Ek Tha Tiger director Kabir Khan on the possibility of a spin-off film on Katrina Kaif’s Zoya: ‘It’s a very interesting concept…’

The makers of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger 3 dropped the trailer of the film on Monday, giving fans a glimpse of all that is in store for Tiger (Salman) and Zoya (Katrina) in the upcoming film. While the loyal fans of Salman and the Tiger franchise are excited for the third instalment in the series, Tiger 3 also marks the expansion of the YRF spy universe which includes Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and Hrithik Roshan’s Kabir from War. 

A number of fan theories are floating on social media which hint at the anticipation about how the three characters (Tiger, Pathaan and Kabir) will be linked in the upcoming films of YRF’s spy verse. Some of them have also been demanding a separate spin off film on Katrina Kaif’s character Zoya. 

Also Read: Netizens give Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's Tiger 3 trailer a big thumbs up

In a recent interaction with News 18, Kabir Khan, who directed the very first film in the popular franchise – Ek Tha Tiger back in 2018, opened up about the possibility of the same. The director told the portal, “It’s a very interesting concept and a great idea.” He further said that Katrina’s character Zoya is among the most fascinating ones and added, “I hope someone picks up the character and has a good backstory, and we can see Katrina headlining the film on an adventure of her own.” He also said the he hopes the YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra takes the idea forward. 

Talking about Tiger 3, Kabir Khan shared that he’s quite excited about the film. He expressed that he has a special connection with the franchise since he created the character of Tiger in 2012. “It’s been more than a decade and I have been super proud of it. Tiger 3 is releasing soon and despite it not being my film, I am still super nervous (smiles) as I am really curious to know what the story will be all about,” he told the publication. 

Kabir further added that he’s waiting for Tiger 3 to release and plans to watch it on the big screen in a theatre, cheering and whistling along with the fans. He wished the team luck and success and further revealed that they’d never thought of a spy universe back when they were shooting for the first film. However, he also said that they’d always “had the idea of making this film into a franchise.”

The 83-director explained that he’s not aware if the producer Aditya Chopra had thought about the spy universe but feels that he may have since “he is a visionary filmmaker and likes to keep his cards close to his chest,” adding that they never discussed it though. He explained that the concept of having a “universe” didn’t exist when they made the first part of the film and that it started in Hollywood also a few years back. 

“I am excited for the YRF spyverse and it’s a good thing as long as the audiences are enjoying it. Both Tiger and Zoya’s characters are iconic now,” he was quoted as saying.

Also Read: Salman Khan on performing the spectacular stunt sequences on Tiger 3 set

In case you missed it, watch the Tiger 3 trailer here:

The film that stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the leads has Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist. Directed by Maneesh sharma, Tiger 3 is all set to hit the theares on November 12, 2023.