Releasing amidst humongous hype and with collection expectations of 200 crores straightaway, Salman Khan’s latest flick Ek Tha Tiger (ETT) hit the screens today in more than 3,300 screens in India alone. Kabir Khan directs this one.

This film is set around RAW and ISI agents, who put their life on the line every day. Tiger is one such Indian RAW agent who has been on the service since 12 years and he is a daredevil. He doesn’t have a private life and is always ready for the next mission. On one such mission in Dublin, he experiences the feeling of love for the first time through Zoya. After this, does he still put national duty above his feelings or does love take prominence? That’s ETT in a nutshell.

The film moves along breezily in the first half thanks to the natural chemistry between Salman and Katrina. Salman is at home doing all his funny antics while Katrina is beautiful as always.

In the second half, after a brief lull, the film just races towards the finish line with some blazing action pieces. At just over two hours, Ek Tha Tiger is a crisp action packed entertainer.

There is a small suspense element about Katrina’s role and she has given a terrific show in the stunts. The film in fact is worth the while thanks to the stunt choreography. Four stunt sequences, two each in both the halves, make our time worthy of the ticket admission. The stunt sequences in Cuba and Salman’s introductory fights take the cake. That said, the presence of a stunt double for Salman is evident in most places. Katrina seems to have done everything on her own though. Commendable!

Salman Khan’s screen presence is enough for his fans to go crazy. He has given what he is known for. He still looks youthful when he comes in dashing attires.

Ranvir Shorey and Girish Karnad are the other two actors who occupy some screen presence with the former making a mark.

Sohail Sen and Sajid-Wajid have given commercial songs which entertain the masses. Laapata, Mashallah, Banjaara and the melodious Saiyaara are typical mainstream songs that hit the right note.

Aseem Mishra’s cinematography gives the film its grand look. His work in the action scenes in particular is truly racy. Shot in exotic locations like Cuba, Dublin and Istanbul, Yash Raj Films have made ETT a big screen experience, thanks to the grandeur.

To conclude, though the film goes through a lull midway through, it picks up tremendous pace thanks to the grand action scenes and ends on a real high. A typical paisa-vasool flick, it turns out to be.

People go to a Salman film to get thoroughly entertained, and he has delivered yet again thanks to the stunts. Another blockbuster in all probability.

Verdict: An action heavy Salman entertainer.