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Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Salakaar Season 1 Review: A riveting tale of silent heroes and loud consequences
Story: In 1978, Adhir Dayal, a daring undercover operative for India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), carries out a high-stakes covert mission targeting Pakistan's secret nuclear facility at Kahuta. But decades later, in 2025, the shadows of that operation resurface as a new conspiracy begins to unfold—one that threatens to rewrite history and reshape the subcontinent's future. Review: Set against the fraught backdrop of Indo-Pak relations in the late 1970s, Salakaar: The Legend of an Extraordinary Indian Spy is a taut espionage drama that juggles historical fiction with present-day intrigue. Directed by Faruk Kabir and inspired by true events, the series traces Pakistan's covert development of a nuclear plant in Kahuta, which was focused on uranium enrichment and a daring Indian attempt to expose it. The show centers around RAW agent Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia), stationed at the Indian embassy in Islamabad. In 1978, he embarks on a dangerous covert mission to uncover Pakistan's nuclear ambitions, a plot spearheaded by the ruthless General Zia Ullah (Mukesh Rishi). Decades later, in 2025, the legacy of that mission comes back into play as Zia's grandson, Colonel Ashfaq Ullah (Surya Sharma), picks up where his grandfather left off—resurrecting a buried conspiracy that threatens geopolitical stability. Salakaar unfolds across two timelines, and the transitions between past and present are handled with flair. The story, penned by Spandan Mishra and Kabir, moves briskly across five hour-long episodes, never losing sight of its core: a spy's quiet patriotism, layered with personal sacrifice, subterfuge, and political stakes. While the narrative successfully blends action, suspense, and historical fiction, it occasionally leans on overly convenient twists—Adhir's escapes often feel too effortless, and some clues fall into place a little too smoothly. Kasturia brings subtle gravitas to Adhir Dayal, especially in the 1978 portions. His physicality and demeanour are well-matched for the era, though certain costume changes—executed implausibly fast in rugged terrain—detract from the otherwise immersive tone. Purnendu Bhattacharya portrays the older Adhir with quiet conviction, providing a solid bridge across timelines. Mouni Roy impresses as the undercover agent Mariam, whose subplot—monitoring Ashfaq Ullah—adds welcome depth. Janhavi Hardas, as embassy staffer Jyothi, delivers a quietly impactful performance that connects both timelines. Mukesh Rishi is reliably menacing as General Zia, and Surya Sharma's portrayal of Ashfaq is both charismatic and brutal, effectively mirroring his grandfather's legacy. Technically, the series is strong. Amar Mohile's background score and Shabbir Ahmed's music—particularly the rousing title track—enhance the show's dramatic beats. Jitan Harmeet Singh's cinematography effectively recreates the 1970s, giving the period sequences an authentic texture without over-stylization. The series refrains from jingoism, focusing instead on the psychological nuances of espionage and the long shadows cast by political decisions. Lines like 'Dahashat inke khoon mein hain, maine aapni aakhon se dekhi hain' (Terror runs in their blood—I've seen it with my own eyes) land with impact, reflecting the series' tone without descending into propaganda. Despite some narrative conveniences and slightly overstretched action sequences, Salakaar remains a compelling watch. It's a slick, engaging spy thriller that pays homage to unsung heroes while maintaining a sense of realism. If you don't look too hard at the seams, there's plenty here to keep you hooked.
India Today
12 hours 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
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Saare Jahan Se Accha trailer: Pratik Gandhi as RAW agent trying to prevent world war
Actor Pratik Gandhi returns with another gripping web series, this time portraying a spy in 'Saare Jahan Se Accha'. The trailer for the show was released on Monday, featuring Pratik as Vishnu Shankar, an agent with India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), who embarks on a high-risk mission deep within enemy territory, trailer begins with scenes of Rajat Kapoor, playing Vishnu's superior, cautioning him about the dangers of the mission and stressing the importance of fear, describing it as a necessary element to remain vigilant. Shortly thereafter, Vishnu and his new bride, played by Tillotama Shome, are shown arriving in Pakistan. His mission: to locate the country's nuclear facility and sabotage its operations at all costs, all while remaining undercover in hostile out the trailer here: advertisementThere is no room for failure, as Rajat Kapoor's character says in the trailer, 'Your defeat will be the country's defeat.' He further warns that the next war between the two nations won't merely be a world war, but the final world war. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1970s, 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' explores the tense period when India's RAW and Pakistan's ISI were locked in a deadly battle of wits and espionage. The trailer showcases Vishnu's efforts to outmanoeuvre ISI agent Murtaza Mallik, portrayed by Sunny Hinduja, in order to fulfil his objective. The series also features Suhail Nayyar, Kritika Kamra, and Anup Soni in significant about his character, Pratik Gandhi shared, 'There's no margin for error in Vishnu's world. Every decision is deliberate, every emotion suppressed. What attracted me to the role was the intensity beneath the calm, and the emotional strain of fighting for one's country while remaining unseen. I'm delighted that viewers can finally immerse themselves in that world through this trailer.'Sunny Hinduja also commented on his formidable role, saying, 'Murtaza is disciplined, lethal, and just as committed to his nation as Vishnu is to his. Our confrontation is not about physical strength, it's about who can stay one step ahead. It's both deeply personal and highly strategic.'Created by Gaurav Shukla and produced by Bombay Fables, with Bhavesh Mandalia as the creative producer, 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' is scheduled to premiere just ahead of Independence Day, on August 13, on Netflix.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
4 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.
