Shah Rukh Khan’s recent blockbusters, “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” have marked their territory on the global stage as they enter the fray against international action heavyweights such as “John Wick 4” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” in Vulture’s 2023 Annual Stunt Awards. The honor, aimed at showcasing the “below-the-line talent that makes great action movies tick,” has recognized the death-defying theatrics of two of Bollywood’s most talked-about films from the past year.
Each driven by gripping narratives and groundbreaking stunt work, both “Jawan” and “Pathaan” emerged as cinematic tour de forces shortly after their release, quickly catching the attention of action aficionados and critics alike. Garnering multiple nominations in this year’s stunt awards, these films showcase the evolving expertise and ambition within Hindi cinema to compete on an international level in terms of high-octane action.
Atlee’s “Jawan” burst onto the scene with its high-speed highway chase sequence, earning it a spot in the Best Vehicular Stunt category. This intense spectacle pushed the envelope of what audiences have come to expect from vehicle-related stunt work, seamlessly blending breakneck speeds and intricately orchestrated maneuvers that arguably rival those seen in many Western chase sequences.
Meanwhile, “Pathaan,” envisioned by director Siddharth Anand, garnered a nomination for its stunning aerial stunt. This eye-catching airborne sequence – featuring jaw-dropping jet-pack stunts set amid majestic scenery – underscored the technical prowess and scale that the latest wave of Bollywood action flicks brings to the fore. Besides the specific stunt nods, both “Pathaan” and “Jawan” are in contention for Best Overall Action Film, a category demonstrating their comprehensive excellence in action filmmaking.
Additionally, “Jawan” does not stop at vehicular thrills; it is also vying for the title of Best Stunt in an Action Film. The film contends with a line-up of adrenaline-pumping sequences from international counterparts such as the gravity-defying stunts from “John Wick: Chapter 4” and the high-stakes antics of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.”
Here is a comprehensive list of the nominations that are setting the stage for an epic showdown at the stunt awards:
Best Stunt in an Action Film nominees include the shattered glass brawl from “The Equalizer 3,” the dynamic continuous take in “Extraction 2’s” opening sequence, the perilous stair fight and fall from “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and the audacious base jump featured in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” alongside “Jawan’s” electrifying highway chase.
In the Best Vehicular Stunt category, viewers will relive the roar of the engines from the Rome car chase in “Fast X,” the cinematic rendition of the Mille Miglia race in “Ferrari,” the aforementioned chaos of “Jawan’s” highway chase, the iconic “Arc de Triomphe Scene” from “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and the second nomination for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” with its own Rome car chase.
As for Best Aerial Stunt, the skies are dominated by “Extraction 2’s” helicopter shoot-out, the colossal confrontation with “Godzilla Minus One,” the intense “Kandahar” helicopter fight, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’s” base jump, and “Pathaan’s” thrilling jet-pack fight.
When it comes to Best Overall Action Film, a broad assembly of titles stands out, including “Ballerina,” “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant,” “Extraction 2,” “Fist of the Condor,” “Jawan,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Pathaan,” “Silent Night,” and “Shin Kamen Rider.”
These nominations serve to underscore not just the daring and intricate artistry involved in stunt creation but also the global recognition of Hindi cinema’s escalating prominence in the action genre. With “Pathaan” and “Jawan” highlighting this year’s list, Hindi cinema’s stunt work strides into the limelight, ready to potentially sweep these prestigious awards and bring home not just crowns, but also a legacy of cinematic achievement.
