The Diplomat Movie Review: John Abraham steers a gripping political tale of diplomacy, tension and survival

John Abraham stars in The Diplomat

‘The Diplomat’ is a relentless political thriller that maintains a firm grip on its audience. Based on a true 2017 incident in Pakistan, the film follows the brave efforts of the then Deputy High Commissioner of the Indian Embassy as he fights to free an Indian woman from her abusive, deceitful husband and secure her safe return to India.

A gripping and relentless political drama

Staying largely faithful to its core narrative, the film avoids unnecessary distractions, including songs, allowing the story to unfold with intensity. The tightly woven script gradually draws viewers in, while the film skilfully keeps the true identity of the female protagonist ambiguous. You remain in a state of dilemma about whether her version is right or wrong until she narrates her story. With a runtime of 137 minutes, ‘The Diplomat’ delivers enough depth and intrigue to keep you engaged throughout.

A battle for freedom across borders

The story follows Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a young Indian woman deceived into marriage by a Pakistani man. The film opens with sweeping shots of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, where Uzma is held captive by Tariq (Jagjeet Sandhu). Desperate to escape, she persuades him to take her to the Indian Embassy under the pretext of collecting her wedding gift money from her brother. Once there, she seizes a brief opportunity to slip inside, marking the beginning of a long standoff between Indian and Pakistani officials. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh (John Abraham) takes charge. What follows is Uzma’s arduous journey to reach Wagah, navigating bureaucratic roadblocks, diplomatic hurdles, and rising tensions from Tariq’s supporters.

Powerful storytelling through subtle cinematic craft

Ritesh Shah’s taut script is seamlessly brought to life by Shivam Nair’s sharp direction. The cinematography is exceptional, effectively capturing the film’s shifting moods. Nair’s directorial prowess is particularly evident in a harrowing scene where Tariq assaults Uzma. Instead of explicit visuals, the camera remains firmly fixed on Uzma’s eyes, capturing every flicker of fear and despair. The scene concludes with a single tear falling, delivering a powerful statement without a word being spoken.

Stellar performances elevate the narrative

In the end, it’s the performances that drive the film forward. John Abraham delivers a nuanced yet commanding portrayal of JP Singh, balancing authority with subtle humour. This is a different side of him—one that doesn’t rely on throwing punches but still leaves a lasting impact. Sadia Khateeb brings depth to Uzma, convincingly portraying her transformation from a helpless victim to a determined survivor. Revathy, in a brief but important role as the late Sushma Swaraj, captures both her authority and empathy with finesse. Jagjeet Sandhu is convincingly menacing as Tariq, making his presence felt in his scenes. The ensemble cast (Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, Ashwath Bhatt) ensures that every character, no matter how brief, adds weight to the film’s gripping narrative.

Verdict

The strength of this thriller-drama lies in its understated approach to patriotism, steering clear of jingoism or over-the-top nationalism. The film delivers its message with nuance, proving that a patriotic story can be compelling without being overt. It also serves as a reminder to filmmakers that even when the subject is widely known, a sharp screenplay and tight direction can bring a fresh perspective. What makes ‘The Diplomat’ truly effective is the seamless alignment of its script, performances, and direction—but most importantly, its unwavering commitment to storytelling. This is a film that engages not by loud declarations, but by letting the story speak for itself.

Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Revathy, Sharib Hashmi and Kumud Mishra

Director: Shivam Nair

Rating: 3.5/5