Salakaar

A familiar spy thriller that kicks off strong. The script shows effort, weaving in real-life inspirations from figures like General Zia and NSA Doval. The acting performances are good, and the two parallel storylines keep things moving, though the show doesn't stay as gripping as it begins. Like many in the genre, it features the typical adversary, sticking to a tried-and-tested formula.

It's a quick watch thanks to its short episodes, but otherwise not something particularly memorable.

Salaakar had the potential to be a gripping spy thriller but falls flat, resembling a clichéd Bollywood drama lacking depth or seriousness. Compared to polished series like Fauda or The Spy, its approach feels amateurish, with a weak script and implausible plotlines. For instance, the Indian diplomat casually snaps photos and roams sensitive areas without caution, even while close to Zia, defying logic. The direction lacks finesse, and the narrative collapses under its own weight. Ultimately, Salaakar squanders a promising premise, delivering a disappointing missed opportunity.

Salakaar, launched on JioHotstar August 8, 2025, is a gripping spy thriller that keeps you glued. Naveen Kasturia excels as a sharp Indian agent navigating covert missions across two eras, outshining the tactical flair of Special Ops' Himmat Singh. Mouni Roy's enigmatic intelligence officer with beauty adds fiery charisma, stealing scenes with understated menace. Surya Sharma's ruthless villain rivals the intensity of Raazi's Vicky Kausal. The five-episode run is taut but feels short, missing the layered twists of Mukhbir or the ensemble depth of Blood of Bards. Predictable moments and convenient security breaches slightly dim its edge, unlike Crackdown's tighter plotting. Still, with stark visuals and a rousing score, Salakaar tops Kathmandu Connection' drama, delivering raw suspense.

Except mouni roy all performances were admirable., they've slowed the pace of the plot to make it a webseries however, effectively it's just a 2hr story.

Instead of an agent, mouni made it look like a tv soap typical role. Surya Sharma, Naveen Kasturia and mukesh rishi did justice to their characters. Could have added some more spy time scenes, rather the storyteller chose emotional scenes which is disappointing.

Overall a good watch with a family on an weekend as it's effectively 2hrs. All the best for the sequel.

Salakaar is a webseries that aims to delve into the life of India's National Security Advisor (NSA) set partially in the 1970s Pakistan era, but it falls short of its potential, earning a modest 5/10 rating. The premise had promise, yet the execution feels lackluster. The series could have explored the NSA's life with greater depth, offering richer insights into his challenges and achievements, but the writing feels surface-level and uninspired. Additionally, while half the story is set in 1970s Pakistan, the visuals fail to convincingly capture the era's aesthetic-modern elements creep in, breaking the immersion. The VFX and direction also disappoint, lacking the polish needed to elevate the narrative. Overall, Salakaar is a one-time watch for those curious about historical dramas, but its lack of effort in writing, VFX, and direction makes it forgettable.

Rating: 5/10.