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India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Salakaar review: Naveen Kasturia's nuclear spy drama is intriguing but inconsistent
'Salakaar', JioHotstar's new spy thriller, is all about espionage, nuclear threats, and unfinished business between India and Pakistan. While there have been many espionage thrillers that deal with the India-Pakistan issue, this one's a bit different, as it is inspired by real-life Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, Surya Sharma and Mukesh Rishi, the series is set across two timelines - 1978 and 2025. And, follows the covert missions surrounding Pakistan's secret nuclear story kicks off in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where Colonel Ashfaq Ullah (Surya Sharma), a hardcore anti-India figure, receives a classified file containing the blueprint of a secret nuclear plant in Kahuta. After a quick, cryptic exchange in a cemetery, he eliminates the man who handed it over, a dramatic opening that sets the tone for what follows. Surya Sharma as Colonel Ashfaq Ullah in a stillf from 'Salakaar'. Mouni Roy plays Mariam, who pretends to be a tuition teacher but is actually an undercover R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent named Shristi Chaturvedi. She uses her cover to get close, very close, to Ashfaq, and manages to photograph the blueprint using her spy-camera glasses. It's bold, but also a little awkward, with the show diving into 'honey trap' territory right from the in India, R&AW receives the file and their system flags a similar document file that is in their archive. However, the only ones with access to those files are the Prime Minister and National Security Advisor Adhir Dayal (Purnendu Bhattacharya). This leads to a flashback to 1978, when a young Dayal (played by Naveen Kasturia), posing as a cultural attache in Islamabad, was sent on a high-stakes mission to stop Pakistan from building a nuclear bomb. Purnendu Bhattacharya, Mouni Roy and Mukesh Rishi play pivotal roles in 'Salakaar'. Adhir Dayal's character is roughly based on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. For the unversed, Doval lived undercover in Pakistan for seven years and gathered critical intelligence while living as a show's premise is interesting. The nuclear angle, the cat-and-mouse games between intelligence agencies, and the moral compromises spies often make. Naveen Kasturia brings a quiet intensity to the younger Dayal, while Mukesh Rishi and Surya Sharma hold their own as men with deep loyalties and dangerous motives. Mouni Roy is the femme fatale, though she is mostly shown in distress. While she looks the part, her character's arc, especially early on, lacks believability. Naveen Kasturia in a still from 'Salakaar'. While Dayal's mission in 1978 is clear, to stop Pakistan's nuclear plans, the mission's objective in 2025 is not defined. Apart from uncovering Ashfaq's obsession with the nuclear plant and getting Mariam back to safety, there's not much meat in the present-day issue 'Salakaar' struggles with is logic. For instance, a dramatic explosion at the nuclear plant leaves Dayal with just a few scratches. Security in a high-alert zone like Kahuta seems inconsistent. Dayal faced a lot of scrutiny while entering the territory, but how did he return and then come back again? These loose ends take away from what could have been a taut, high-stakes a look at 'Salakaar' trailer: Visually, the series has its moments. The flashbacks to the late 70s are well done, with period-accurate details that feel authentic without being flashy. A particularly clever nod to the time is when Dayal's boss at the Indian embassy reminds him to work on Kapil Dev's visa, a reference to the cricket legend's test debut on October 16, 1978, in Faisalabad, some geographical details miss the mark. Kahuta, which is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, is shown as mostly barren and rocky, whereas it should have been a mix of green and arid terrain. This would have enhanced the accuracy. The terrain looked more like Balochistan than Rawalpindi. That said, the cinematography captures the tension nicely, and the music does a good job of building suspense without going by Faruk Kabir of 'Khuda Haafiz' fame, 'Salakaar' is ambitious in scope but uneven in execution. The plot has all the ingredients of a great spy drama - revenge, secrets, and political undercurrents, but some not-so-smooth writing and far-fetched twists pull it if you enjoy espionage stories with a bit of flair, and you're willing to overlook a few logical lapses, 'Salakaar' is still worth a watch. With just five episodes of roughly 30 minutes each, this one could easily be one of the shows you can binge on this weekend. Just don't expect it to be 'The Family Man' or 'Fauda'. This one plays more like an old-school desi thriller with some modern touches.- Ends3 out of 5 stars to May Also Like
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Is Netflix ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha' starring Pratik Gandhi based on real story
