In a remarkable milestone for Indian cinema, the 2012 Bollywood blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger has become the first and only Indian film to be featured at the prestigious International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, USA. Thirteen years after its theatrical release, the movie—starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif and produced by Aditya Chopra—has earned a place alongside some of the world’s most iconic spy films and television series, marking a proud moment for the Indian film industry and its global reach.
The International Spy Museum, known for its comprehensive and engaging exhibits on espionage history and pop culture, recently added Ek Tha Tiger to its special section devoted to legendary spy films. This coveted space showcases posters and memorabilia from approximately 25 celebrated international titles, including cinematic heavyweights such as Mission: Impossible, Casino Royale, Men In Black, The Imitation Game, Spy Game, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Seventeen Moments of Spring, and television hits like Homeland, Alias, and Fauda. According to MensXP, Ek Tha Tiger now proudly sits among these classics, sharing space with the likes of James Bond, OSS 117, G Men, Mr & Mrs Smith, Bridge of Spies, The Prisoner, Get Smart, The Siege, Turn: Washington’s Spies, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
For the uninitiated, Ek Tha Tiger is a high-octane spy thriller that follows the story of Tiger (played by Salman Khan), a top Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent sent to Dublin on a covert mission. His assignment? To monitor a scientist suspected of leaking vital defense secrets. But the narrative takes a heart-thumping twist when Tiger falls in love with Zoya (Katrina Kaif), who, unbeknownst to him, is an agent for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Torn between love and duty, the two protagonists ultimately choose each other over their respective agencies and embark on a daring escape together. The film’s blend of action, romance, and international intrigue struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of its time.
Produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films (YRF) banner, Ek Tha Tiger was more than just a commercial juggernaut. It laid the foundation for what would become the YRF Spy Universe, a series of interconnected films including Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the upcoming War 2. As reported by MensXP, the film’s enduring popularity and its trailblazing inclusion in the International Spy Museum underscore its lasting impact on both Indian and global audiences.
Director Kabir Khan, who helmed the film, took to Instagram to express his pride and joy at this international recognition. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, "A film is never only about how much it earned at the box office. It’s more about for how long will it continue to capture people’s imagination. And in that sense Ek Tha Tiger goes on and on. Of course it was one of the biggest box office grossers ever when it released in 2012 but what gives me even more joy is that it’s still spoken about with love now in 2025. Tiger humesha Zinda rahega…" According to MensXP, his words reflect not just personal satisfaction, but a broader sense of achievement for Indian filmmakers striving to make their mark internationally.
The International Spy Museum’s decision to feature Ek Tha Tiger is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it signals a growing recognition of Bollywood’s storytelling prowess and its ability to craft narratives that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. Second, it places Indian cinema in direct conversation with the world’s most influential spy franchises—many of which have shaped public perceptions of espionage and international intrigue for decades. And finally, it offers a rare opportunity for museum-goers in Washington, DC, to encounter a slice of Indian pop culture in a context usually dominated by Western media.
The film’s inclusion is all the more significant given the company it keeps. The International Spy Museum’s curated list reads like a who’s who of espionage fiction, with classics such as Casino Royale (a cornerstone of the James Bond series), Mission: Impossible (the Tom Cruise-led action franchise), and The Imitation Game (a historical drama about Alan Turing and World War II codebreaking). For Ek Tha Tiger to be the sole representative of Indian cinema among these global heavyweights is no small feat.
But what makes Ek Tha Tiger so enduring? Part of its appeal lies in its fusion of classic spy tropes with the emotional depth and spectacle characteristic of Bollywood. The film’s globe-trotting plot, elaborate action sequences, and cross-border romance offer something for everyone—whether you’re a fan of adrenaline-pumping chases or poignant love stories. Moreover, its portrayal of Indian and Pakistani intelligence agents as complex, multidimensional characters (rather than caricatures) resonated with audiences looking for more nuanced narratives in mainstream cinema.
Its legacy has only grown in the years since its release. The YRF Spy Universe has gone on to produce several blockbusters, with recurring characters and storylines that keep fans eagerly anticipating each new installment. The success of these films has paved the way for Indian action cinema to compete on the world stage, both in terms of box office and cultural influence.
Industry observers see the International Spy Museum’s recognition as a sign of Bollywood’s increasing global clout. According to The Times of India, Indian films have historically struggled for visibility in Western museums and cultural institutions, which tend to focus on Hollywood and European cinema. The inclusion of Ek Tha Tiger could open doors for more Indian films to be celebrated for their artistic and narrative achievements.
For Indian audiences, the news has been met with excitement and pride. Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages for the cast and crew, with many fans echoing Kabir Khan’s sentiment that "Tiger humesha Zinda rahega"—the tiger will always live on. The phrase, which has become something of a rallying cry for the franchise, perfectly captures the film’s enduring spirit and its ability to inspire generations of moviegoers.
As Ek Tha Tiger takes its place among the world’s greatest spy stories in Washington, DC, it serves as a testament to the power of cinema to bridge cultures, ignite imaginations, and create lasting legacies. For Indian filmmakers and fans alike, it’s a moment worth celebrating—and a reminder that sometimes, the most thrilling adventures unfold not just on screen, but in the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.
