(32)Movie Review: The Diplomat [CBFC: 2025 ‧ Thriller/Drama ‧ 2h 10m]

Introduction and Context

"The Diplomat," a 2025 Indian Hindi-language political thriller, marks a significant addition to Bollywood's repertoire of films based on real-life events. Directed by Shivam Nair and penned by Ritesh Shah, the film draws inspiration from the 2017 case of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who sought refuge at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, claiming she was deceived and forced into marriage in Pakistan. Released on March 14, 2025, coinciding with the Holi festival, the film has achieved commercial success, grossing ₹54 crores worldwide, with ₹41 crores net in India, against a production budget of ₹20 crores. Its theatrical run was notable, though it faced bans in several Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, due to content sensitivity. Following its cinema release, it is set to stream on Netflix, broadening its global reach.

The film's premise is rooted in the complexities of India-Pakistan relations, offering a rare glimpse into the world of diplomacy and the personal struggles of individuals caught in geopolitical tensions. It pays homage to the late Sushma Swaraj, the former Indian External Affairs Minister, whose role in real-life diplomatic efforts is briefly depicted, adding a layer of historical authenticity.

Cast and Crew Analysis

 

John Abraham stars as J.P. Singh, the Deputy High Commissioner, with Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed. Supporting actors include Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, and Revathy, who portrays the late Sushma Swaraj. The production is backed by T-Series Films, JA Entertainment, and others, with cinematography by Dimo Popov and music by Manan Bhardwaj, Anurag Saikia, and Ishaan Chhabra.

Storyline and Plot Development  

The narrative centers on J.P. Singh, whose routine diplomatic duties are upended when Uzma Ahmed, claiming Indian citizenship, seeks refuge at the embassy, alleging forced marriage in Pakistan. Singh's mission to repatriate her involves navigating legal, political, and emotional challenges, set against the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations. The film is divided into two halves: the first establishes the characters and conflict, while the second escalates tension, culminating in a nail-biting climax. The plot is inspired by real events, offering a blend of suspense, drama, and patriotic undertones, with a recreated version of the song "Bharat" from *Roja* (1992) adding emotional resonance.

The storyline effectively highlights the diplomatic corps' efforts, though some critics noted occasional chest-thumping and flag-waving, which may appeal more to patriotic audiences. The film's 2-hour 17-minute runtime is well-paced, with the second half particularly lauded for its intensity and satisfying resolution.

Cast Performances in Detail  

John Abraham as J.P. Singh: Abraham's portrayal is nuanced, capturing the diplomat's resilience and empathy. His performance is a standout, especially in scenes balancing duty and morality, earning praise from both critics and audiences.  

Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed: Khateeb's debut is remarkable, bringing authenticity to Uzma's fear, hope, and resilience. Her chemistry with Abraham adds emotional weight, making her journey central to the film's impact.

Kumud Mishra: Mishra's steady presence as a supporting character offers wisdom and reliability, enhancing the ensemble.

 

Sharib Hashmi: Hashmi's role, though not detailed extensively, is noted for solid support, contributing to the film's dynamics.

Jagjeet Sandhu as Tahir: Sandhu's chilling depiction of Uzma's abusive husband adds significant tension, with his intensity making the character memorable.

Revathy as Sushma Swaraj: Though limited in screen time, Revathy's portrayal is poignant, adding historical depth and realism to the narrative.

Technical Aspects 

Cinematography: Dimo Popov's work is a highlight, with crisp visuals capturing the tense atmosphere of diplomatic negotiations. Lighting and camera angles enhance emotional depth, particularly in the second half, immersing viewers in the story.

Photography: Promotional materials, including posters and trailers, effectively convey the thriller essence and emotional core, aligning with themes of diplomacy and human struggle.

Choreography: As a political thriller, traditional dance choreography is absent, but the staging of dramatic confrontations and action sequences is well-executed, contributing to the film's tension.

Musical Score: Ishaan Chhabra's score complements the film's suspense and emotional beats, with subtle yet impactful background music. The songs, composed by Manan Bhardwaj and Anurag Saikia, include patriotic tracks like the recreated "Bharat," enhancing the narrative's tone.

  

Background Theme: The film's background theme emphasizes tension, mystery, and emotional depth, supported by music and sound design, creating a cohesive thriller experience.

VFX & Special Effects: Minimal but effective, the special effects focus on realism, such as depicting diplomatic settings, without overshadowing the story.

Reception and Rating  

"The Diplomat" has received mixed to positive critical reviews, with a 58% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews, and a 7.9/10 rating on Gadgets 360, with a 64% Tomatometer and 4/5 user rating. However, audience reception is overwhelmingly positive, with a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting strong viewer appreciation. On IMDb, it holds a 7.5 rating, indicating broad appeal.

The film's strengths lie in its performances, particularly by Abraham and Khateeb, and its engaging second half. Critics noted occasional patriotic overtones and a slower first half, but audiences praised its emotional resonance and authenticity. Given this, a balanced rating of 8/10 seems appropriate, acknowledging both critical and audience perspectives.

SCREEN SPEAK: (8/10) ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Pros and Cons  

Pros:

- Outstanding performances, especially by John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, adding depth to characters.  

- Engaging storyline based on a true event, offering a rare look at diplomatic challenges.  

- Strong cinematography and direction, particularly in the second half, maintaining suspense.  

- Authentic portrayal of international relations and human rights issues.  

- Patriotic undertones resonate with audiences, enhancing emotional impact.  

Cons:

- The first half may feel slow or less engaging for some viewers, potentially affecting pacing.  

- Occasional chest-thumping and flag-waving may feel overdone, especially for international audiences.  

- Limited screen time for some supporting characters, such as Revathy, reduces their impact.  

Expectations, Recommendations, and Future Installments

"The Diplomat" is recommended for fans of political thrillers, diplomatic dramas, and true-story inspired films. It appeals to audiences interested in Indian cinema, international relations, and emotional narratives. The film is particularly suitable for viewers seeking a blend of suspense and drama, with its availability on Netflix post-theatrical release broadening access. Book your tickets at BookMyShow for a cinematic experience, or look forward to streaming it soon.

There is no indication of a sequel or next installment, given its basis in a specific real-life event. However, its success could inspire similar stories focusing on other diplomatic incidents, potentially expanding the genre within Indian cinema.

MOVIE REVIEWS DISCLAIMER:

The film or web show reviews posted on SCREEN SPEAK illustrate the personal opinion(s) of the screenwriter(s) and are purely meant for entertainment and informational purposes only.

While we strive to give our best, honest and most thoughtful reviews, it may be subjective and might not reflect the viewer's perspective.

Our reviews might contain spoilers, which may reveal major plot points or twists.

Please read it at your sole discretion, especially if you want to experience the film or show without prior knowledge of the specifics.

SCREEN SPEAK does not receive compensation for its reviews posted, and any advertising content will be clearly marked as such.

We aim to deliver and maintain the integrity and authenticity of our content by providing honest, fair and unbiased opinions.

The opinions or views expressed in our reviews do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the entire SCREEN SPEAK team. We encourage the readers to watch the film and form their own opinions. 

Thank you for visiting SCREEN SPEAK and hope for your understanding.

Enjoy the movies!