Well, it appears he’s on a winning streak, thanks to his latest action-packed extravaganza: “Jawan” has already shattered records as Bollywood’s biggest debut of all time, raking in the equivalent of RM748 million on opening day.

Joining a stellar cast the likes of Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Deepika Padukone, it’s no surprise people are flocking to the theatres to see the King of Bollywood in action. This is despite the film being directed by Atlee, who only has five titles under his belt – but who pulls out all the stops to ensure his latest release is nothing short of a high-octane action thriller.

With numerous slow-motion shots of Khan framed with pulsating background music, “Jawan” is an undeniable entertainer. But is the story any good?

Firstly, if you’re at the cinema solely for Khan, you won’t leave disappointed as the “Don” star pulls off a dual act. That’s right: “Jawan” offers not one but two Shah Rukhs – playing Vikram Rathore, the Indian Army commando, and his vigilante son, Azad Rathore.

From beginning to end, the film celebrates the star’s charisma – his witty humour, his romantic allure, and his electrifying screen presence made even more so during the killer action sequences.

Azad is initially introduced as a potential antagonist, perhaps even a terrorist; but as the story unfolds, the revelation of his true identity may catch you by surprise.

But it is Vikram, his father, who steals the show, exuding ruggedness with his greying beard and a no-nonsense take-charge demeanour. His backstory as a soldier, aka the titular “jawan”, serves as the cornerstone of the revenge plot.

So, that’s all well and good, isn’t it? Alas, here’s an unfortunate truth: if you aren’t particularly a diehard Khan fan, “Jawan” may fall flat for you, largely thanks to its messy storyline.

“Jawan” starts strong with Azad, alongside a squad of female fighters, hijacking a Mumbai metro train, while police officer Narmada (Nayanthara) manages the negotiations.

As the story unfolds, Azad and his all-woman crew delve into a series of missions, each connected to a girl’s backstory. Every mission also tackles a social issue in India, which may prompt a tear or two from the audience.

But if you’re starting to feel a sense of unwieldiness, the narrative only takes a turn for the worst from here. Within minutes of meeting him, Narmada falls in love with Azad – apparently owing to his suitability as a stepfather to her child – while remaining blissfully ignorant of his identity as a might-be terrorist. It’s quite the head-scratcher.

It’s only in the latter half that Vikram makes his entrance, accompanied by his backstory as a soldier entwined with Sethupathi’s Kaali, to reveal the true motivation behind his son’s thirst for vengeance… by which point you can’t be blamed for having lost the plot.

In a nutshell, “Jawan” feels like an attempt to cram five different movies into one.

Also, before entering the theatre, it’s advisable to check logic at the door. With scenarios like surviving multiple gunshot wounds and a helicopter freefall from the sky, the miraculous resolution of all of India’s major issues within a matter of days, and the astounding ability of 57-year-old Khan to portray both a father AND his son – well, let’s just say this is not one for the intellectuals.

Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, the film is buoyed by committed and commendable performances, especially from the female cast. In her role as a police officer, Nayanthara shines during her action sequences; while Padukone’s appearance, albeit brief, leaves a lasting impact.

“Jawan” is designed for the cinematic experience, and while Atlee tends to overuse those slow-mo shots, somehow it all works here, cheesiness be darned. The film maintains a fast pace and has several standout moments – even if the overall narrative leaves you wanting more in terms of depth, and less in terms of threads.

Grievances aside, “Jawan” is happily enjoying success in cinemas worldwide, including in Malaysia. And while Atlee attempts to convey a message about questioning those in power before casting your vote, the film’s true message seems to be: “I love Shah Rukh Khan, and so should you.”

As of press time, ‘Jawan’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.