Saare Jahan Se Accha, a Netflix series starring Pratik Gandhi, is inspired by real events and focuses on the secret missions of Indian intelligence officers during the 1970s. read more Set in the volatile 1970s, when a single move could tip the balance of power and trigger a global nuclear war, Saare Jahan Se Accha unfolds as India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI clash in a deadly game of strategy. The series is set against the backdrop of India's surveillance and espionage operations against enemy spies. It highlights the stories of unsung heroes in the intelligence community who work behind the scenes without recognition. Not a direct biopic, but it is based on true events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD About the series Netflix's upcoming series Saare Jahan Se Accha tells the story of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent Vishnu Shankar, who undertakes a perilous mission deep inside enemy territory: Pakistan. The question is, will he emerge victorious? While inspired by real events, the series is a fictional drama and not a direct biopic of any specific individual or event. Set in the volatile 1970s, when a single move could tip the balance of power and trigger a global nuclear war, Saare Jahan Se Accha unfolds as India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI clash in a deadly game of strategy. Vishnu must outwit ISI agent Murtaza Mallik in a race against time to prevent a major catastrophe. Inspiration from real events The series draws inspiration from real-life Indian spies and their covert operations during the 1970s, a period marked by heightened tensions and a nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan. The show is set in the 1970s, a significant decade in Indian history, and explores the clandestine world of espionage and surveillance during that time. Portrayal of intelligence officers Pratik Gandhi plays a meticulous and resilient intelligence officer named Vishnu Shankar, who undertakes a risky mission to prevent a major catastrophe. The series aims to showcase the dedication, sacrifice, and quiet struggles of intelligence officers who work in the shadows, without the glory or recognition that other heroes receive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Intense and high-stakes drama: _Saare Jahan Se Accha_ is described as a gripping spy thriller with high stakes and a storyline focused on a tense mission where timing and secrecy are crucial. WATCH the trailer of Netflix 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' here:
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First Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix Unveils the Gripping Trailer for Its Highly Anticipated Espionage Thriller 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' starring Pratik Gandhi, Tillotama, Sunny Hinduja
Set in the volatile 1970s, when a single move could tip the balance of power and trigger a global nuclear war, Saare Jahan Se Accha unfolds as India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI clash in a deadly game of strategy read more While nations celebrate their freedom, silent wars are fought — not with weapons, but with razor-sharp minds. These unsung heroes vanish into the shadows: nameless, faceless, with no medals to show and no grand celebrations. They are intelligence officers, spies who fight battles we'll never see, so we never have to know what it costs. Netflix's upcoming series Saare Jahan Se Accha tells the story of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent Vishnu Shankar, who undertakes a perilous mission deep inside enemy territory: Pakistan. The question is, will he emerge victorious? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Set in the volatile 1970s, when a single move could tip the balance of power and trigger a global nuclear war, Saare Jahan Se Accha unfolds as India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI clash in a deadly game of strategy. Vishnu must outwit ISI agent Murtaza Mallik in a race against time to prevent a major catastrophe. Tasked with stopping a covert nuclear program before it ignites global destruction, Vishnu crosses enemy lines on a mission where failure isn't an option — and the fate of nations hangs in the balance. Created by Gaurav Shukla and produced by Bombay Fables, with Bhavesh Mandalia as creative producer, Saare Jahan Se Accha premieres ahead of Independence Day on August 13 — a tribute to all those who serve the nation tirelessly, without recognition, rest, and regret. Speaking about his role, Pratik Gandhi said, ' There's no room for error in Vishnu's world. Every move is calculated, every emotion buried. What drew me in was the intensity beneath the stillness and the emotional toll of being invisible, yet fighting for India. I'm thrilled audiences can finally step into that world with this trailer .' Sunny Hinduja, who plays Vishnu's calculating adversary, added, ' This isn't a black-and-white conflict. My character Murtaza is highly disciplined, dangerous & his only mission is to serve his nation just like Vishu. Our face-off is less about brute strength and more about who can stay a step ahead. It's as personal as it is strategic.'
