentially a PG-13 action movie with a lot of noise and flying bullets, but the 'hero' vibes keep it from feeling too dark for older teens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Themes of intense loyalty, patriotism, and redemption are front and center, though the body count is high.

Imaginative

The action choreography is wild and physics-defying, pushing the boundaries of the spy genre with massive Bollywood flair.

Safe

Heavy on stylized violence, gunfights, and explosions. There is a torture scene and some blood, though it stays in the realm of action-movie fantasy.

Enriching

Explores complex geopolitical themes and the idea that 'enemies' can find common ground for the greater good.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shah Rukh Khan's charisma is on full display here; he carries the movie with an effortless 'cool' that is hard to look away from.
The action set pieces are genuinely massive, involving jetpacks, high-speed ice chases, and train-top brawls that rival Mission: Impossible.
It serves as a cultural gateway to the YRF Spy Universe, offering a look at how Indian cinema handles the big-budget blockbuster differently than Hollywood.
The soundtrack and musical numbers are top-tier, especially 'Besharam Rang', which adds that essential Bollywood energy.

⚠

What to Watch For

The violence is constant and sometimes gritty, including a scene where the protagonist is tortured with electric shocks and needles.
Geopolitical plot points involving India and Pakistan are central; if your kid isn't familiar with that history, some of the emotional stakes might feel confusing.
The runtime is nearly three hours, which is a long haul for kids used to 90-minute Western animated features.

Conversation Starters

"Pathaan and Rubai are from different sides but work together. When is it okay to trust someone who is supposed to be your enemy?"
"Does the movie make being a spy look like a 'cool' job or a hard one? What are the sacrifices they had to make?"
"How did the action in this movie feel different compared to a Marvel or John Wick movie?"
"What did you think about the way the movie used music and dancing to tell a story about spies and soldiers?"

Deep Dive

The Return of the King

To understand why Pathaan was such a massive deal in 2023, you have to realize it was Shah Rukh Khan’s first lead role in four years. For fans of Indian cinema, this wasn't just a movie; it was an event. It’s the fourth installment in the YRF Spy Universe (following the Tiger films and War), and it leans heavily into that shared-universe hype.

Action Over Logic

If your kid starts asking questions about the physics of jumping between moving trucks or how a jetpack works in a tunnel, just tell them to enjoy the ride. Pathaan operates on 'Rule of Cool' logic. The cinematography is glossy, the locations are global (Spain, UAE, Russia), and the stakes are appropriately apocalyptic.

"The film’s biggest strength is its refusal to take itself too seriously while still making you care about the characters."

For the Parents

You don't need to have seen the previous Tiger movies to follow this, but there is a mid-film cameo that will make more sense if you know Salman Khan’s character. It’s a fun 'Avengers-style' moment that usually gets a big reaction. If you're watching with subtitles, the dialogue can occasionally lean into heavy-handed patriotic tropes, but that’s standard for the genre. It’s a great way to introduce your teens to international blockbusters that have a totally different rhythm than the stuff coming out of Burbank.

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