‘Ground Zero’ is a taut and immersive thriller that revisits the volatile period between 2000 and 2003, marked by the Parliament attack, Akshardham temple carnage, and the then Prime Minister’s Kashmir visit. Based on true events, the film shifts the spotlight to the Border Security Force (BSF)—a welcome departure from the usual focus on the army or police. It evokes patriotism without veering into excess, instead grounding itself in gritty realism.
At its core, the film follows BSF Commandant Narendra Dubey’s hunt for Ghazi Baba, the mastermind behind major terror attacks. Focused on ‘Operation Ghazi Baba,’ the film unfolds with urgency, giving audiences a front-row view of the operation’s complexity and intensity.
The human cost of conflict
The narrative centers on Narendra Dubey (Emraan Hashmi), a seasoned BSF officer known for his unconventional methods and unflinching resolve. Following the Parliament attack, the BSF joins forces with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in a high-stakes mission to eliminate Ghazi Baba. Tensions mount further after the Akshardham attack, pushing the agencies to their limit. Despite internal friction and operational disagreements, Narendra finds an unexpected ally in Hussain (Mir Mohammed Mehroos), a young Kashmiri who initially tries to assassinate him. Rather than retaliate, Narendra extends empathy, leading Hussain to become an informant. But when Hussain’s identity is blown, his death becomes a personal loss for Narendra and injects a deeper emotional undercurrent into the mission.
Dangerous game of intelligence
What sets ‘Ground Zero’ apart is its storytelling, which prioritizes human drama over action spectacle. While it does include sequences of tactical operations and intercepted communications, the film also explores the silent struggles of soldiers and their families who live under constant threat. It portrays the bureaucratic hurdles, the slow grind of red tape, and the frictions between competing agencies with authenticity. The film’s first half moves briskly, packing in plot and urgency. The pace slackens in the second half with misplaced song sequences that interrupt the tone, but the narrative regains momentum after Hussain’s tragic death. The climactic confrontation—when Narendra defies protocol to capture Ghazi Baba—is handled with restraint and credibility, never tipping into over-the-top territory.
Emraan Hashmi anchors a strong ensemble cast
Emraan Hashmi is the film’s emotional anchor. His portrayal of Narendra is subdued yet quietly intense, marked by controlled aggression and empathy. His heroism isn’t loud; it lies in his integrity, interaction with his colleagues, and willingness to listen—a refreshing change in how action heroes are usually written.
Zoya Hussain, playing IB officer Adila, adds gravitas and edge to the proceedings. She holds her ground in every scene, offering a credible portrait of a tough, focussed and goal-oriented operative. Sai Tamhankar, as Narendra’s wife, makes a mark despite limited screen time, and Mukesh Tiwari brings a familiar bureaucratic rigidity to his role as Narendra’s superior.
This film balances grit and patriotic restraint
‘Ground Zero’ succeeds because it sidesteps tropes that often bog down films set in conflict zones. It avoids jingoism, choosing instead to tell a grounded story with emotional depth and geopolitical sensitivity.
Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar brings freshness to the genre, handling the material with restraint while weaving in lesser-seen facets of counterterrorism efforts. The depiction of Kashmir is sensitive and textured, never reduced to a backdrop for loud proclamations. The film’s greatest strength is its ability to balance urgency with empathy, and action with reflection. ‘Ground Zero’ is a riveting watch that reclaims realism in a genre often weighed down by ranting, with Emraan Hashmi’s controlled performance providing the film with its quiet force.
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Zoya Hussain, Sai Tamhankar, Mukesh Tiwari, Rahul Vora, and Rockey Raina
Director: Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar
Rating: 3.5/5
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