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Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ground Zero: Hatemongering comes so naturally to Bollywood that it can't make an antiwar movie even when it tries; Emraan Hashmi's film is proof
'There is no such thing as an antiwar film,' the French New Wave icon Francois Truffaut famously declared once upon a time. It was almost as if he'd secretly been yanked into the future and made to attend a 'special screening' of Uri: The Surgical Strike at PVR Juhu. It is, indeed, irresponsible for any movie to glorify war, and Truffaut was of the opinion that this isn't a supposition, but an inevitability. He wasn't entirely correct, of course. There have been several great antiwar films over the years, and we'll discuss some of them here. But what about Indian movies? The recent film Ground Zero, which was released on Prime Video following a theatrical run that was unfortunately affected by the Pahalgam terror attack, appears to be aware of these concerns. But it chooses to ignore them when it matters the most. Starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead role, Ground Zero follows a BSF officer called Narendra Dubey on a determined quest to hunt down the notorious militant leader Ghazi Baba after the 2001 Parliament attacks. Ghazi Baba was a close aide to Masood Azhar, who was released by Indian authorities during the IC 814 hijacking. Instead of making him the manifestation of Kashmir and its people, Ground Zero treads the middle path; it doesn't view every Kashmiri Muslim as a traitor, but it certainly views most of them as victims. And where victims exist, there must be a saviour. That man is Dubey, who appears to be aware of the alienation that military presence has created in the hearts and minds of the locals. Also read – Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal's worrisome streak hits an all-time low; who'll take responsibility for inciting violence? Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, Ground Zero doesn't go so far as to show military brutality or the 'forced disappearances' that reflect the reality of the local population. Nor does it spare a moment for the 'half-widows' who roam the land like tortured spirits. But such are the times we live in, when even a moderately responsible Hindi movie comes across as a grand beacon of empathy. One could argue that Shershaah would've been the ideal candidate to comment on the ultimate meaninglessness of war, but because the movie valorises Captain Vikram Batra's ultimate sacrifice and frames it against an Indian victory, it ends up endorsing the idea of violent combat. Neither Shershaah nor Uri are antiwar movies. Ground Zero could have been, had it not been so oblivious about certain, well, ground realities. Not too long ago, Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza's Warfare showed just how efficiently political statements can be made through cinema rooted in fact. Based on Mendoza's own experiences during the Iraq War, the movie, for him, was a tribute to his fellow soldiers. For Garland, it was an opportunity to comment on America's foreign policy, now that the dust has somewhat settled on the Bush years. Warfare ended with a shot of dazed Iraqi fighters slowly streaming out of destroyed residential buildings, having driven out a group of American soldiers they'd cornered in them. They look around silently. The Americans have fled, injured and depleted. Iraq lies ravaged. What was the purpose of all this? Ground Zero isn't as well-crafted. It paints Kashmir as a land and Kashmiris as a people not to be tamed, but to be won over — with kindness, compassion, and bravery. For a movie whose every frame seems to be have been desaturated to the point of being black-and-white, it certainly has a rose-tinted view of the complex situation. 'Kuch bhi bolo, Kashmir hai toh humara,' says one of Narendra's fellow soldiers to him at one point in the movie. 'Sirf Kashmir ki zameen humari hai ke yahan ke log bhi?' he asks. The movie understands that there is a difference. And, to illustrate this difference, it introduces the character of Hussain, a local youth who is brainwashed into carrying out random acts of violence against the military in exchange of a small sum of money. Without quite understanding or examining what could've drawn a boy like Hussain towards terrorism, Narendra tries to convert him towards the 'good' side. He is made an informant, but Ground Zero doesn't portray this as its own kind of exploitation and brainwashing. Because Narendra is a virtuous man, nothing he does can be morally questionable. We must assume that he always has everybody's best interest in mind. Call it reverse fridging, but Hussain predictably dies in the line of duty and leaves Narendra to deal with the guilt. It's a personal loss for him, one that makes him all the more determined to find Ghazi Baba and end his reign of terror for good. Read more – The Diplomat: If John Abraham wants to save his career, he needs to stop saving damsels in distress first Ground Zero is Hashmi's second film in a row to express a humanist stance at a time when warmongering seems to fetch folks extra brownie points in the Hindi film industry. For that, he must be applauded. He played the villain in Tiger 3, in which Salman Khan's protagonist refers to the people of Pakistan as his in-laws, and rescues them from their oppressors. That said, Ground Zero also prominently includes a song whose lyrics go something like this: 'Thoda aur lahoo behne do.' Not to mention the climax, which involves a violent combat sequence that leaves a bunch of people dead. This may well be based on fact, but there is no moment of introspection. Was the bloodshed worth it; were the Kashmiris won over? Who knows. Ah well, at least one Narendra is trying. Post Credits Scene is a column in which we dissect new releases every week, with particular focus on context, craft, and characters. Because there's always something to fixate about once the dust has settled.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ground Zero ending explained: How Emraan Hashmi's Narendra Nath Dubey found Ghazi Baba
