Below is an overview of the key scholarly perspectives and "papers" discussing the film's significance. 1. Cultural & Socio-Political Analysis
Scholars and critics also focus on the technical and commercial strategies employed by director Siddharth Anand. Below is an overview of the key scholarly
Research in Academia.edu identifies a "significant shift" in the relationship between Bollywood stars and fans, where the film’s success was seen as a collective act of fandom resisting external boycott calls. Research in Academia
The film is analyzed as a strategic expansion of the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe, blending Hollywood-style action (utilizing stunt coordinators from Top Gun: Maverick ) with traditional Bollywood "masala" elements like songs and dance. It argues the film uses themes of patriotism
Research published in Academia.edu explores Pathaan as a response to real-world hate campaigns against SRK. It argues the film uses themes of patriotism and personal identity to advocate for love over communal hate.
Papers published in Intellect Discover explore "The Pathaan Effect," debating whether its glitzy, neo-liberal image-economy—featuring global locations and jet-setting lifestyles—is an effective foil to religious authoritarianism or merely a "cinema of precarity".