In the trailer for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s thriller Tiger Zinda Hai released on Tuesday, Abu Dhabi has been dressed up as the war-torn Iraq, the epicentre of action and explosions.
Khan returns as the larger-than-life Indian undercover agent, Tiger, who is on a mission to save several Indian nurses who have been taken hostage by terrorists.
The premise, which loosely resembles Malayalam survival blockbuster Take Off starring Parvathy and Fahadh Faasil, is filled with high-octane stunts and gravity-defying moves featuring Khan as the hero that saves the day. His machismo is tightly showcased in the Ali Abbas Zafar-directed film and the effort that went into filming in Abu Dhabi as the crew braved the 50 degree heat and the sands is wonderfully captured.
The Tiger Zinda Hai crew spent 65 days filming in Abu Dhabi and team were constantly documenting their filming experience in the UAE’s capital.
For instance, a picture of Khan riding a quad bike was shared by director Abbas with the caption: “Liwa#desert @tigerzindahai @yrf #50 #degree.”
Their adventurous schedule, manned by a 300-strong crew facilitated by Abu Dhabi Film Commission and media company twofour54, has been touted as the city’s longest feature film project to date.
Khan, 51, tweeted that he had a wonderful time shooting in Abu Dhabi. Khan and Katrina Kaif, who returns in her role as the alluring Pakistani spy, flew in and out of the UAE several times to shoot the action sequences.
“Leaving Abu Dhabi after a great schedule of 50 days for Tiger Zinda Hai, had a wonderful time,” tweeted Khan.
A set designed by workers who previously built the Star Wars set in 2013 were on call for Tiger Zinda Hai. Zafar also praised Abu Dhabi for the infrastructure support their team received. The army and the air force helped the team film action sequences.
“Long and super hectic day of shoot over, thank you all the authorities from #Abu Dhabi government to make it happen :) #action madness,” Zafar tweeted during the filming period.
While the first instalment Ek Tha Tiger saw Kaif and Khan as spies from rival organisations, the sequel Tiger Zinda Hai sees the two unite for a larger cause of saving nurses.
Apart from Abu Dhabi, Tiger Zinda Hai was also shot in Greece, Austria and Morocco.
Produced by Yash Raj Films, Tiger Zinda Hai also stars Paresh Rawala and Angad Bedi.
It will release in UAE cinemas on December 21.
