The Diplomat Movie Review: A tense political thriller anchored by John Abraham’s commanding performance
The Diplomat Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,The compelling narrative and John Abraham’s performance make 'The Diplomat' well worth watching.
Critic's Rating: 3.5/5
Story: Based on a true story, the film follows the Deputy High Commissioner who tries to repatriate an Indian girl from Pakistan after she is deceived and forced into marrying against her will.
Review: The breathtaking valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hide a grim reality—where women are forced into submission, and young boys are trained to wield firearms. Among those trapped is Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a young Indian woman deceived into marriage, held captive, and subjected to sexual violence. Director Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat brings her true story to life, tracing her fight to return to India and how the nation stood unwaveringly behind her. Her rescue was made possible through the relentless efforts of the Indian Embassy, particularly Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh (John Abraham) and then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (Revathy).
Ritesh Shah’s screenplay and Nair’s direction craft a tight, brisk narrative from the outset. While the film starts off slowly, it steadily draws viewers in, establishing the harrowing reality of Uzma’s captivity. The tension peaks when a desperate Uzma seizes her chance and finds refuge in the Indian Embassy, setting the stage for a gripping diplomatic standoff.
From there, The Diplomat maintains its suspense with sequences such as the embassy outwitting Uzma’s husband, Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), his menacing allies, and the ISI to ensure her safety. The urgency intensifies as JP Singh (John Abraham), his colleagues, and Uzma’s lawyer (Kumud Mishra) race against time to secure her legal passage before her visa expires, all unfolding against the backdrop of shifting Indo-Pak relations and the International Court of Justice’s intervention in the accused RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav case. One of the film’s most compelling moments is the nerve-wracking drive to the Wagah-Attari Border, with Tahir and his gang in hot pursuit.
The film captures the oppressive reality for women in conflict zones with authenticity, avoiding unnecessary dramatisation. The fear Uzma experiences is palpable, and the dialogue remains restrained yet effective.
John Abraham delivers one of his most nuanced performances as the empathetic and resolute diplomat. He balances quiet authority with wry humour, particularly in moments where he subtly challenges Pakistani officials. "Yeh Pakistan hai, beta, yahan aadmi aur ghoda seedhi chaal nahi chalta," offers a refreshing break from the usual jingoistic rhetoric. Sadia Khateeb portrays Uzma’s vulnerability and resilience with finesse, while Revathy channels the late Sushma Swaraj’s kindness and strength with conviction. Kumud Mishra stands out as Uzma’s sharp yet warm-hearted lawyer, and Jagjeet Sandhu impresses as the deceptively charming yet terrifying Tahir.
The direct exchange between the Indian and Pakistani ministries, rather than the embassy simply relaying messages, could have heightened the intensity. However, the tense moments crafted are gripping enough to keep you engaged with bated breath. The compelling narrative and John Abraham’s performance make The Diplomat well worth watching.
Review: The breathtaking valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hide a grim reality—where women are forced into submission, and young boys are trained to wield firearms. Among those trapped is Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a young Indian woman deceived into marriage, held captive, and subjected to sexual violence. Director Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat brings her true story to life, tracing her fight to return to India and how the nation stood unwaveringly behind her. Her rescue was made possible through the relentless efforts of the Indian Embassy, particularly Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh (John Abraham) and then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (Revathy).
Ritesh Shah’s screenplay and Nair’s direction craft a tight, brisk narrative from the outset. While the film starts off slowly, it steadily draws viewers in, establishing the harrowing reality of Uzma’s captivity. The tension peaks when a desperate Uzma seizes her chance and finds refuge in the Indian Embassy, setting the stage for a gripping diplomatic standoff.
From there, The Diplomat maintains its suspense with sequences such as the embassy outwitting Uzma’s husband, Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), his menacing allies, and the ISI to ensure her safety. The urgency intensifies as JP Singh (John Abraham), his colleagues, and Uzma’s lawyer (Kumud Mishra) race against time to secure her legal passage before her visa expires, all unfolding against the backdrop of shifting Indo-Pak relations and the International Court of Justice’s intervention in the accused RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav case. One of the film’s most compelling moments is the nerve-wracking drive to the Wagah-Attari Border, with Tahir and his gang in hot pursuit.
The film captures the oppressive reality for women in conflict zones with authenticity, avoiding unnecessary dramatisation. The fear Uzma experiences is palpable, and the dialogue remains restrained yet effective.
John Abraham delivers one of his most nuanced performances as the empathetic and resolute diplomat. He balances quiet authority with wry humour, particularly in moments where he subtly challenges Pakistani officials. "Yeh Pakistan hai, beta, yahan aadmi aur ghoda seedhi chaal nahi chalta," offers a refreshing break from the usual jingoistic rhetoric. Sadia Khateeb portrays Uzma’s vulnerability and resilience with finesse, while Revathy channels the late Sushma Swaraj’s kindness and strength with conviction. Kumud Mishra stands out as Uzma’s sharp yet warm-hearted lawyer, and Jagjeet Sandhu impresses as the deceptively charming yet terrifying Tahir.
The direct exchange between the Indian and Pakistani ministries, rather than the embassy simply relaying messages, could have heightened the intensity. However, the tense moments crafted are gripping enough to keep you engaged with bated breath. The compelling narrative and John Abraham’s performance make The Diplomat well worth watching.
