While Marvel and DC dominate superhero cinema and James Bond and Mission: Impossible rule spy thrillers, India's YRF Spy Universe has carved its own explosive niche. Created by Yash Raj Films—the studio behind the blockbuster 3 Idiots—this franchise transforms Bollywood's biggest stars into elite agents of India's Research & Analysis Wing (RAW). The result? Over-the-top, expertly crafted spectacles that blend massive action, drama, and musical numbers across global locations. With seven films released so far, here's our definitive ranking.
7. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
The film that started it all follows Tiger (Salman Khan), a RAW agent sent to Dublin to monitor a scientist suspected of sharing nuclear secrets with Pakistan. There, he meets Zoya (Katrina Kaif), the scientist's caretaker who turns out to be an ISI agent. As they fall in love, both nations hunt them. Though not originally intended to launch a cinematic universe, Ek Tha Tiger struck a refreshing balance between spy thrills, romance, and grounded action. Salman Khan's charisma and Katrina Kaif's layered performance elevate it, but its action feels modest compared to later entries. Still, it became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2012.
6. Tiger 3 (2023)
Years after his second outing, Tiger (Khan) is accused of betraying India in Tiger 3. Forced on the run with Zoya (Kaif)—also labeled a traitor by Pakistan—he must expose the real mastermind, Aatish (Emraan Hashmi), before an international crisis erupts. The film sparked viral cinema celebrations, a testament to the franchise's star power. While thoroughly entertaining, it doesn't recapture the magic of its predecessor, with increasingly familiar storylines. Still, the Khan-Kaif chemistry and bigger action set pieces—including a crowd-pleasing cameo—make it a worthy entry. It ranks among the most expensive Indian films ever and sneaked into the year's top ten.
5. War 2 (2025)
In War 2, agent Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) is labeled rogue after killing his agency chief. Special officer Vikram Chelapathi (NTR Jr.) is sent to bring him in, while a shadowy organization threatens global security. Pairing Roshan with RRR star NTR Jr. (in his Hindi debut) brought undeniable charisma and stylish action. Their bromance and the refreshing storyline stand out, but the sprawling plot and globe-trotting action overshadow the tighter storytelling of the first War. As the franchise's most expensive film, it barely broke even—a first disappointment—yet on a $40 million budget, it rivals Hollywood spectacle.
4. Alpha (2026)
Alpha introduces Sita (Alia Bhatt), a girl with an experimental serum in her blood, raised in exile by the ambitious Fateh (Bobby Deol). When she goes rogue, she targets those responsible, including Fateh, and meets her long-lost twin sister Durga (Sharvari) and father Colonel Vikram Kaul (Anil Kapoor). This marks the franchise's first female-led entry, promising fresh dynamics. While details are still emerging, early buzz suggests it could redefine the universe's scope.
3. Pathaan (2023)
Shah Rukh Khan's return to action in Pathaan was a cultural event. The film follows exiled RAW agent Pathaan as he teams up with ISI agent Zoya (Deepika Padukone) to stop a rogue agent (John Abraham) from unleashing a deadly virus. With jaw-dropping stunts, catchy songs, and a cameo from Salman Khan's Tiger, it became a box office juggernaut and revived the franchise's momentum. Its blend of patriotism and pure entertainment is irresistible.
2. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
The sequel to Ek Tha Tiger sees Tiger and Zoya reunite to rescue nurses kidnapped by a terrorist group in Iraq. This film perfected the formula: bigger action, stronger emotional stakes, and a tighter plot. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's chemistry sizzles, and the set pieces—including a hospital siege—are thrilling. It's a rare sequel that improves on the original, setting a new standard for the universe.
1. War (2019)
War remains the crown jewel of the YRF Spy Universe. Hrithik Roshan plays Kabir, a RAW agent who goes rogue, while Tiger Shroff's Khalid is sent to stop him. The film's twist-filled plot, stunning action choreography (including a fight on a glacier), and Roshan's magnetic performance make it a masterpiece. The musical numbers—like "Ghungroo"—are iconic. It's the perfect blend of spy intrigue, emotional depth, and Bollywood flair, setting a benchmark that later films strive to match.
For fans of thriller shows or psychological thrillers, the YRF Spy Universe offers a unique cinematic experience. Whether you're drawn to the mystery of its plots or the sheer spectacle, this franchise continues to push boundaries.
