John Abraham’s latest film, The Diplomat, directed by Shivam Nair, is a gripping political thriller based on the real-life case of Indian national Uzma Ahmad. The film presents an intense diplomatic mission filled with tension and suspense but fails to reach the pinnacle of a perfect thriller.
The Plot and Performances
The film revolves around Uzma (played by Sadia Khateeb), an Indian woman trapped in Pakistan after being allegedly forced into marriage at gunpoint. She seeks help from the Indian Embassy, leading to a high-stakes rescue mission led by diplomat JP Singh, portrayed by John Abraham.
John takes on a restrained role in contrast to his usual action-packed performances. While his character’s composure adds realism to the role, his lack of expressive depth makes certain emotional moments fall flat. Sadia Khateeb, on the other hand, shines as Uzma, convincingly portraying her fear and resilience. Revathy, in a brief yet impactful role as the late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, leaves a strong impression. Meanwhile, Jagjeet Sandhu as the abusive husband Tahir is convincingly menacing, and Kumud Mishra adds weight to the narrative as advocate NM Sayyed.
What Works in The Diplomat
The film effectively builds tension, keeping viewers engaged with its fast-paced narrative. Unlike many thrillers that slow down post-intermission, The Diplomat maintains its momentum, unfolding like a high-stakes mission with car chases and diplomatic showdowns.
John’s portrayal of a real-life diplomat steering clear of action hero clichés adds authenticity. The screenplay treats the mission like a strategy game, ensuring that Uzma’s journey back to India remains compelling.
What Could Have Been Better
Despite its strengths, The Diplomat struggles with unnecessary subplots. John’s character is burdened with a traumatic backstory and a family subplot that adds little to the main narrative. These elements only weigh down an otherwise sharp thriller.
The film also leans into neighbor-bashing, with India-Pakistan tensions playing out through one-liners meant to appeal to mass audiences. While not overtly jingoistic, certain dialogues feel forced, disrupting the film’s serious tone.
Final Verdict
The Diplomat is a well-intended thriller with solid performances, particularly from Sadia Khateeb and Revathy. However, unnecessary emotional layers and a lack of deeper engagement keep it from achieving perfection. With a more refined approach, it could have been an outstanding political thriller.
Sources By Agencies