AllBollywoodCelebscoopHollywoodOriginalsBinge Ground Zero ending explained | Credit: YT Ground Zero ending explained: Emraan Hashmi's Ground Zero recently debuted on Prime Video and has received acclaim for its intense narrative and compelling performances. The film draws inspiration from the courageous story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led a secret mission to take down Ghazi Baba, the key figure behind the 2001 Parliament attack. As the movie builds to its gripping finale, viewers are eager to know how accurately it reflects real-life events. Here's a closer look at how Dubey's operation plays out on screen. Check out the Ground Zero ending explained below. (Spoilers ahead, you know what to do) Ground Zero ending explained The old Indian Parliament building is attacked, resulting in several deaths. Fortunately, the politicians were in the inner chambers and escaped unharmed. Despite this, the incident is viewed as a direct assault on the nation's democracy. With growing public and political pressure, the government is pushed to respond. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) identifies Ghazi as the mastermind behind the attack. A college student named Hussain is revealed to be one of the attackers, and Dubey manages to capture him. Recognizing that the boy is a reluctant pawn in the larger scheme, Dubey decides to use him as an informant. However, when the terrorists discover Hussain's betrayal, they kill him, leaving Dubey burdened with guilt over the young man's fate. How was Ghazi Baba captured? The climax takes place during a high-stakes operation in Srinagar, where Ghazi Baba is hiding in a secure location. Dubey and his team launch an assault, resulting in a fierce shootout. Though Dubey is shot multiple times, he continues the mission with unwavering determination. Despite his injuries, he successfully kills Ghazi Baba, ending the reign of the terrorist behind the 2001 Parliament attack and other major assaults. As the credits roll, the film honours the real-life hero Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, highlighting his gallant service, the Kirti Chakra he received for bravery, and his retirement from the BSF in 2022. Ground Zero cast and crew Ground Zero features Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, and Zoya Hussain in the lead roles. This action thriller is directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Where to watch Ground Zero? You can stream Ground Zero on Prime Video. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. First Published: Jun 22, 2025, 10:28 IST Iraa Paul writes for Indiatimes Entertainment section - She has equal passion for hot coffee and hot OTT content. She is a pro at suggesting movies and series to watch on the weekend or when you are having a bad day. 22/6/2025 10:31:44
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ground Zero real story: Who is Narendra Nath Dubey, the BSF officer who took down Ghazi Baba?
Ground Zero real story: Narendra Nath Dubey, a brave Border Security Force officer, played a key role in one of India's most significant undercover missions, locating and eliminating Ghazi Baba, the chief architect of the 2001 Parliament attack. His remarkable yet largely untold story is now the focus of Ground Zero, with Emraan Hashmi portraying the fearless officer whose actions shaped India's anti-terror strategy. Here's the real story behind the film, which recently premiered on Prime Video. Ground Zero real story Ground Zero starring Emraan Hashmi is a tribute to Commandant Narendra Nath Dubey, a brave hero from the Border Security Force (BSF). Who is Narendra Nath Dubey? Narendra Nath Dubey, a highly honored officer of the Border Security Force (BSF), was at the forefront of one of India's boldest and most critical counter-terrorism operations. He spearheaded a covert mission in Kashmir with the objective of capturing or eliminating Ghazi Baba, a senior leader of the Pakistan-backed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Ghazi Baba was the chief architect behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack—which shook the nation and claimed several lives—and was also responsible for numerous other fatal attacks across India. Dubey and his team worked relentlessly, gathering intelligence, uncovering hideouts, and keeping Ghazi Baba's movements under close watch. Ground Zero – Real Story of BSF Hero Narendra Nath Dhar DubeyJoined BSF in late 1990s; known for sharp field as 2nd-in-Command during a top-secret operation to eliminate Ghazi Baba, mastermind of 2001 Parliament 2 years of… Rana Tahir Nadeem, better known as Ghazi Baba, was among the most wanted terrorists globally. In August 2003, following extensive surveillance and meticulous planning, the BSF initiated the final stage of their operation to capture him. What happened to Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey after the attack? He was struck by seven bullets during the operation, with one still embedded between his spine and lower abdomen. Remarkably, a bullet aimed at his chest was stopped by a medal he was wearing, narrowly missing his heart. In 2005, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra, the country's second-highest gallantry honour for his role in 'Operation Ghazi Baba'. He went on to serve in the BSF until his retirement in 2022. Where to watch Ground Zero? You can stream Ground Zero on Prime Video.
