The Pink Panther

On a dramatic night in Paris, the coach of the national team collapses during a tense match after a poisoned dart strikes him as the crowd roars. The prized ring with the Pink Panther diamond vanishes in the commotion, setting off a high profile mystery. Chief Inspector Dreyfus, hungry for a big win and a headline making arrest, assigns the case to Jacques Clouseau, a celebrated but notoriously clumsy detective. Clouseau arrives with bravado and a string of pratfalls that complicate the probe and still win crowds. As the hunt unfolds, everyone from stadium staff to top players becomes a potential clue, and egos collide while mischief threads through the investigation. The story keeps a brisk pace, mixing silly chaos with light hints of an actual detective caper behind the jokes. A playful chase keeps the tone light throughout nicely.

Directed by Shawn Levy, The Pink Panther (2006) is a modern take on the iconic Pink Panther series built around Inspector Clouseau. It draws on material from the franchise created by Blake Edwards, with Steve Martin in the lead role.

The film earned about 158,851,357 worldwide against a 65 million budget, marking solid commercial performance for a family friendly caper and helping establish Steve Martin's Clouseau as a playful if divisive reboot. Its worldwide performance helped the franchise stay relevant.

Culturally the film landed as a broad comedy that nudges at spoof staples while inviting a new audience to the Pink Panther world. Steve Martin's exaggerated accent and pratfalls sparked conversations about comic timing and the balance between homage and parody in a familiar brand. That tone kept audiences smiling.

Critical response was mixed, with praise for physical comedy and Steve Martin's energy but criticism of the mystery and tonal unevenness. The film uses satire of celebrity and ego, while leaning into family adventure for crowds. Some critics noted nods to the series while others felt the jokes wore thin.