The YRF Spy Universe has become one of Bollywood’s most ambitious cinematic experiments, blending larger-than-life action, top-billed stars, and interconnected storylines. What started with “Ek Tha Tiger” in 2012 as a love story wrapped in an espionage thriller soon expanded into a sprawling cinematic universe. Over the years, the franchise has delivered both adrenaline-pumping spectacles and head-scratching misfires, proving that while scale is important, storytelling remains the ultimate glue.
Each entry has attempted to raise the stakes — whether through breathtaking action, star-driven charisma, or crossover moments that sent audiences cheering in theaters. However, not every film has successfully combined spectacle with substance. Some have faltered under the weight of expectations, while others have become genre-defining blockbusters that reset the bar for Bollywood action cinema.
All said, whether one views it as a creative gamble, a marketing masterstroke, or both, the franchise signals a new era for Bollywood—an era where cinematic universes are no longer the monopoly of Hollywood. By embracing interconnected storytelling, YRF Spy Universe represents a paradigm shift from standalone blockbusters and encourages audiences to stay invested in the larger saga, rather than individual characters.
Here we look at all six films released so far in the YRF Spy Universe — from the recent “War 2” (2025) to the game-changing “War” (2019). Let’s dive into the highs and lows of this action-packed saga, counting down from the weakest installment to the strongest entertainer.
6. War 2 (2025)
“War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji, entered the YRF Spy Universe with sky-high expectations. Positioned as the sixth chapter in the sprawling franchise, it promised the dream pairing of Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and carried the burden of expanding the spy saga into truly global territory.
Yet, for all its scale, budget, and ambition, the film falters under the weight of its own complexity and lack of narrative coherence. On paper, the premise is ripe with intrigue. But the execution quickly devolves into a maze of flashbacks, betrayals, and rushed reveals that sap the film of momentum. Instead of a taut spy thriller, “War 2” becomes an overstuffed narrative puzzle where stakes rarely land with emotional weight.
Mukerji’s direction favors glossy spectacle – exotic locales, drone shots, and elaborate set pieces, over texture or intimacy. The result is a film that moves briskly but feels strangely hollow, oscillating between borrowed cinematic influences without forging a unique identity. Lead performances keep the film afloat, though Hrithik’s and Jr NTR’s pairing often feels more manufactured than organic.
The action sequences oscillate from ambitious to cartoonish, thanks to poor CGI and inconsistent pacing. Ultimately, “War 2” is a missed opportunity. With its star power and resources, it had the potential to elevate the franchise, but instead it delivers a hollow spectacle—polished on the surface, yet lacking the heart, and originality that define lasting blockbusters. For a franchise that thrives on momentum, “War 2” feels more like a step back than forward.
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5. Tiger 3 (2023)
After the explosive success of “Pathaan,” “Tiger 3” had the tough task of keeping the audience hooked for Salman Khan’s flagship spy character. Unfortunately, while it packs good action and the expected dose of Salman’s star power, the film lacks the freshness and emotional weight that made earlier installments stand out. Maneesh Sharma directs with ambition, staging set-pieces across Istanbul, Vienna, and Delhi, but the over-reliance on predictable tropes keeps the narrative from soaring and hitting the mark.
Salman Khan, as Tiger, gives an earnest performance, delivering both rugged intensity and moments of tenderness opposite Katrina Kaif’s Zoya. Their chemistry anchors the film, especially during emotionally driven sequences where their family stakes come into play. However, the plot surrounding betrayal within intelligence ranks feels overly familiar and bland. The much-hyped crossover appearance of Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan is undeniably thrilling, but it also highlights the unevenness of the main narrative.
Technically polished and intermittently gripping, “Tiger 3” works more as a fan-service entry than a standalone triumph. It plays it safe, sticking to formulas instead of reinventing the spy genre. While the film doesn’t derail the universe, it certainly doesn’t elevate it either, leaving audiences partially entertained but definitely not satisfied.
4. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
The film that started it all, “Ek Tha Tiger,” deserves immense credit for setting the tone of the spy universe. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film introduced Salman Khan’s Tiger as a RAW agent who falls in love with ISI agent Zoya, played gracefully by Katrina Kaif. While not as technically polished as later entries, its blend of romance and action was refreshing for Bollywood at the time.
