Biggest Opener of The Spy Universe and The Film That Lit the Franchise’s Flame –

13 Years of Ek Tha Tiger:

Ek Tha Tiger released on 15th August 2012, and today marks 13 years since its arrival. Back then, the buzz was unmatched. Salman Khan stepped into the role of Tiger, an Indian spy, while Katrina Kaif played Zoya, an ISI agent. The pairing, the action, and the patriotic backdrop made the film one of the most awaited releases of the year.

Before release, its trailer and songs had already created a storm. When the film finally hit the screens, it made history. On its opening day, Ek Tha Tiger collected ₹30.61 crore nett — the highest ever for a Bollywood film at that time. It beat the previous record held by Agneepath by a huge margin. Kabir Khan’s directorial sold around 40.5 lakh tickets on the first day, becoming the first Bollywood film to cross that mark. Even today, in an era where 40 lakh footfalls in a single day is a massive challenge, this record remains unbroken in the Spy Universe. It also remains one of the two films that crossed 40 lacs footfalls on opening day—other being another Salman Khan starrer, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015).

The success of Ek Tha Tiger laid the foundation for YRF’s Spy Universe, which later gave audiences films like Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3, and now War 2. It established the franchise and became its torchbearer.

War 2 Review: Hrithik Roshan & Jr. NTR Cook Spy Universe's Worst Dish Ever

With a budget of around ₹90 crore, the film went on to earn ₹186 crore nett in India, making it a blockbuster. It was the highest-grossing movie of 2012 both in India and worldwide. More than just numbers, Ek Tha Tiger started a trend of high-octane spy thrillers in Bollywood, setting the tone for an entire cinematic universe. Thirteen years later, the legacy of Tiger’s first mission still roars in fans’ hearts.

Stay tuned to movie Talkies’ website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), along with our YouTube channel, for theatest updates, breaking news, box office reports, movie reviews, celebrity spotting, and interviews from Bollywood, television, OTT, Hollywood, and regional cinema, including South Indian films.