La Diplomate

Shivam Nair's "The Diplomat" is a gripping cinematic retelling of Uzma Ahmed's harrowing ordeal in Pakistan. It masterfully balances drama and realism, delving deep into the tense corridors of Indo-Pak relations without succumbing to melodrama. The film's razor-sharp focus on storytelling, paired with stellar performances and meticulous direction.

From the very start, Nair sets a somber and urgent tone, avoiding unnecessary embellishments. The absence of songs and other distractions works in the film's favor, ensuring the narrative stays taut and the tension palpable. The background score is particularly commendable. The cinematography is another highlight. The second half of the film soars, culminating in a nail-biting climax that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The final act is both satisfying and applause-worthy.

John Abraham's portrayal of a diplomat navigating this complex web of international relations is outstanding. Sadia Khateeb, as Uzma, is the heart and soul of the film. Her pain, fear, and resilience are portrayed with raw authenticity. Revathy's portrayal of the late Sushma Swaraj, though limited in screen time, leaves a lasting impact. Kumud Mishra adds warmth and reliability, while Sharib Hashmi and Vidhatri Bandi provide solid support. Jagjeet Sandhu stands out as the abusive Tahir, delivering a chilling performance that adds to the film's tension.

Direction 4/5 Acting 3.5/5 Editing 3/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

One cannot question anybody's performance in the movie. Everybody does a great job. It's a tailor made role for John Abraham. Man kills it with such ease and style. He is complimented well with the antagonist who's equally talented and his performance successfully depcits the menacing nature of his character. The female lead is a hit and miss though. The supporting cast was well chosen.

Few witty one liners does hit the right spot. They are carefully sprinkled all over the movie. The dialogues are smartly written and well performed. No over dramaric patriotic or one man army, hero saves the day kind of dialogues.

Now the problem arises with the writing. The movie could've easily been a crisp - nail biting thriller but somehow it seems like the writers felt compelled to add unnecessary emotional sub plots that totally hinders the viewing experience. Instead they could have spent more time in some character building to the female lead.

The music is barley noticeble. Overall, it's still a decent try which could have been much better.

The Diplomate movie is a breath of relief for bollywood and audiance (with brain of course).

The whole non-twisted presentation of a true story with occasional attempts of creating goosebumps is very appreciable to me.

The non- grand masala formula is justified to yield a meaning ful cinema to the viewers.

Acting is okay. Direction is also adequate.

The cinematography and Editing is approximately working for the motive of storytelling.

Thar patriotic song are good. Background music is being beautifully used giving sound experience of exact narration of intensity and sincerity of the scenes. Without torturing your ears!

I would like to recommend this movie.

A movie with this type of story is usually made into a big mass action film, this however takes a different turn, the film keeps the story realistic and displays the story without any over the top action or intense scenes.

Something like this was missing from John Abraham's last film VEDAA, John Abraham plays the normal character of a diplomat and that's that, in fact John Abraham is not even included in any action scenes, he's just a diplomat.

The film doesn't intensify itself but still maintains curiosity in the viewer's mind, we all know the ending, but how is it gonna occur that's the main question and that's where the film exceeds.

The acting performance are very good for the main characters, John Abraham feels in place alongside Sadia Khateeb who has given justice to her character.

The background score feels week but the film itself manages to maintain itself without the need of background music helping the story feel more intense.

Overall a great watch, more films like this should exist.

Got a chance to watch "Diplomat" the movie? Go watch it. The best 2 hours and 10 minutes spent on a movie.

This movie could not have come at a better time. But then, it was released BEFORE the Pahalgam attack. So, no intentional play on emotions here. There would have been an outpouring of raw sentiments if it so happened that the movie was released AFTER 22/05/2025.

First of all, it makes a tremendous impact on you if you are a true Indian. It makes your heart swell with pride, it makes you cry, it makes your blood boil at times, and most of all it gives you hope and trust in the system.

How an entire country stands behind the injustice caused to one woman makes one's patriotism soar. More so, because this is based on a true story!

This is a no nonsense movie, totally of a new genre. So much violence and sexual assault is shown with so little dependence on graphic scenes. The victim speaks eloquently just with her eyes and expressions. Very dignified indeed! The actors and actresses become real. Like someone you know, like someone you want to hug and protect, like someone you want to pat on the back and say how proud you are of them. Like someone you can look up to.

Superb acting by John Abraham as JP Singh, Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed, and Jagjeet Sandhu as Tahir. Tahir sent shivers down my spine every time he appeared. He fit the role so completely.

Kudos to the team! Well done.