4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saare Jahan Se Accha: The Silent Guardians Season 1 Review: A taut, tense spy thriller that delivers in every scene
Story: Amid the nuclear race of the 1970s, a diligent Indian spy is sent to the neighbouring country to sabotage their nuclear program. Will he win in this battle of wits and tradecraft?
Review: Drawing from historical events, the show opens with the nuclear arms race between the US, Russia, and China. Dr Homi Bhabha believes India must join in as an act of self-preservation, but his untimely death in a plane crash leaves the nation lagging and vulnerable. Following the defeat in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the Shimla Agreement in 1972, Pakistan's bruised ego fuels 'an endless war' and the launch of its nuclear program.
To safeguard India, a permanent spy network—R&AW—is established in enemy territories under the leadership of RN Kao (Rajat Kapoor). An Indian agent must infiltrate the neighbour's system to foil their plans. As Kao asserts, 'Never send your best man; send a man who has a reason worth dying for,' and that man is intelligence officer Vishnu Shankar (Pratik Gandhi). Vishnu uncovers Pakistan's intent to build an atom bomb and ventures into a country where India doesn't even have a High Commission.
It's a fledgling three-year-old R&AW up against a 23-year-old ISI, with Vishnu's adversary being the ruthless and razor-sharp ISI chief, Murtuza Malik (Sunny Hinduja). The series follows whether Vishnu can succeed in dismantling the enemy's ambitions.
Director Sumit Purohit delivers a gripping narrative packed with clandestine operations, top-secret meetings, and informants being exposed. The series remains fast-paced and taut, capturing the high-stakes world of espionage while authentically recreating the India–Pakistan milieu of the 1970s. From messages hidden inside the core of apples to a strong spy network in Paris and Budapest, and assets being compromised, the tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The way the spy networks constantly outwit each other, coupled with the close shaves Indian spies have with being relentlessly exposed, adds to the adrenaline rush.
The commanding presence of the powerful and unforgiving Murtuza Malik heightens the thrill. The series also delves into the moral ambiguity of espionage, where Indian spies do not hesitate to use blackmail and manipulation to turn individuals into assets, and portrays with impact the heavy price they must pay in the line of duty.
While the show remains engaging until the end, the narrative shifts from intricate mind games to explosive action in its final stretch. The climax still delivers ample thrill but leans slightly towards the formulaic.
Pratik Gandhi is brilliant as the steadfast spy Vishnu, portraying him with utmost conviction. However, it's Sunny Hinduja's Murtuza Malik who truly commands attention. Pitch-perfect and chilling as the razor-sharp ISI Chief, he nails the Urdu diction and balances menace with moments of warmth, especially in an emotional track involving his nephew. Tilotama Shome proves she can handle a restrained character portrayal with as much finesse as her powerful roles. Suhail Nayyar as Sukhbir (codename Rafiq) shines in every scene, while Anup Soni is commendable, and Kritika Kamra leaves a mark despite limited screen time.
The spy drama is a must-watch for its pulse-pounding tension, taut narrative, and stellar performances that leave a lasting impression.
