Salman Khan on ‘Tiger 3’: ‘This Time Around Is More Personal, More Emotional’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Salman Khan stars alongside Katrina Kaif in Yash Raj Films’ “Tiger 3,” the latest film in producer Aditya Chopra’s spy universe.

The spy universe kicked off with the Tiger franchise, starring Khan and Katrina Kaif, beginning with “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012) and “Tiger Zinda Hai” (2017) and continued with “War” (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff and “Pathaan” (2023), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. In the Tiger franchise, Salman Khan plays Avinash Singh Rathore, AKA Tiger, who belongs to Indian intelligence agency RAW and Kaif plays Zoya Humaini Rathore, an ex-agent from Pakistan’s ISI.

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Variety spoke with Salman Khan on his role.

What was the most challenging aspect of the ‘Tiger 3’ shoot and what was the most fun?

The bike chasing scene was the toughest – I think! It was a massive block of shoot and it had to be impactful so Maneesh [director Maneesh Sharma] and I discussed this at length and then collectively we all have all worked towards achieving this.

I quite enjoyed shooting for “Leke Prabhu Ka Naam” in Cappadocia. It is a dance track that I personally love. Katrina and I have been fortunate to have chartbusters that have entertained people across the world and now, “Leke Prabhu Ka Naam” is another track added to that list.

Without any spoilers, what should the audience expect from “Tiger 3”?
Audiences have a connection with Tiger, they have followed his journey, they feel a connection with the characters and this time around the film is more personal, more emotional. Plus it is releasing on Diwali day, so we are hoping the audiences enjoy the fireworks on the big screen and enjoy this entertainer with their family in theaters.

What’s the timeline on “Tiger vs Pathaan” – when do you start filming and when is it due?
Tiger is always ready – so whenever things are locked – I will be there!

In a post-pandemic world when audiences are used to watching content from around the world on streaming platforms, what is the best way to keep them coming back to cinemas?
“Tiger 3” is an action spectacle and is a big screen experience. The last couple of months have been fantastic for Indian cinema and we are now really excited that “Tiger 3” is releasing. Audiences have a connection with Tiger.

What are you working on next?
My fans will soon come to know.

“Tiger 3” releases in India on Nov. 12, on the Diwali holiday. It releases in North America on Nov. 11.

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