Title: The Diplomat
Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Jagjeet Sandhu, Kumud Mishra, Ashwath Bhatt, Sharib Hashmi and others
Director: Shivam Nair
Where to watch: In theatres
Rating: 3.5 stars
In his capacity as a film producer John Abraham has dished out some interesting cinematic choices, certainly more applause-worthy than John the performer has. From Vicky Donor to Madras Cafe and from Paramanu to Batla House, John has given us some really engaging narratives under his stable. With his latest offering titled, 'The Diplomat', he gives us a real life story which is as hauntingly disturbing as it is politically tense. Directed by Shivam Nair, this film revolves around Uzma Ahemd's harrowing experience of being trapped in the Indian embassy in Pakistan, and the torture she goes through at the evil hands of her husband.
It's a real life account, and the makers have left no stone unturned in staging the events. The film starts on a rather gripping note with Sadia Khateeb (Uzma) entering the embassy rather surreptitiously to save her life, raising concerns over the premises' safety and of those who work there. Is she a spy? Is she a double agent or is she a suicide bomber with explosives strapped around a waistbelt? Enters John Abraham (The Diplomat) to decode the puzzle and establish the identity of the suspicious entrant. Soon, the truth tumbles out, it is further probed into and finally validated. What begins thereafter is what seems like an impossible mission to rescue Uzma Ahmed, and the efforts to bring her back to her homeland.
There's a backstory to showcase what got Uzma in trouble? How did she land in Pakistan? What was she doing in Malaysia before moving to the torturous terrains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Multiple questions start hovering over. Honestly, some have been answered simplistically and some with creative liberties taken to make the narrative engaging. Nair keeps the affair crisp, but in his quest to place the events precise, he loses the essence of the larger contexts that demand details and the much needed layered approach. How could the evil forces at play be so naive that they believe in the victim's story for visiting the embassy? Can't they sniff out the obvious plan being hatched -- that of the escape if not of the revolt?
But the best part about this drama is the way in which things have been portrayed without going overboard. The political...err the diplomatic pressure mounted, how the judiciary comes into play, how the rogue elements still play havoc, every event is fast paced, crisp and nuanced. Watch the mix of the collective efforts shown here as indeed how one individual can walk the extra miles to save one innocent life -- the amalgamation keeps you invested till the very last minute.
Deshbhakti portrayed here doesn't come with heavy duty dialogue baazi or bullets being sprayed brazenly. Every word is carefully measured and every step is calculated for impact of one wrong move can ruin the courage on display. John shows remarkable restraint as an actor which is impressive. Sadia emote well, especially in the scenes that define the landscape of both the physical and the emotional torture. Jagjeet Sandhu plays the part to perfection. Kumud Mishra, Ashwath Bhatt and Sharib Hashmi elevate the film with the precision of their craft as dependable performers. A special mention here for Revathi for her dignified screen presence as Sushama Swaraj.
All in all, John Abraham's The Diplomat is an engaging, interesting and intense watch. An additional half star for crafting a real, but an unusual story in a relatable way minus jingoism!
