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The Diplomat Review: Films based on India-Pakistan relations often share common elements—stereotypical dialogues, intense drama, action sequences, and patriotic slogans. Movies like Border, Gadar, and Lakshya have already provided audiences with such formulaic content. However, The Diplomat stands apart from these. This film follows the subtle yet powerful storytelling style seen in Baby and A Wednesday. The Diplomat is a film that delves into international relations between India and Pakistan without exaggeration, delivering a precise and thought-provoking narrative.
John Abraham, known for his patriotic roles, has chosen a character that perfectly complements his personality. This time, he has landed a script that is solid and realistic, making The Diplomat a compelling watch.
Storyline
The Diplomat is based on a true story. The film presents the real-life case of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who is forcibly married in Pakistan. She faces physical abuse and sexual assault before seeking refuge at the Indian embassy. The case reaches Indian diplomat J.P. Singh, who must navigate a series of diplomatic obstacles, legal complexities, and government pressures to bring Uzma home.
While many films have depicted India-Pakistan tensions, John Abraham’s The Diplomat takes a unique approach. John portrays diplomat J.P. Singh, a composed yet determined individual who understands the challenges of working in Pakistan. The film highlights the turmoil in Pakistan and the difficulties faced by diplomats in hostile environments.
Performances
If you are expecting a high-octane action-packed drama, this film may disappoint you. The Diplomat avoids the typical action sequences where John Abraham showcases his muscular physique. Instead, the movie aims for authenticity. John Abraham plays a calm, intelligent, and resolute diplomat, and he fits the role perfectly. He has chosen a role that is refreshingly different and suits him well. His acting justifies the depth of his character, and for once, he is not flexing his muscles but wearing a formal suit, embodying dignity and intellect.
Sadia Khateeb, playing Uzma Ahmed, is the real star of the film. In this fast-paced narrative, she manages to leave a significant impact. Sadia effectively conveys the emotions of a battered wife and captive. While there is no romantic angle between John and Sadia’s characters, their on-screen chemistry works well in portraying the humanitarian aspect of the story.
Kumud Mishra, as Uzma’s lawyer, delivers a commendable performance, while Revathi portrays the role of former Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with grace and authority. Both actors bring credibility to their roles.
Jagjeet Sandhu plays the ISI officer and Uzma’s abusive husband. His portrayal is intense, making the audience feel the brutality of his character. His expressions carry a sense of cruelty, making the domestic violence scenes deeply unsettling.
Sharib Hashmi, playing an investigative journalist, brings a touch of humor and relatability to the film. His presence lightens the intensity of the plot at times, making the storytelling engaging.
Direction and Execution
The weakest aspect of The Diplomat is its direction. Shivam Nair, the director, has made some questionable choices. Although he has used real-life names, he avoids directly mentioning certain political leaders. This selective approach creates a gap in the film’s authenticity.
A major issue is the stereotypical portrayal of Pakistan. Indian films often depict Pakistanis as violent, abusive, and dressed in traditional attire like Pathani suits. In The Diplomat, Pakistani characters once again appear as gun-wielding extremists, living in impoverished villages reminiscent of Kashmir. The film fails to acknowledge that terrorism is not confined to rural Pakistan; it has infiltrated urban centers like Lahore and Islamabad.
This was a missed opportunity to explore Pakistani diplomacy more intricately. Instead, the movie remains focused on terrorism, limiting its scope. Despite being based on a real incident, The Diplomat occasionally feels like a repetition of previous films and web series that have shown Indian women trapped in Pakistan.
Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing
Despite its flaws, The Diplomat is an engaging film. The screenplay ensures there is no room for boredom, maintaining a gripping pace throughout its 2-hour-10-minute runtime. The cinematography and picturization are outstanding. Close-up shots effectively capture subtle emotions, adding depth to each character’s journey.
The editing is sharp and well-executed, ensuring the film never drags. While the audience might predict some plot points, the storytelling remains strong enough to keep them invested.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
After evaluating every aspect of The Diplomat, it is clear that this is one of John Abraham’s most impactful performances. If you are a fan of patriotic films or John Abraham, this movie is a must-watch.
Even if patriotism is not your primary interest, The Diplomat is worth watching for its strong performances and gripping story. Unlike many other films, this one avoids unnecessary propaganda and provides a realistic glimpse into Indian diplomacy. While the film could have done a better job in portraying Pakistan beyond stereotypes, it still stands out as a well-crafted thriller that offers something new within a familiar framework.