What makes “Ek Tha Tiger” notable is its ability to balance large-scale espionage thrills with an intimate love story. The action sequences, though modest compared to today’s standards, felt stylish and new for 2012. Salman’s charisma carried the film, but it was the emotional core — a spy torn between duty and love — that gave it heart. Kabir Khan’s direction brought a grounded sensibility, making the globe-trotting story feel believable.
However, the film also shows its limitations today. The pacing feels uneven, with some action set-pieces dragging and certain narrative threads underexplored. Yet, its legacy is undeniable. Without “Ek Tha Tiger,” there would be no YRF Spy Universe. It may not rank at the top, but its cultural impact ensures it will always be remembered as the seed that grew into Bollywood’s biggest franchise experiment.
3. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
If “Ek Tha Tiger” laid the foundation, “Tiger Zinda Hai” cemented the franchise as a true blockbuster powerhouse. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the sequel traded subtlety for grand spectacle — and it worked. Inspired loosely by real events, the film follows Tiger and Zoya as they lead a daring mission to rescue hostages from an ISIS-like terrorist group. The stakes are higher, the action bigger, and the storytelling tighter than its predecessor.
Salman Khan delivers one of his most convincing performances as an action hero here. His physicality and grit sell the larger-than-life sequences, from firing machine guns against an army to pulling off impossible rescues. Katrina Kaif, too, shines with well-choreographed fight scenes, proving her character’s equal strength in the field. The chemistry between the two remains central, but this time the film leans more on ensemble action and patriotic fervor.
The pacing is relentless, with minimal dull moments. Yes, the narrative occasionally dips into jingoism, but as a cinematic experience, it succeeds in providing edge-of-the-seat thrills. “Tiger Zinda Hai” elevated the franchise to a global level, proving that Bollywood could produce action blockbusters comparable in ambition to Hollywood. It remains a fan favorite and a defining moment for the YRF Spy Universe.
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2. Pathaan (2023)
When Shah Rukh Khan returned to the big screen with “Pathaan,” he didn’t just deliver a comeback — he redefined the spy universe. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film combined slick action with emotional depth, making it both a spectacle and a heartfelt story. SRK’s charisma, vulnerability, and sheer presence made Pathaan an instant icon, while Deepika Padukone and John Abraham added heft to the ensemble.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its pacing and balance. From snow-capped Russian landscapes to adrenaline-fueled aerial combat, “Pathaan” keeps the spectacle fresh without overwhelming the viewer. Unlike some franchise entries, it never loses sight of character motivations. SRK’s Pathaan is not just a soldier but a man scarred by loss and driven by a larger sense of duty.
The quips between Pathaan and Tiger (in Salman Khan’s memorable cameo) show that if handled skillfully, cameos can work wonders (it was one of the most crowd-pleasing cinematic moments in recent history). What makes “Pathaan” rank so high is its ability to combine mass appeal with emotional sincerity. It’s not just an action film; it’s a cinematic event that reignited Bollywood’s box office after a slump. With “Pathaan,” the spy universe found its beating heart, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
1. War (2019)
At the top of the ranking is “War,” the film that redefined action cinema in Bollywood. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this sleek thriller featured Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff as leads in a mentor-protégé confrontation that became an instant phenomenon. The action sequences – from gravity-defying bike chases to hand-to-hand combat — rivaled Hollywood blockbusters, but what made “War” unforgettable was its mix of stylish and grounded execution along with taut storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan delivers a career-defining performance as Kabir, radiating charisma, intelligence, and a magnetic screen presence. Tiger Shroff complements him well, bringing youthful intensity and athleticism. Their dynamic propels the film, with every showdown crackling with superb energy, tension and excitement. Anand’s direction ensures the narrative never lags, blending espionage, betrayal, and high-octane stunts seamlessly.
Unlike “War 2,” this film understands the value of simplicity. The plot is lean, the conflicts clear, and the emotions grounded. The cinematography and soundtrack further amplify its larger-than-life appeal. “War” didn’t just succeed at the box office; it set a benchmark for what Bollywood action should look like on a global scale. “War” remains the gold standard of the YRF Spy Universe — stylish, thrilling, and a neat espionage thriller, and it currently stands tall as the franchise’s finest achievement.
