When a film claims to be based on a true story, expectations rise. Audiences anticipate a gripping narrative that captures real-life struggles, especially when international diplomacy and high-stakes rescue missions are involve. The Diplomat, directed by Shivam Nair and starring John Abraham, attempts to tell the dramatic tale of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman rescued from her abusive Pakistani husband by Indian diplomatic efforts. However, despite strong performances by John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, the film falters due to underdeveloped characters, lack of depth,
and a screenplay that struggles to do justice to the gravity of the real-life events.
A Story with a Compelling Premise
The film centers around Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a single mother who falls in love with Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), a taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur. She follows him to Buner, a remote region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, believing it to be an ideal location for her daughter’s naturopathy treatment. However, her dream soon turns into a nightmare when she realizes Tahir is already married and has manipulated her into a violent and abusive relationship.
Desperate to escape, Uzma seeks refuge in the Indian High Commission, where diplomat JP Singh (John Abraham) steps in to orchestrate her rescue. The film follows his journey as he navigates bureaucratic hurdles, political tensions, and a high-risk diplomatic mission.
A Simplistic Take on Diplomacy
Rather than providing a nuanced portrayal of international diplomacy, The Diplomat simplifies the process to the point where it feels more like a spy thriller than a political drama. The film makes basic errors, such as confusing an embassy with a high commission, which weakens its credibility. Moreover, the screenplay fails to explore the true complexities of diplomatic negotiations,
making the entire operation feel oversimplified and somewhat exaggerated.
A Nationalistic Undertone Without Substance
While patriotism in films can a powerful tool, it needs to back authenticity. The Diplomat often feels like a nationalistic drama rather than a serious political thriller. The film attempts to highlight India’s diplomatic prowess but does so in a way that lacks historical accuracy and depth. A fabricated attack on Indian diplomats in Pakistan further distances the narrative from reality, making it difficult for audiences to take the film seriously.
Character Development: A Missed Opportunity
One of the biggest weaknesses of the film is its lack of detailed character development. Uzma’s backstory is riddled with gaps, making it difficult for the audience to fully empathize with her plight. The film barely touches on her family, her first marriage, or her personal motivations. Similarly, the Pakistani characters are depict in a stereotypical manner—either as ruthless oppressors or as passive spectators, with little room for complexity.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
- John Abraham as JP Singh: Known for his stoic expressions, John does a decent job portraying a no-nonsense diplomat. However, his character lacks the emotional depth needed to make the audience truly connect with his mission.
- Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed: The real star of the film, Sadia delivers a poignant performance as a woman caught in a horrifying situation. She brings a certain grace and vulnerability to the role, making her the most relatable character in the film.
- Jagjeet Sandhu as Tahir: Sandhu plays the antagonist convincingly, but his character is written in a one-dimensional manner, making him more of a caricature than a real person.
- Revathy as Sushma Swaraj: Her brief but impactful portrayal of the former Minister of External Affairs adds a layer of credibility to the film. However, her role is limited, and the film does not delve into the diplomatic strategies she actually employ.
Stereotypical Representation of Pakistan
While the film attempts to present different shades of Pakistani characters, most of them fall into predictable molds. Ashwath Bhatt’s ISI officer is just another villainous archetype, while Kumud Mishra’s helpful lawyer provides little beyond a token representation of “good Pakistanis.” Bollywood has often struggled with portraying its neighboring country with nuance, and The Diplomat is no exception.
Cinematography and Direction: A Glossy Yet Hollow Approach
Shivam Nair is known for his ability to craft slick thrillers, and he does manage to keep the film visually engaging. The film moves at a brisk pace, ensuring the audience doesn’t dwell too much on its flaws. However, the screenplay feels shallow,
often prioritizing dramatic tension over historical accuracy or emotional depth.
A Disclaimer More Complex Than the Story
Perhaps the most ironic aspect of The Diplomat is its overly elaborate disclaimer. The film states that it is based on publicly available information but then takes creative liberties that contradict known facts. It even claims that it does not intend to harm diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan—yet,
it does exactly that by presenting a polarized and exaggerated version of events.
Final Verdict: A Wasted Opportunity
While The Diplomat had the potential to be an intense, thought-provoking film about international diplomacy, it instead leans into sensationalism and oversimplification. Despite strong performances,
especially by Sadia Khateeb, the film lacks the depth needed to make a lasting impact. It may appeal to audiences looking for a fast-paced thriller,
but those expecting a realistic and nuanced political drama will left disappoint.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a film that delves into the real struggles of diplomacy, this might not be the best choice. While entertaining in parts, The Diplomat prioritizes spectacle over story,
leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Bollywood has done better in this genre,
and audiences deserve a more authentic representation of real-life events.
