Salman Khan’s ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ in Fresh Legal Trouble: Is It Based on Real Life Story of RAW Agent?

Soon after dealing with the ban on the release of its trailers in Pakistan, Salman Khan starrer "Ek Tha Tiger" by YRF has now landed in a fresh legal trouble.

It is reported that a legal notice has been sent to the production company and CBFC demanding a special screening before the film is released, alleging that it has striking resemblance with the real-life story of a late RAW agent.

Vikram Vashistha, the nephew of the late RAW agent Ravindra Kaushik and his family, has sought a legal assistance and sent the notice to the filmmakers.

His counsel has claimed in the notice that the "Prima facie resemblance is on the account that the promos show that ISI (Pakistan agency) and RAW (Indian Agency) indulged in day-to-day war."

"The promos reveal that the agent named 'Tiger' worked in Pakistan and had an affair with a Pakistani girl. He fought for the country as well as for his love. Shashi Vashistha, mother of my client Vikram is the Ravindra's only sister," Madhav Mitra, Vashistha's lawyer explained.

The real-life spy Ravindra Kaushik, who passed away in a Pakistani jail in 2002, was awarded the title of "Black Tiger" by RAW.

Kaushik had converted to Islam and married a local girl after entering the Pakistani army. Later, he was arrested by Pakistan's intelligence agencies on charges of espionage and jailed for 18-long-years.

Mitra told a leading daily that the film story seems similar to the late RAW agent's life story and "Thus, the family has full right to either go through the certified screenplay, or watch it prior to national/ international release."

Jaipur-based Vashistha told TOI that, "He (Ravindra Kaushik) was my maternal uncle who was with the Research Analysis Wing (RAW). Born on April 11, 1952 in Sriganganagar he also did his graduation from there. He displayed his talent at national level dramatic meet in Lucknow, which was also witnessed by some officials of the intelligence wing (RAW). He was contacted and offered job for the secret intelligence in Pakistan. Later he was sent to Pakistan for the purpose."

"His family fought a long battle till 2002 when he died in a Multan (Pakistan) jail. Before making such a film on the martyr's life, I think the makers should have researched well and contacted us," he said. 

The film "Ek Tha Tiger" is a spy-thriller in which Salman is playing the character of a secret (RAW) agent who is apparently sent to Pakistan to spy a college professor suspected of leaking missile technology secrets to the country. 

The promos and posters have already created quite a stir in the country and the neighboring country Pakistan. The film is set to release on Aug.15 (India's Independence Day).