Mint
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
OTT releases this weekend: From Ground Zero to Kpop Demon Hunters -- Movies, web series to watch
If you enjoy international films and series, there's a lot to explore on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ZEE5, and Jio Hotstar. So why wait? Have a look at the complete list of new releases in different languages. Emraan Hashmi stars in this army drama based on real events. The story follows a secret mission to take down feared terrorist Ghazi Baba. The film is directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and features strong performances by Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain. Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh plays a fun and clumsy detective trying to solve the mysterious death of a rich businessman. The film also stars Diana Penty, Boman Irani, and Chunky Pandey. It's a mix of laughs, confusion, and clues. India's most-loved comedy show is back! The new season begins with Salman Khan as the first guest. Expect jokes, celebrity chats, and Kapil Sharma's unbeatable comic timing. This family drama tells the story of Prince, a quiet man who owns a bridal shop. His life changes when he marries Chinju Rani, a bold and lively woman. The film explores love, cultural differences, and emotional challenges in their new life together. When police officer Ambili Raju goes missing, a new investigation begins. SI Noble starts to uncover secrets within the police department. This season is serious and well-written, looking at justice and the human side of law enforcement. This animated musical is full of action and style. It follows three global K-pop stars who secretly fight demons. The film mixes catchy songs with wild supernatural fights. A South African comedy about a couple who launch a baby product brand. As they try to look perfect for the public, their relationship starts falling apart. The film is a funny look at modern life, fame, and family. This emotional crime series follows Gabrielle Mosely as she helps find missing people. She also deals with painful memories from her own past. The show mixes mystery with heartfelt moments. A powerful documentary about the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Told through the words of survivors, witnesses, and investigators, it looks closely at what went wrong and the strength of those who lived through it. 'Kaulitz & Kaulitz' – Season 2 – Netflix This reality show follows Tom and Bill Kaulitz, twins and bandmates from Tokio Hotel. It shows their personal lives, filled with fashion, humour, and sibling moments. A Spanish teen drama set at a top sports academy. Young athletes try to balance dreams, pressure, and finding themselves. It's an emotional journey where every win has a cost. A reality series about actress and model Yolanthe Cabau. She lives a glamorous life in Los Angeles but also deals with emotional challenges from her past.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ground Zero OTT release date: When and where to watch Emraan Hashmi's war film based on a true story
Ground Zero OTT release date: If you didn't catch Emraan Hashmi's intense war drama Ground Zero in cinemas, here's your chance, it's all set for its OTT release. Helmed by Tejas Deoskar, the film presents a compelling tale of a BSF officer navigating a high-stakes mission in Kashmir. With its digital premiere approaching, audiences can soon stream this gripping narrative at home. Ground Zero OTT release date Ground Zero will be released on 20th June on Zee5. Ground Zero plot The action-packed thriller, starring Emraan Hashmi as the Deputy Commandant of the BSF, was released in theatres on April 25, 2025. Inspired by real events, the film recounts a daring Border Security Force mission in Kashmir that resulted in the takedown of Ghazi Baba, the key figure behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2002 Akshardham assault. It delves into the emotional journey of officer Dubey, highlighting his internal struggles, personal sacrifices, and the immense challenges faced by security personnel. Ground Zero cast and crew Ground Zero stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role, alongside Sai Tamhankar as Jaya Dubey, Zoya Hussain as Aadila, and Deepak Paramesh as Binu Ramchandra. The ensemble cast also includes Mukesh Tiwari as Sanjiv Sharma, Rockey Raina as Ghazi Baba, Lalit Prabhakar as Praveen, Rahul Vohra as Dhyaan, and Ekluvya as Chand Khan, among others. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the screenplay is written by Priyadarshee Srivastava and Sanchit Gupta. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Arhan Bagati, Sundeep C. Sidhwani, Vishal Ramchandani, Kassim Jagmagia, and Nishikant Roy under the banners of Excel Entertainment, Talisman Films, and Dreamzkrraft Entertainment.
