‘Ek Tha Tiger & Pathaan like movies are hilarious;’ Know truth of Indian spy flicks from ex-RAW chief

The anticipation among movie lovers is escalating with each passing day for Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming Tiger 3. The hype around the third instalment of the Tiger Franchise is quite high since its inclusion in YRF’s Spy Universe and the announcement of Shah Rukh Khan’s extended cameo.

After enjoying Salman’s cameo in SRK’s Pathaan, movie lovers are quite eager to explore more of their action jugalbandi. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan starrer War 2 and Tiger vs Pathaan announcement have fuelled excitement among all. 

Be it Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, or Pathaan, all these movies included under YRF Spy Universe have scripted history with their box office collections. While recently Pathaan emerged as the top Hindi movie with the highest worldwide gross collection, it is touted that Tiger 3 and Tiger vs Pathaan may also script a new history. 

The story plot, action sequences, presentation, and VFX in all these movies have been quite appreciated. Above all, the agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence agency presented in the movies have found a place in the hearts of movie lovers.

But, did you know what would have happened in real life if any RAW agent would have fallen in love with an ISI agent like Tiger with Zoya and Pathaan with Rubina?

Former RAW Chief Terms Indian Spy Movies 'Hilarious'

During an interview with ANI, former RAW chief Vikram Sood talked about spy movies based on RAW agents. 

When asked about the comparison between the real-life instances and reel presentation, Sood chuckled and said, “Those are hilarious movies. If you see them as comedy, it’s ok. These are not serious movies. Salman Khan movies are more like Bond movies with more glamour and…”

Further, talking about Salman’s Tiger franchise, Sood said, “What is it? ISI girl and … (RAW Agent love)… Ridiculous story anyway, but it sold.”

Linking the movie’s story with real life, Sood said, “If they are on an operation, and they are told to suborn that girl, then it is different. But, if he does it on his own, then it’s different.”

Revealing the real consequences of RAW officers being involved romantically with ISI agents, Sood said, “He will be shot if he does that. ”

Briefing about his duty, he said, “My job is to collect information and give it. My job is not to know whether they act on it or not. But, you can deduce from events whether it has been acted upon or not. And, sometimes we make out that there has been a change in policy, change in direction.”

“There must have been some failure in Pulwama, but, all major incidents, we might have repeated, is a systemic failure. Information is available, but nobody acts. Kargil's information was available, but nobody took it seriously and this happened. You can’t pinpoint assassination. You can’t pinpoint all terror attacks,” said Sood.

Further, talking about Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal starrer Raazi, Sood affirmed that agents are engaged across borders and their marriages do take place. “But, I think the sequences in the movie are a bit rich,” he said.

When asked if any such operations like Raazi and Mission Majnu did take place in real or not, Sood said, “There is no such operation involving the RAW with the ISI.”