India.com
31-07-2025
- India.com
How Indian super spy 'Black Tiger' joined Pakistan Army, sent inputs to RAW for years, but his secret was uncovered due to...
Ravindra Kaushik (File) There are innumerable tales of courage and bravery in the world of espionage that remain untold due to a variety of reasons, including national security. These unsung heroes of India's top intelligence agencies often sacrifice their entire identities, suffer unimaginable atrocities and torture in enemy countries, and even die in the service of the nation, to ensure our citizens are kept safe from enemy's evil designs. Additionally, unlike the Indian army and other armed forces, intelligence operatives are rarely honored with bravery medals and military honors as their clandestine operations are classified by the state and are not made public. One such remarkable story of bravery is that of 'Black Tiger' Ravindra Kaushik, an operative of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)– India's premier spy agency– who infiltrated and joined the Pakistan Army, send intelligence inputs back to India for years, but his secret identity was uncovered due to a critical error made by the agency itself, which led to his capture and execution by the enemy. Who was 'Black Tiger' Ravindra Kaushik? A native of Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Ravindra Kaushik was recruited by RAW at a young age, and soon earned the moniker 'Black Tiger', for his exceptional espionage capabilities. In the mid-70s, when espionage operations were still in their nascent stages in both India and Pakistan, RAW required talented recruits who could become its eyes and ears in Pakistan, so the agency conducted secret auditions, ultimately recruiting a few exceptional young men and women, including Ravindra, who would be trained and sent to infiltrate vital Pakistani institutions, including the Pakistan Army. How India's 'Black Tiger' infiltrated Pakistan Army? Since his early childhood, Ravindra Kaushik was naturally good at acting and this proved to be major asset for him as a RAW operative. The young spy was prepped by the agency for months before his ultimate mission, including receiving lessons in Islamic theology and basic tenets of the religion. Kaushik was given a new name– Nabi Ahmed Shakir, and his entire identity and life history in India was erased before being deployed to Pakistan. Additionally, he was also circumcised to prevent any suspicions. Ravindra was a gifted actor and used to perform stage theatre in college, and this ability gave him an edge as he embarked to play the biggest role of his life, one which would make him a legend in the annals of Indian espionage. After arriving in Pakistan, Ravindra Kaushik enrolled in Karachi University, where he completed a degree to give more legitimacy to his cover. Soon, Ravindra joined the Pakistan Army where he steadily gained the trust of his colleagues and senior officers. Over the years, Kaushik's rank in the Pakistan army kept going up, and he even got married and fathered a child with a Pakistani woman. However, despite now being tied in familial bonds, Kaushik's towards his country never wavered, as he continued to send critical intelligence inputs back to India, which even baffled the then Indian Prime Minister at the time. What led to Ravindra Kaushik's capture? For years, Ravindra Kaushik kept sending information back to India, but in the spring of 1983, RAW suspected that he may been compromised after no intelligence was received from him for a while. In order to confirm Kaushik's status, RAW deployed another agent to Pakistan, and asked him to contact Ravindra. However, the agency's decision proved disastrous for Ravindra as the less-experienced agent sent by RAW to contact him, was captured, tortured and forced to spill out his entire mission by Pakistani intelligence agencies, thus blowing the cover of 'Black Tiger'. Following the agent's confession, Ravindra Kaushik was captured by Pakistani forces, court-martialed, and sentenced to death.
