Everyone knows about the cinematic universes of Marvel and DC or the spy franchises of James Bond and Mission: Impossible. But in the gigantic movie industry of India, there are currently several ongoing cinematic universes, and the biggest and most ambitious one is the YRF Spy Universe. Created by veteran production company Yash Raj Films, which previously produced the smash hit 3 Idiots, the franchise has turned Bollywood’s biggest superstars into a team of skilled agents in India’s Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) team, tackling threats from within and abroad.
The films in this franchise are insanely over-the-top, expertly crafted and immensely entertaining, blending massive action sequences with drama and musical numbers. The films are usually set in multiple locations around the world, not just India, and they are the kind of spectacle that demands to be seen on the biggest screens. There may be an unabashed sense of patriotism and plenty of disbelief to suspend in these films, but once you’re on the same wavelength as them, there is so much fun to be had. With seven films in the franchise so far, here’s how we rank them.
7
‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (2012)
Ek Tha Tiger follows Tiger (Salman Khan), an elite Indian intelligence agent sent to Dublin to monitor a scientist suspected of sharing nuclear research with Pakistan. During the mission, Tiger meets Zoya (Katrina Kaif), the scientist’s caretaker who seems ordinary at first but turns out to be an ISI agent with secrets of her own. As the two fall in love, they find themselves hunted by both nations.
This is the movie that started the YRF Spy Universe, even though it was not supposed to start a cinematic universe. The film struck a refreshing balance between spy thrills, romance, and grounded action at a time when Bollywood wasn’t producing many modern espionage films. Salman Khan delivers a charismatic performance, while Katrina Kaif provides a balance so that Zoya never feels just like a love interest. Its action scenes aren’t as polished or extravagant as those in later installments, but they remain exciting because they’re driven by character rather than spectacle alone. It’s a respectable film on its own, but pales in comparison to the fun excess of the subsequent films. The film itself was an unprecedented success and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2012.
6
‘Tiger 3’ (2023)
Several years after the events of his second film, Tiger (Khan) finds himself accused of betraying India when a dangerous conspiracy threatens to destroy his reputation in Tiger 3. Forced to go on the run with Zoya (Kaif) who is also accused by Pakistan of being a traitor, he tries to expose the real mastermind, Aatish (Emraan Hashmi), before an international crisis spirals out of control.
If you’ve seen a viral video where audiences lit up fireworks in the cinemas, it was during a screening of Tiger 3, which is a testament to how powerful the franchise and its stars are. As the fifth film in the franchise, it remains a thoroughly entertaining action film even if it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its predecessor, especially with increasingly similar storylines. Nevertheless, the chemistry between Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif continues to anchor the film. The action is bigger than ever, featuring elaborate set pieces and impressive stunt work, including a crowd-pleasing cameo from one of the characters in the universe. The film is one of the most expensive films ever produced in India, and managed to sneak into the top ten list of the year.
5
‘War 2’ (2025)
In War 2, agent Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) is once again labeled rogue after killing the agency’s chief Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana). A special units officer, Vikram Chelapathi (NTR Jr.), is sent to neutralize and bring him in, while a threat from a shadowy organization looms large, threatening the safety of India and the world.
War 2 had all the right ingredients to make a hit. This time, Hrithik Roshan is paired with RRR star NTR Jr, who made his Hindi film debut. Both of them brought unmistakable charisma, and they gave their all to the stylish action sequences as well as the musical numbers. Aside from being rivals, they also have an undeniable bromance connection. The storyline itself is the most refreshing among the franchise’s recent releases. Nevertheless, the film is incredibly busy with its sprawling plot, twists, and action sequences in multiple locations around the world, which overshadow the tighter storytelling that made the first film so beloved. War 2 is the most expensive film in the franchise and barely broke even, making this the first disappointment in the franchise. Nevertheless, on a budget of 40 million dollars, this film gives Hollywood a run for their money.
