The Diplomat Review: A Gripping Thriller with Flaws”
The Diplomat has everything a good thriller needs—tense moments, a fast-paced background score, and an engaging story. But it still falls short of perfection. Directed by Shivam Nair and starring John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, this film is based on the real-life story of Indian national Uzma Ahmad.
Storyline
Uzma was trapped in Pakistan after being allegedly forced into marriage at gunpoint. She suffered abuse and sought help from the Indian Embassy to return home. The film dramatizes her escape, showing the efforts of diplomat JP Singh (played by John Abraham) to bring her back safely.
What Works
John Abraham plays a serious and controlled diplomat, a refreshing change from his usual action-packed roles. Sadia Khateeb delivers an emotional performance, making Uzma’s pain and fear feel real. The film keeps up the tension, especially in the second half, leading to a satisfying ending.
What Needed Improvement
The film adds unnecessary layers, like giving John’s character a tragic past and a family, which slows down the story. While the movie avoids being too patriotic, it still includes dialogues that criticize Pakistan, making it feel forced. The last scene, where John delivers a smug one-liner, could have been avoided.
Performances
- Sadia Khateeb shines in her role and delivers a powerful performance.
- Revathy, as late Indian Minister Sushma Swaraj, makes a strong impact despite limited screen time.
- Sharib Hashmi has little to do but does his part well.
- Jagjeet Sandhu is convincing as the abusive Tahir.
- Kumud Mishra as the lawyer is enjoyable to watch.
Final Verdict
The Diplomat is an intense thriller with a gripping story but could have been better without unnecessary additions. If you enjoy real-life rescue stories, this one is worth watching.
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