Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead role,
is a gripping thriller that explores the harsh realities of terrorism in
Kashmir and the unflinching bravery of India’s Border Security Force. Directed
by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, this film arrives at a significant time,
especially in the wake of recent real-life events that have shaken the nation.
The movie strikes a chord with its rooted narrative, blending real incidents
with compelling drama.
The film's plot is inspired by true events and revolves
around BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi. The
story begins with a series of brutal killings of BSF personnel by the infamous
‘Pistol gang’ in the early 2000s. Narendra is determined to capture the brain
behind these attacks – the elusive terrorist Rana Tahir Nadeem, also known as
Ghazi Baba. However, the investigation is disrupted when all forces are
redirected to respond to the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. As the narrative
unfolds, another deadly assault adds urgency and tension to the mission.
One of the strongest aspects of Ground Zero is its
screenplay. It carefully balances intelligence operations, emotional
undertones, and political undertones without becoming overwhelming. Writers
Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava deserve praise for weaving a story
that highlights both the professional and personal sides of the characters. The
film also takes a subtle yet important dig at how vulnerable youth are misled
in the name of religion, offering a commentary on radicalization without
turning preachy.
The realism in the film is enhanced by the clever use of
archival footage and authentic sets. The production team consulted several
high-ranking officers, which is evident in the details – from uniforms to
tactical movements. The effort put into ensuring accuracy adds to the film’s
credibility and immerses the audience into the world of the BSF.
Emraan Hashmi, known more for his romantic and commercial
roles, takes on a mature character in this film. He brings sincerity to his
portrayal of Narendra, especially in scenes depicting emotional turmoil and
moral dilemmas. However, in sequences demanding fiery aggression, he appears
slightly restrained. Still, it’s one of his more refined performances in recent
years. Sai Tamhankar, playing Narendra’s wife, delivers a nuanced performance
that adds depth to the family angle of the story. Mukesh Tiwari impresses in a
serious role, marking a departure from his usual comedic portrayals. Zoya
Hussain, as an intelligence officer, complements Emraan’s character well with
her sharp screen presence.
The only drawback lies in the film’s editing. The runtime
feels stretched in parts, particularly in the second half. While every scene
adds value to the narrative, a tighter edit by Chandrashekhar Prajapati could
have elevated the pace without sacrificing the emotional or dramatic weight.
Nevertheless, the story remains coherent and engaging throughout.
What sets Ground Zero apart is its subtle and
respectful tone. Unlike many war or anti-terror films, it doesn’t rely on loud
patriotism or exaggerated drama. Instead, it quietly salutes the sacrifices
made by those on the front lines, offering a powerful message without crossing
into jingoism.
In conclusion, Ground Zero is a commendable effort
that combines patriotic storytelling with realistic cinema. It manages to
entertain and inform while staying grounded in truth. Despite minor flaws, it’s
a film worth watching, especially for those who appreciate stories of courage
and sacrifice.
Rating: ★★★☆☆