🤩🤩🤩 (3/5)
It’s said that truth is stranger than fiction and oh boy, does Bollywood just love to dig its teeth into a juicy reality sandwich. Now, here’s me, Review Rani, ready to serve you a sizzling review of the latest reel-version of a real-life tale, ‘The Diplomat’. 🎥🍿
‘The Diplomat’ is a cinematic rollercoaster ride that takes you through the chilling valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 🏔️, where our leading lady, Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), is duped into a sham marriage and has to endure a living nightmare. The film gives us a disturbing peek into a world where women are treated like properties and young lads are groomed to master the art of violence.
‘Captain’ of the ship, Director Shivam Nair, and his first mate, Ritesh Shah, steer this dark tale towards the brighter shores of humanity 🌞, showcasing how Uzma’s dauntless spirit and the relentless efforts of the Indian Embassy, particularly Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh (John Abraham) and then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (Revathy), bring her back to safety.
The film doesn’t waste much time getting down to business. It starts off at a leisurely pace, luring you into its web, and before you realize it, you’re hooked. The narrative tightens its grip with Uzma’s desperate escape to the Indian Embassy, which sets the stage for some high-stakes diplomatic drama. 🎭
From there on, it’s a thrilling race against time, as JP Singh and team hustle to secure Uzma’s safe passage back home before her visa expires. Adding the spice of international intrigue are the shifting Indo-Pak relations and the International Court of Justice’s intervention in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The edge-of-the-seat climax at the Wagah-Attari Border, with Uzma’s conniving husband Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu) and his goons in pursuit, will have you clenching your popcorn tub. 🍿🏃♀️
Despite the heavy subject, the film avoids melodrama and instead presents a realistic portrayal of the horrifying conditions for women in conflict-ridden areas. The dialogues are simple but impactful, with John Abraham delivering some real zingers. One of my personal favourites is when he says to a Pakistani official, "This is Pakistan, son, here neither man nor horse walks straight." 🐎👮
Abraham, in a refreshing departure from his usual brooding avatar, nails the role of the compassionate and determined diplomat. He’s got the right mix of stern authority and sly humour. Sadia Khateeb shines as the beleaguered Uzma, while Revathy embodies the late Sushma Swaraj’s grace and fortitude with aplomb. Kumud Mishra, as Uzma’s lawyer, and Jagjeet Sandhu, as her deceptive husband, also leave a lasting impression.
‘The Diplomat’ would have made for a more intense watch had there been a direct face-off between the Indian and Pakistani ministries. But hey, the nail-biting moments it serves up are still enough to keep you at the edge of your seat.
Rani’s Wrap-Up: ‘The Diplomat’ is a compelling watch, with a riveting plot and a commendable performance by John Abraham. It may not be the perfect cinematic experience, but it sure is a gripping tale of resilience and determination. It’s like a spicy samosa – not too high on nutrition, but you can’t resist taking a bite! 🌶️🥟🎬