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
'Saare Jahan Se Accha' Trailer: Pratik Gandhi's series celebrates India's unsung intelligence heroes
While nations gear up to celebrate 79th Independence Day, Netflix dropped the trailer of their much-anticipated espionage thriller, Saare Jahan Se Accha. The series celebrates the unsung heroes who vanish into the shadows and remain nameless, faceless, with no medals to show and no grand celebrations. The talks about the intelligence officers and spies who fight battles we'll never see or hear upcoming series Saare Jahan Se Accha tells the story of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent Vishnu Shankar, who undertakes a perilous mission deep inside enemy territory: Pakistan. The question is, will he emerge victorious?.Set against the unstable 1970s, the series tells the story of a deadly battle between India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI. As tensions reach a boiling point, Vishnu races against time to foil ISI agent Murtaza Mallik's plan and stop a global about his role, Pratik Gandhi said, 'There's no room for error in Vishnu's world. Every move is calculated, every emotion buried. What drew me in was the intensity beneath the stillness and the emotional toll of being invisible, yet fighting for India. I'm thrilled audiences can finally step into that world with this trailer.''This isn't a black-and-white conflict. My character Murtaza is highly disciplined, dangerous & his only mission is to serve his nation just like Vishu. Our face-off is less about brute strength and more about who can stay a step ahead. It's as personal as it is strategic,' added Sunny Hinduja, who plays Vishnu's calculating adversary..A reminder that what I do matters: Shah Rukh Khan on winning National Film by Gaurav Shukla and produced by Bombay Fables, with Bhavesh Mandalia as creative producer, Saare Jahan Se Accha premieres ahead of Independence Day on August 13, a tribute to all those who serve the nation tirelessly, without recognition, rest, or series boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast featuring Pratik Gandhi, Sunny Hinduja, Suhail Nayyar, Kritika Kamra, Tillotama Shome, Rajat Kapoor, and Anup Soni. At its core, Saare Jahan Se Accha is not just about espionage; it's about sacrifice, loyalty, and the high cost of duty when no one is watching.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Saare Jahan Se Accha trailer: Pratik Gandhi plays RAW agent trying to stop the last World War, and fear is his weapon
Pratik Gandhi is back with another compelling web show, and this time he steps into the shoes of a spy in Saare Jahan Se Accha. The makers unveiled the series' trailer on Monday, featuring Pratik as Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent Vishnu Shankar, who undertakes a perilous mission deep inside enemy territory: Pakistan. The trailer opens with visuals of Rajat Kapoor, who plays Vishnu's boss, warning him about the mission and emphasizing that fear is essential, as it keeps him alert. Soon, Vishnu and his newlywed wife, played by Tillotama Shome, are seen landing in Pakistan. Vishnu is tasked with locating Pakistan's nuclear facility and sabotaging their operations at any cost, all while living undercover behind enemy lines. Failure is not an option for Vishnu, as Rajat Kapoor states in the trailer, 'Your defeat will be the country's defeat.' He also warns that the next war the two countries fight won't only be a World War, it will be the last World War. Saare Jahan Se Accha is set in the volatile 1970s, when India's R&AW and Pakistan's ISI were engaged in a deadly game of strategy and espionage. The trailer highlights Vishnu's attempts to outwit ISI agent Murtaza Mallik, portrayed by Sunny Hinduja, to complete his mission. The trailer also features Suhail Nayyar, Kritika Kamra, and Anup Soni in pivotal roles. Speaking about his role, Pratik Gandhi said, 'There's no room for error in Vishnu's world. Every move is calculated, every emotion buried. What drew me in was the intensity beneath the stillness and the emotional toll of being invisible, yet fighting for India. I'm thrilled audiences can finally step into that world with this trailer.' Sunny Hinduja also spoke about his menacing character and said, 'Murtaza is highly disciplined, dangerous & his only mission is to serve his nation just like Vishu. Our face-off is less about brute strength and more about who can stay a step ahead. It's as personal as it is strategic.' Created by Gaurav Shukla and produced by Bombay Fables, with Bhavesh Mandalia as the creative producer, Saare Jahan Se Accha is set to premiere ahead of Independence Day on August 13.
