Saare Jahan Se Accha Review: Pratik Gandhi delivers a measured turn in this finely crafted tale of espionage and Indo-Pak rivalry

Pratik Gandhi stars as a raw agent in Saare Jahan Se Accha

‘Saare Jahan Se Accha,’ directed by Sumit Purohit, was released on 13th August and stars Pratik Gandhi, Sunny Hinduja, Suhail Nayyar, Tillotama Shome, Kritika Kamra, and Rajat Kapoor.

Espionage with a measured grip

‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ is a spirited attempt at bringing the grit and ingenuity of India’s intelligence agency to the screen. Rooted in a fictitious plot set in the politically charged 1960s, it weaves the India–Pakistan rivalry into the race for nuclear dominance. Arriving close on the heels of ‘Salakaar,’ which dropped on JioHotstar last week, this series offers a more polished take and a narrative that feels grounded in plausibility. While the script occasionally strays from its intended path, its tautness pulls the story back on track, delivering a viewing experience that’s consistently engaging. Yes, there are loopholes—but they’re small enough to be forgiven, especially when weighed against the suspense, period detailing, and overall craft on display. The show doesn’t just aim to entertain; it strives to immerse the viewer in a world where patriotism is laced with quiet calculation and silent wars.

RAW’s early years and a nuclear threat

The story unfolds at a time when RAW, India’s premier intelligence agency, was newly formed, and Pakistan was in a hurry to cement itself as a nuclear power in the aftermath of the Shimla Agreement. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (Hemant Kher), determined to see his country arm itself with an atomic bomb, recalls top Pakistani physicists working abroad and tasks them with the mission. When Indian intelligence catches wind of this development, RAW Chief RN Kao (Rajat Kapoor) devises a plan to stall Pakistan’s progress. Vishnu Shankar (Pratik Gandhi), a skilled counterintelligence officer, is dispatched to Pakistan to gather intel, leading to a tense game of wits with Murtaza (Sunny Hinduja), Bhutto’s shrewd and loyal ISI aide. The story also stretches beyond the subcontinent to Europe, where Pakistani agents chase technology deals that could bring them closer to building the bomb. This multi-pronged narrative sets the stage for a spy drama where every move has the potential to shift the balance of power.

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A fictitious world built with careful detail

One of the series’ strengths lies in its ability to lend authenticity to its period setting. The recreation of the 60s and 70s milieu of India and Pakistan feels deliberate and detailed, and it’s in these touches that the show finds its edge. From pens doubling as voice recorders to secret messages hidden inside fruits and soaps, the inventive tricks of espionage are made tangible. Even something as fleeting as a crackling All India Radio announcement ahead of a Homi Bhabha interview adds depth. The series opens with Bhabha’s death in a plane crash, suspected by intelligence officers to be a CIA operation aimed at halting India’s nuclear ambitions. Mossad’s cooperation with RAW is also depicted, underlining the international dimensions of the mission. Running parallel is Vishnu Shankar’s personal life, marked by growing tension with his wife, Mohini (Tillotama Shome). With her kept in the dark about his work, suspicion slowly creeps into their marriage, adding an emotional undercurrent to the political intrigue.

Performances elevate the story

The performances go a long way in sustaining the show’s momentum. Pratik Gandhi slips into the role of counterintelligence officer with ease, embodying the restrained composure of a spy from that era. His mannerisms feel lived-in, anchoring the more dramatic moments. Tillotama Shome, as Mohini, does her best with a thinly written part, but her character is given too little scope to make an impact. The real spark comes from Sunny Hinduja as Murtaza and Suhail Nayyar as Sukhbir. Hinduja’s mix of Punjabi and Urdu, coupled with a menacing presence, makes for a memorable ISI officer, while Nayyar’s turn as an undercover Indian stockbroker in Pakistan is layered and assured. Rajat Kapoor, as RN Kao, carries quiet authority, adding credibility to every scene he’s in.

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Minor flaws in a strong thriller

That said, ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ isn’t without its stumbles. Some sequences, particularly in the mid-section, fall back on well-worn spy tropes—the torture of a Pakistani broker by an Indian agent feels familiar, as does the climactic attempt to blow up equipment in one decisive strike. Yet these moments don’t derail the series; rather, they act as brief dips in an otherwise steady flow. By the time the story wraps, the journey feels satisfying, not just because of the thrills, but because it maintains the tone and texture it promised from the outset. If you can forgive the occasional cliché, you’ll find a series that delivers a thoughtful, sharp-edged spy tale. And in today’s crowded streaming space, that’s an achievement worth noting—proof that even familiar stories can still be told with conviction when crafted with care. It’s the kind of series that reminds you espionage is as much about patience as it is about action.

Rating: 3.5/5