Dubai takes starring role in trailer of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone's Pathaan

The spy action-thriller, which also stars John Abraham, was partly shot in Downtown Dubai

Shah Rukh Khan in the Bollywood spy thriller Pathaan. Photo: Yash Raj Films

The trailer of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone's highly anticipated action film Pathaan was released on Tuesday, featuring scenes shot in Downtown Dubai.

The spy thriller, which features John Abraham as the antagonist, is set to be released on January 25.

In the trailer, Khan and Padukone, who play soldiers, are seen hot on the heels of Abraham's character, who seems intent on destroying India. Scenes shot in Dubai include a fight between Khan and Abraham on top of a moving truck, as well as Abraham shooting at a police car with a rocket.

Pathaan marks the big screen return of Khan after more than four years, following the box office debacle of his last film Zero in 2018.

In March last year, the Bollywood superstar gave fans the first glimpse of his long-awaited comeback. Production of the film was delayed owing to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the drama following Khan's son Aryan Khan's arrest in a drug bust.

"I know it’s late … but remember the date … Pathaan time starts now … See you in cinemas on January 25, 2023," Khan posted on his social media channels, along with a clip featuring co-stars Padukone and Abraham.

"In our nation, we are named by our religion or our caste. But he had none of them," Abraham says in character in the teaser.

Padukone then adds: "He didn't even have anyone who could name him. All he had was his nation, India."

Blurry shots of Khan walking towards the camera are then shown, with his voiceover.

"He made his nation his religion. And protecting the country, his duty," Khan says.

"Those who don't have a name, are named by their companions. How did I get this name? Wait a little bit more to find out. Let's meet soon... with Pathaan."

What's Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan all about?

John Abraham in 'Pathaan'. Photo: YouTube / YRF

Khan plays a character named Pathaan who will go to any lengths to save India. The character is believed to be an agent working with India's intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing, while Padukone plays his colleague.

Abraham plays the antagonist, a terrorist who works for the mafia.

The film is directed by Siddharth Anand, known for his high-octane money-spinners Bang Bang! (2014) and War (2019), and there's bound to be a lot of action with Khan having physically transformed for the role.

Fans in the UAE also have a special reason to be excited, as scenes for the film were shot in Downtown Dubai in 2021. Khan was spotted shooting a fight scene atop a moving lorry, as well as a 4x4 car in January.

Who's in the cast of 'Pathaan'?

Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham in the teaser of their upcoming Bollywood film 'Pathaan'. Photo: YouTube / YRF

Khan, Padukone and Abraham will play pivotal roles in the film. Khan and Padukone are known for their crackling chemistry, having starred together in major hits Om Shanti Om (2007), Chennai Express (2013) and Happy New Year (2014).

Padukone has also shared a "motion poster" of her character, showing her firing a gun and with a bruised face.

"Guns and grace galore. @deepikapadukone is all that and more," Khan also posted, along with a similar photo.

The stars will be joined by veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, last seen in Christopher Nolan's Tenet, as well as Ashutosh Rana, plus Gautam Rode, best-known for his television roles.

A casting coup featuring cameos by two other major stars playing characters from their respective films has also been revealed — Salman Khan is set to play the spy from his hit Tiger spy franchise, while Hrithik Roshan will appear as his agent from the film War.

What is the release date for 'Pathaan'?

Pathaan is set to be released on January 25, 2023, one day before India's Republic Day. To take advantage of the patriotic theme, the film will also be simultaneously released in regional languages Tamil and Telugu besides Hindi.

— This article was first published on March 4, 2022

Deepika Padukone's phenomenal rise from top model to Cannes festival juror and global star

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been named as a brand ambassador for luxury jewellers Cartier. AFP

Padukone was also named the first Louis Vuitton ambassador from India in May, and starred in the brand's latest campaign for Dauphine leather goods. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Padukone earlier starred in Louis Vuitton's pre-autumn 2020 campaign. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Padukone in 2007. The Bollywood actress and one of India's biggest stars began her career as a child model. EPA

Padukone in Dubai in 2008. She made her Bollywood debut with the 2007 film 'Om Shanti Om', appearing alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Padukone at the UK premiere of 'Chandni Chowk To China' at the Empire Cinema on January 12, 2009 in London. Getty

Padukone at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. EPA

Padukone walks for designer Wendell Rodricks in New Delhi in 2011. Getty

Padukone reunited with Shah Rukh Khan in the 2013 film 'Chennai Express', which was a massive hit. Getty

Khan and Padukone promote 'Chennai Express' in Mumbai in 2013. EPA

Ranbir Kapoor and Padukone promote their 2013 film 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'. The pair dated for a year after starting their relationship in 2008. AFP

Padukone in Dubai in 2013 to promote her film 'Race 2'. Sarah Dea / The National

Padukone at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards in Mumbai in 2013. AFP

Padukone performs at an event at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Ravindranath K / The National

Padukone at the premiere of her film 'Happy New Year' at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, in 2014. Antonie Robertson / The National

Kapoor and Padukone reunited for the 2015 film 'Tamasha'. They're seen here with director Imtiaz Ali. Getty

Padukone arrives at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2016 at the Rotterdam Ahoy in Netherlands, in November 2016. EPA

Padukone at the International Indian Film Academy or IIFA Awards in Madrid, in June 2016. EPA

Padukone at the screening of 'Ismael's Ghosts (Les Fantomes d'Ismael)' at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Getty

Padukone at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. EPA

Vin Diesel and Padukone promoting their film 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage' in 2017. EPA

Padukone married actor Ranveer Singh at a private ceremony in Italy in November 2018.

Fans and photographers greeted the newlyweds at Mumbai International Airport early on November 18, 2018. AFP

Ranveer Singh and Padukone held a reception in Mumbai following their Italian wedding in 2018. Getty Images

The couple also hosted a reception party in Bengaluru at the Leela Palace hotel in 2018. AP

Padukone attending the Met Gala in New York City in 2018. EPA

Padukone was named one of 'Time' magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. EPA

Padukone at the IIFA Awards in Mumbai in 2019. AFP

Padukone at the 2019 Met Gala in New York City. AFP

Padukone attends the Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards in Mumbai on February 12, 2019. AFP

Padukone at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. AFP

Padukone wears Dior at the Christian Dior spring/summer 2020 show in Paris on September 24, 2019. Getty

Padukone visits students protesting at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi in 2020. AFP

Padukone received a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020 for her work in raising awareness of mental health. AP

From left, Red Sea International Film Festival chairman Mohammed Al Turki, Ranveer Singh and Padukone in Jeddah in December 2021. AFP

Ranveer Singh and Padukone promote their film '83' in Dubai. Photo: Reliance Entertainment

Padukone and Ranveer Singh at a press conference in Dubai in December 2021, to promote their film '83'. Pawan Singh / The National

Ranveer Singh and Padukone at the premiere of the movie '83' in Mumbai in December 2021. AFP

Siddhant Chaturwedi and Padukone promoting their film 'Gehraiyaan' in Mumbai in February 2022. AFP

The Bollywood star attends an event for the Hindi romantic drama film 'Gehraiyaan' in Mumbai on February 20, 2022. AFP

Padukone on the red carpet at the Time 100 Impact Awards in Dubai in March 2022. Victor Besa / The National

Padukone at the Louis Vuitton 2023 cruise show in San Diego, California, in May 2022. AFP