From Tiger 3 to Pathaan and Raazi, the best spy/soldier movies you should watch this festive season

Spy and soldier movies enjoy huge popularity in the country. A far cry from the usual song and dance and running around trees, these movies boast of gravity defying action sequences, edge of the seat thrills and lots of drama and suspense. As we settle into the holiday mode, here are some spy-soldier movies that should be on your must watch list...

"Tiger 3", released earlier this week, unfolds under the direction of Maneesh Sharma and the production powers of Aditya Chopra through Yash Raj Films. As the fifth installment in the YRF Spy Universe and a sequel to the 2017 blockbuster "Tiger Zinda Hai," the film features an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Emraan Hashmi, promising a high-octane cinematic experience.

Set in the aftermath of "Tiger Zinda Hai," "War" (2019), and "Pathaan" (2023), the storyline follows the protagonists Tiger and Zoya, portrayed by Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, who find themselves unjustly labeled as traitors by a former ISI agent named Aatish Rehman. In a gripping narrative twist, they embark on a perilous mission to clear their names, navigating through a web of danger and deceit. While the movie garnered mixed to positive reviews from critics, the film received acclaim for the stellar performances of its cast, particularly Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Emraan Hashmi. "Tiger 3" unfolds as an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, combining star power, thrilling action, and cinematic finesse.

"Pathaan," released earlier this year, marks the creative collaboration of director Siddharth Anand and producer Aditya Chopra under the esteemed Yash Raj Films banner. As the fourth installment in the YRF Spy Universe, the film stars the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role, sharing the screen with powerhouse talents Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana contribute to the ensemble cast in pivotal supporting roles.

The narrative revolves around Pathaan, a former RAW agent portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, who, in collaboration with ISI agent Rubina Mohsin, played by Deepika Padukone, strives to thwart the nefarious plans of Jim, a former RAW agent portrayed by John Abraham. Jim's sinister plot involves launching a devastating virus attack on India, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of espionage and intrigue. Notably, the film deviated from the conventional pre-release publicity norms, opting for limited media interaction and public events, heightening the anticipation for this action-packed thriller.

"Uri: The Surgical Strike," made an impact in 2019 under the directorial helm of Aditya Dhar and the production expertise of Ronnie Screwvala through RSVP Movies. This cinematic masterpiece offers a dramatization of the real-life events surrounding the 2016 Uri attack, showcasing a stellar cast led by Vicky Kaushal, alongside Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, Kirti Kulhari, and Mohit Raina in pivotal roles. The narrative centers on the valiant Major Vihaan Shergill, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal, a key player in the response to the Uri attack. Released on 11 January 2019, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim and resonated strongly with audiences. It received praise for its stellar cast performances, gripping screenplay, meticulously executed action sequences, immersive sound design, directorial finesse, and technical excellence. The film earned several accolades, including four National Film Awards.

"Raazi" took the cinematic stage in 2018 under the adept direction of Meghna Gulzar. Fronted by the talented Alia Bhatt in the lead role, the film also boasts of a stellar cast including Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma, and Jaideep Ahlawat in supporting roles. Adapted from Harinder Sikka's 2008 novel "Calling Sehmat," the narrative unfolds a true account of an Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. Upon her father's request, she marries into a family of military officers in Pakistan to relay crucial information to India in the lead-up to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Released on 11 May 2018, "Raazi" not only garnered critical acclaim for Meghna Gulzar's directorial finesse, but also showcased Alia Bhatt's exceptional performance.

"Sam Bahadur" is an eagerly anticipated biographical war drama that delves into the remarkable life of India's inaugural field marshal, Sam Manekshaw. Helmed by the accomplished director Meghna Gulzar, who co-wrote the screenplay with Bhavani Iyer and Shantanu Srivastava, the film is set to narrate the inspiring journey of this military legend.

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner of RSVP Movies, "Sam Bahadur" boasts of a stellar cast headlined by the talented Vicky Kaushal in the pivotal title role. The ensemble includes notable actors such as Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Zeeshan Ayyub, promising a cinematic experience enriched with powerful performances.

With Meghna Gulzar at the directorial helm and a compelling narrative that unfolds the heroic chapters of Sam Manekshaw's life, the film is poised to be a poignant exploration of valor, leadership, and the indomitable spirit that defined the legendary field marshal. As a biographical war drama, "Sam Bahadur" is set to capture the essence of a pivotal figure in India's military history, bringing forth a tale of courage and sacrifice against the backdrop of significant historical events.