Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
DirectorKabir Khan
StarringSalman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Girish Karnad, Ranvir Shorey
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Fans of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif who enjoy action thrillers with a romantic angle.
Where to watch Ek Tha Tiger online in India
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Apple TV StoreYouTubeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Tiger Collection: all movies in order
- Ek Tha Tiger (15 August 2012) · this movie
- Tiger Zinda Hai (18 December 2017)
- Tiger 3 (11 November 2023)
Listed in release order, as per TMDB's Tiger Collection.
Ek Tha Tiger story (no spoilers)
Ek Tha Tiger follows Avinash Singh Rathore, known as Tiger, a top Indian agent sent to observe a scientist. The mission takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with the scientist's Pakistani caretaker, Zoya Humaini. Their romance complicates his assignment and pulls him into a conflict between duty and love. Directed by Kabir Khan, this 2012 Hindi action thriller blends espionage and romance, running 133 minutes and carrying a UA certificate. The film also stars Girish Karnad as Shenoy and Ranvir Shorey as Gopi Arya, and it is the first installment in the Tiger Collection franchise.
Should you watch Ek Tha Tiger?
Watch it for
- Salman Khan plays the Indian agent Tiger, while Katrina Kaif is Zoya, the Pakistani caretaker whose romance complicates his mission.
- Kabir Khan directs this 2012 action thriller that mixes espionage with a cross-border love story.
- The film runs 133 minutes and is the first entry in the Tiger Collection, followed by Tiger Zinda Hai and Tiger 3.
- Supporting cast includes Girish Karnad as Shenoy and Ranvir Shorey as Gopi Arya, adding weight to the spy plot.
Skip it if
- You want a pure action film with no romantic subplot; the love story between Tiger and Zoya is central.
- You prefer shorter movies; the 133-minute runtime may feel long if you are not invested in spy dramas.
- You are looking for a standalone story; this is the first part of the Tiger Collection and sets up later films.
Ek Tha Tiger cast
Salman Khanas Avinash Singh 'Tiger' Rathore
Katrina Kaifas Zoya 'Zee' Humaini
Girish Karnadas Shenoy
Ranvir Shoreyas Gopi Arya
Gavie Chahalas Captain Abrar
Roshan Sethas Anwar Jamal Kidwai
Rajendra Sethias Bagga
Ahran Chaudharyas Tokas
Bhupesh Singhas RAW Official #1
Sanjay Gurbaxanias RAW Official #2Ek Tha Tiger movie details
| Director | Kabir Khan |
|---|---|
| Writer | Kabir Khan, Neelesh Misra |
| Music | Sohail Sen, Julius Packiam, Sajid Ali Khan, Wajid Khan |
| Cinematography | Aseem Mishra |
| Producer | Aditya Chopra |
| Release date | 15 August 2012 |
| Runtime | 2h 13m (133 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India, Ireland |
| Languages spoken in the film | English, Hindi |
| Original title | एक था टाइगर |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $14.0 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $62.7 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Ek Tha Tiger family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and action-thriller genre; parental discretion is advised for younger viewers. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Ek Tha Tiger official trailer
Our verdict
Ek Tha Tiger pairs Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in a spy romance directed by Kabir Khan. The 133-minute film mixes action and romance, and it launched the Tiger Collection franchise. It is a solid pick if you like cross-border spy stories with a love angle.
More movies directed by Kabir Khan
Phantom
Bajrangi BhaijaanMore Salman Khan movies
Raja Shivaji
Sikandar
Pathaan
Radhe
Tiger Zinda Hai
SultanMovies like Ek Tha Tiger
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Ek Tha Tiger online in India?
Ek Tha Tiger is available for subscription streaming on Netflix in India. You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV Store and YouTube.
When was Ek Tha Tiger released?
Ek Tha Tiger was released in India on 15 August 2012.
Who is in the cast of Ek Tha Tiger?
The film stars Salman Khan as Avinash Singh 'Tiger' Rathore and Katrina Kaif as Zoya 'Zee' Humaini. Supporting cast includes Girish Karnad as Shenoy and Ranvir Shorey as Gopi Arya.
Who directed Ek Tha Tiger?
Ek Tha Tiger was directed by Kabir Khan.
What is the watch order of the Tiger Collection?
The Tiger Collection in release order is: 1. Ek Tha Tiger (2012), 2. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), 3. Tiger 3 (2023). Ek Tha Tiger is the first film.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.