Tiger Vs Pathaan Shelved Temporarily: Shah Rukh Khan & Salman Khan Star Fees Cause Delay

Mumbai, India — Star Struck Times

Fans of Bollywood have been dealt a disappointment as the highly anticipated spy thriller “Tiger Vs Pathaan”, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, has been temporarily shelved. Backed by Yash Raj Films, the project is reportedly on hold due to budget constraints, primarily linked to the high fees of the megastars. The film, expected to be one of India’s biggest action blockbusters, had generated significant excitement since its announcement, leaving fans eager for the ultimate face-off between the two iconic actors.

Key Highlights:

• Reason for Delay: High star fees of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
• Production Background: Part of Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, ninth installment.
• Release Status: Temporarily postponed, no confirmed date.
• Fan Reaction: Disappointed but eagerly waiting for the duo’s reunion.
• Historical Significance: Marks the first collaboration of the two actors in 30 years after Karan Arjun (1995).

What is Tiger Vs Pathaan?

Tiger Vs Pathaan is a high-profile addition to the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe, which began with Salman Khan’s Tiger franchise and Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. The film was set to reunite the two stars in their iconic roles: Avinash Singh Rathore (Tiger) and Pathaan.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, the project aimed to become one of the most ambitious action films in India. Production preparations were expected to begin in November 2023, but budget concerns and star fees have halted the project.

A source close to the production told Deccan Chronicle,
“If both Khans had agreed to a discount, Tiger Vs Pathaan could have moved forward despite the previous War sequel underperforming. But the budgets being what they are, mainly due to star fees, the Spy Universe seems to have hit a wall.”

Public and Fan Reactions

Following the announcement, fans expressed their disappointment on social media. One fan commented:
“I’ve been waiting 30 years to see Shah Rukh and Salman together—this delay is heartbreaking.”

Media analysts have noted,
“High star fees can often become a major obstacle for production houses, especially when previous films underperformed financially.”

According to Pinkvilla, both stars had already given their approval for the project, with the final script narrated in separate meetings with Aditya Chopra.

Reasons Behind the Delay

1. Budget & Star Fees: The actors’ fees constitute a significant portion of the total budget.
2. Previous Box Office Performance: The underperformance of War 2 prompted Yash Raj Films to reconsider financial risks.
3. Production Planning: Despite both actors’ enthusiasm, financial concerns have temporarily stalled the project.

Impact on the Film Industry

This film was anticipated to be one of India’s biggest spy action blockbusters. Its delay may affect the future of the Bollywood Spy Universe. Media analysts stated:
“This temporary shelving serves as a warning in the industry about how star fees can directly influence major production timelines.”

Past Examples of Similar Delays

Bollywood has previously seen projects delayed due to high star fees and budgetary concerns. Examples include Thugs of Hindostan and Zero, both of which faced production and financial hurdles, impacting audience expectations.

What Happens Next

Yash Raj Films has not yet announced a new production timeline for the film. Fans and industry watchers are awaiting news on whether the stars will renegotiate their fees or if the project could potentially be postponed indefinitely.

FAQs

1. When will Tiger Vs Pathaan release?
Currently, the film is temporarily postponed, and no release date has been announced.

2. Why was the film delayed?
The main reason is high fees of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan combined with budget concerns.

3. Has the film been canceled permanently?
No, it has only been temporarily shelved.

4. Did Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan agree to the project?
Yes, both stars had approved the script and were excited about the face-off.

5. Why is the film significant?
It marks the first collaboration of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in 30 years and is the ninth installment in the Yash Raj Spy Universe.

Stay tuned to Star Struck Times for the latest updates on Tiger Vs Pathaan and other major Bollywood projects. Follow us to get official announcements, behind-the-scenes news, and release updates as soon as they are confirmed.

Sources:
Deccan Chronicle, Pinkvilla, IMDb