Phantom
Phantom is a political action thriller that unfolds across various countries around the world. The plot revolves around protagonist Daniyal, whose journey to seek justice takes him from India to Europe, America and the volatile Middle East. However, he finds out that in a mission like this, there is always a price to pay, in this case, a very personal price.
Working with a tight budget of $8.6M, the film achieved a steady performer with $13.7M in global revenue (+59% profit margin).
4 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Phantom (2015) reveals precise narrative design, characteristic of Kabir Khan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 16 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The protagonist's ordinary world is established, showing their normal life and routine before the central conflict emerges.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when An unexpected event disrupts the protagonist's ordinary world, forcing them to confront a threat or mystery they cannot ignore.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 68 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat A major revelation or setback occurs at the story's center point, raising the stakes and changing the protagonist's understanding of their situation. The game changes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 103 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The protagonist's lowest point. A death (literal or metaphorical) occurs—a mentor, a dream, hope itself. This is the darkest moment before the final act., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 109 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The finale unfolds as the protagonist executes their plan, confronts the antagonist, and resolves the central conflict using their transformed understanding., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Phantom's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Phantom against these established plot points, we can identify how Kabir Khan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Phantom within the action genre.
Kabir Khan's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Kabir Khan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Phantom takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kabir Khan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Bad Guys, Lake Placid and Zoom. For more Kabir Khan analyses, see 83.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The protagonist's ordinary world is established, showing their normal life and routine before the central conflict emerges.
Theme
A supporting character hints at the film's thematic question about identity, truth, and the nature of reality.
Worldbuilding
The setup establishes characters, relationships, and the world of the film. We learn the protagonist's background, skills, and what's at stake in their life.
Disruption
An unexpected event disrupts the protagonist's ordinary world, forcing them to confront a threat or mystery they cannot ignore.
Resistance
The protagonist resists, debates, and prepares. They may encounter a mentor figure or gather information, but they haven't fully committed to the journey yet.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The promise of the premise unfolds as the protagonist navigates the new world, pursuing their goal with increasing complications and revelations.
Midpoint
A major revelation or setback occurs at the story's center point, raising the stakes and changing the protagonist's understanding of their situation. The game changes.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies as opposition closes in. The protagonist's flaws are exposed, allies may turn, and everything becomes more difficult as the antagonist gains ground.
Collapse
The protagonist's lowest point. A death (literal or metaphorical) occurs—a mentor, a dream, hope itself. This is the darkest moment before the final act.
Crisis
In the darkness following collapse, the protagonist processes their loss and struggles with despair before finding new clarity or resolve.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale unfolds as the protagonist executes their plan, confronts the antagonist, and resolves the central conflict using their transformed understanding.