The Diplomat Movie Review: Gritty Realism Takes Center Stage in John Abraham’s Fearless Action-Drama
The Diplomat presents a gripping true story with minimal dramatization, emphasizing a striking sense of realism. Action star John Abraham delivers a powerful performance without relying on physical action—his most notable act being a couple of emphatic table bangs!
Star Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Revathy, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, Vidhatri Bandi
Director: Shivam Nair
What Works in The Diplomat:
The film shines under the direction of Shivam Nair, who keeps the narrative grounded—authentic and raw.
What Doesn’t Work:
While John Abraham fans may be slightly let down due to the lack of traditional action scenes, his performance is impactful in a different way.
Loo Break:
No need for a break!
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely! This film adds to the rich tapestry of India’s modern historical narratives.
Language:
Hindi
Available On:
Theatrical release
Runtime:
137 Minutes
The Diplomat unfolds in 2017, following the harrowing journey of Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), who is deceived by a Pakistani man, Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), into crossing the Wagah border. What begins as a seemingly innocent encounter in Malaysia turns into a nightmare as she discovers his true nature in the dangerous region of Buner, Pakistan. Uzma faces brutal circumstances, including violence and forced marriage, while longing for her daughter’s medical treatment back in India.
In her desperate quest for freedom, Uzma cleverly contacts her friends in Malaysia, realizing that her only hope lies in reaching the Indian Embassy. With the help of J.P. Singh (John Abraham), the Deputy Commissioner who takes her case seriously, she navigates a long and arduous battle for her freedom, culminating in her eventual return to India.
in The Diplomat Script Analysis
The film benefits from the adept writing of Ritesh Shah, who masterfully balances realism with a touch of fiction. Many harrowing scenes are based on genuine events and are translated into poignant sequences through first-person accounts. The depiction of the courtroom, the challenges faced by the Pakistani advocate (Kumud Mishra), and the sheer determination of J.P. Singh are all presented with a refreshing authenticity that resonates deeply.
in The Diplomat Star Performance
Sadia Khateeb delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of Uzma, her expressive eyes reflecting her emotional turmoil. John Abraham effectively embodies J.P. Singh, a dedicated family man with a strong sense of justice. Supporting performances from Jagjeet Sandhu and Muzammil Bhawani are commendable, while Revathy shines as Sushma Swaraj and Vidhatri Bandi impressively steals scenes as Seerat. Although Sharib Hashmi’s role feels underutilized, the strong ensemble cast contributes significantly to the film’s impact.
in The Diplomat Direction and Music
Director Shivam Nair, known for his work on Special Ops and Naam Shabana, skillfully navigates the storyline, maintaining a focus on the raw and unfiltered aspects of the narrative while steering clear of commercial distractions.
The Last Word
In today’s cinematic landscape, The Diplomat stands out as a compelling representation of a real-life story told with courage and sincerity. Don’t miss it!
Rating: Four Stars!
