Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

Movie misses on mnay science fronts ... Such as people handle open nuclear core without radiation suit... overall not very smart movie

It always feels great when something apart from a India-Pak match unites, we the people of India, where we clap together on a national achievement, for national hero(es). Well, this time it was a recreation of a moment of national pride that incited this act. Abhishek Sharma's 'Parmanu- the story of Pokharan' (PTSP) is a true ode to the visionaries who envisioned and executed the intricate yet successful nuclear tests of 1998 which catapulted India to a full-fledged nuclear state.

1. *The plot* - Going by the theme, it could have easily been a documentary. However, considering sensitivity of information and facts, it would not have been legal to detail out everything with 100% authenticity. There goes kudos to the writers who spunned the well needed soul of the programme in a fictional story and characters. This saved the film from becoming dull/ documentaristic! However, regular showcasing of actual clippings from DD and government archives ensured realism. Watching Vajpayee ji's real inspiring speeches on & off was definitely heart-warming! :) 2. *Cast* - A special mention of John Abraham who risked money to make a movie on this otherwise on-paper dry topic. Apart from being a courageous producer of this film, he carried it well on his shoulders as main lead. He was ably supported by talented actors like Boman Irani, Vikas Kumar and Yogendra Tiku. Diana Penty and Anuja Sathe did justice to their limited characters. Overall, all characters looked authentic in their body language and were aplty cast. 3. The on screen authenticity of events and characters can be attributed to *immaculate screenplay and flawless cinematography*. 4. Thankfully, no song disrupts the seriousness or tone of the film. *Background score* is good. 5. The film is *flawed* only to the extent of some over-styling of lead actors and low story pace initially. However, Movie picks up pace gradually and gets into full on acceleration esp. in 2nd half. One more miss out was APJ's character. Perhaps, absence of exact mappings was intentional.

All in all, PTSP does manage give a glimpse of unmatchable hard work and challenges that went away in enacting this historical achievement. In an era where India was a vulnerable state diplomatically bullied and regularly monitored (read: threatened) by Uncle Sam, this achievement was much much bigger than current era's surgical strike. Each Indian deserves to know, see and feel proud to watch this story unfold. _It was disappointing to find hardly 30% occupancy at multiplex._

For me, it is definitely a *9/10* flick. Please go *watch in theatres* to help more people put money on similar stories.

Note: Do watch ending credentials as they showcase real pictures of/ before/ after explosion along with fact bits.

I will say I am very amused by the reviews of the movie. People I feel got swept away by the plot more than the movie, which is my point exactly in writing this review.

Pokhran was a great event to make a movie on. It showed how India became a nuclear power in arms and stood elite among the few nuclear powers. What the movie doesn't do is do justice with the horrible screen play. The plot established itself so haphazardly with Krishna's character, his motivation & his dream. Why no else but himself couldnt have done it nobody knows.

The overacting, to plot holes & the most absurd and horrendouz background score. Leave it to bollywood to push the limits of bad cinema.

After Madras cafe, which was brilliant in its own way, this was such a letdown.

My only positive take away is that Indians got to know about this historical event.

Tone, Script & Story: The story is to carry out nuclear tests secretly by India without the world knowing about it. Script is tight it keeps you engaged. Patriotic tone is executed well.

As john conveyed to press, the movie is 90 percent factual, its majorly so if not accurately. Its nice to come through a general dose of facts. Being a patriotic Indian, facts based on positive aspects of growths of one's country are enough of a recipe for a successful film.

As the movie progressed, it had me like it is more of inspired, rather being accurate. One things for sure it was entertaining. As the movie progresses to end it is portrayed that there are 6 nukes to be tested, in movie it is shown, only one of them is detonated, but whatever is shown have you in your seats.

Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography: One word for the mention three department's 'excellent'. Direction from Abhishek Sharma. Screenplay around the clock. Cinematography, especially when nuke is detonated.

Music: Music was average. Acting: Acting was average as well, from all the leads. John Abraham as a producer has been giving us really cool stuff.

Final Verdict: Patriotic, factual and entertaining treat, one must not miss.

Parmanu is thriller movie, which shows how RAW coordinated with IB , Indian Army , ISA to test India's atom bomb along with keeping the mission secret from Pak's ISI and US CIA.

Great acting by lead actors.