4
‘Alpha’ (2026)
Alpha follows Sita (Alia Bhatt), a girl with an experimental serum for Indian soldiers in her blood, who is raised in exile by the ambitious Fateh (Bobby Deol). When she comes of age, she goes rogue and starts to take down the people responsible, including Fateh. Her mission takes a turn when she meets her long-lost twin sister Durga (Sharvari) and her father, Colonel Vikram Kaul (Anil Kapoor).
Alpha marks the first female-led film in the growing franchise. Alia Bhatt, who international audiences may know from RRR and Heart of Stone, and Sharvari are badass and convincingly lethal as action heroes in this film. With seasoned actors like Kapoor and Deol in supporting roles, the film is pretty solid. After War 2‘s disappointment, the franchise smartly scaled back and Alpha becomes much more focused and engaging than the biggest entries in the series. The action sequences are incredible with several standout sequences, such as Sita & Durga’s fight as well as when a familiar hero joins them to take down Fateh’s henchmen. Nevertheless, the film lacks a memorable theme music for the heroines and resorts to a well-trodden story involving the country’s closest rival.
3
‘War’ (2019)
War follows young, promising agent Khalid (Tiger Shroff) who volunteers to track down legendary RAW agent and his former mentor Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), who suddenly goes rogue after eliminating a fellow RAW agent during a mission. As Khalid closes in on Kabir, he discovers that nothing is as straightforward as it appears. They work together to defeat a common enemy.
While movies like Don have tried to be India’s Mission: Impossible, War is the country’s proper answer to Hollywood spy franchises, with its Bollywood identity intact. With a stylish direction from Siddharth Anand, the movie has a relentless pacing and expertly choreographed action. With its twisty storyline and globe-trotting locations, which includes the Arctic Circle, the film is thoroughly entertaining to watch. Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff have an insane chemistry as both foes and allies. Kabir’s first appearance in the film itself has gone viral and become iconic. The film is a hit and it’s the highest-grossing Indian film in 2019.
2
‘Pathaan’ (2023)
Pathaan follows the titular legendary spy played by Shah Rukh Khan, who is called back to serve his country after years away from active duty when a dangerous mercenary and former RAW agent known as Jim (John Abraham) threatens India’s security with a dangerous biological weapon. Teaming up with fellow agent Rubai (Deepika Padukone), Pathaan embarks on a mission to stop Jim’s Outfit X team from wreaking havoc.
After three movies, Pathaan is the first official entry in the YRF Spy Universe to establish continuity with the other movies. The movie was highly anticipated as it also marked superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s return to movies after a 5-year break. SRK brings his effortless charm and amazing action prowess to the role, while John Abraham is the franchise’s strongest villain to date. Pathaan also marks SRK and Deepika Padukone’s fourth collaboration and they’re simply electric together. The film has incredible, over-the-top action that would put Fast & Furious to shame. The film is a major success for the franchise, Shah Rukh Khan and Hindi movies in general, becoming one of the few Indian films to gross over $100 million worldwide.
1
‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ (2017)
Years after disappearing together, Tiger (Salman Khan) and Zoya (Katrina Kaif) are living peacefully with their son at the beginning of Tiger Zinda Hai. But when a terrorist organization has taken a group of Indian and Pakistani nurses hostage in Iraq, Tiger is tasked with leading a daring rescue mission against overwhelming odds. Forced to assemble a new team with agents from rival nations, Tiger and Zoya embark on a fearless mission to rescue the hostages.
Tiger Zinda Hai stands as the current best in the franchise because it perfectly balances spectacle with substance. The film took a risk by adapting a real story into an action film with fictional heroes but it paid off. The result is a focused story with grounded action and thrills, and a sequel with a significant jump in quality compared to its predecessor. The combat sequences are still intense and there are more fight sequences with both Tiger and Zoya. Katrina Kaif herself has some of the franchise’s best action scenes in this film, while Salman Khan gives his best performance yet as Tiger. It remains the franchise’s most complete package, offering action, emotion, and entertainment firing on all cylinders. It is the third highest-grossing film of 2017, behind S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2 and the crowd-pleaser Secret Superstar.
