The Diplomat Movie Review – John Abraham Shows His Skills in a Thriller with Mixed Pace.Filmygod

A Refreshing Take on the Patriotism Genre

“The Diplomat” is a departure from the usual jingoistic fare that has dominated Bollywood’s patriotism genre in recent years. Instead of relying on loud, chest-thumping nationalism, the film opts for a more restrained, fact-based approach, making it a rare entry into what could be termed “liberal-proof” cinema.

The story is inspired by real events and takes place in the snow-capped mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan—a region known for its hardliners and where even Pakistani civilians tread with caution. From the opening scenes, director Shivam Nair ensures that the film does not fall into the trap of demonizing an entire population or indulging in excessive propaganda. However, it does portray the grim realities of extremism, and certain sequences—such as a woman being physically assaulted and forced to wear a burqa—may evoke discomfort among audiences.

In today’s volatile socio-political climate, any depiction of radicalism runs the risk of feeding into existing biases rather than fostering rational discourse. “The Diplomat” walks a fine line, attempting to remain neutral while highlighting the perils of extremism.

A Gripping Yet Familiar Narrative

The film revolves around Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a burqa-clad woman who barges into the Indian High Commission in Pakistan, pleading for help. Enter JP Singh (John Abraham), a sharp-suited diplomat who initially views her story with skepticism. Through thorough interrogation and background checks, he discovers that Uzma is telling the truth.

Uzma’s harrowing journey begins in Kuala Lumpur, where she falls in love with a taxi driver, Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu). She travels to Buner, Pakistan, under the impression that her daughter, suffering from Thalassemia, could be cured there through naturopathy. However, upon arrival, she is subjected to abuse, forced into marriage at gunpoint, and trapped as Tahir’s sex slave. Her daring escape to the Indian embassy sets the stage for JP Singh’s high-stakes mission to bring her home, all while navigating the ever-looming threat of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

The film does an excellent job of maintaining tension, though it follows a relatively predictable trajectory. The narrative unfolds linearly, and while it remains engaging, it lacks the twists and unpredictability that could have elevated it to an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The diplomatic “manoeuvres” often boil down to bureaucratic phone calls rather than high-octane action, which may not appeal to viewers expecting a more adrenaline-fueled experience.

John Abraham’s Measured Performance

John Abraham is known for his action-hero persona, but “The Diplomat” offers him a chance to showcase a different side of his abilities. Here, he is more about strategy than brute force, relying on intelligence and diplomacy rather than fists and firearms.

His performance is restrained—sometimes to the point of being too subdued—but it works within the context of the film. Unlike many Bollywood heroes in similar roles, he does not resort to over-the-top dramatics. Instead, he maintains a calm and composed demeanor, embodying the role of a seasoned diplomat.

Sadia Khateeb delivers a compelling performance as Uzma, convincingly portraying a woman caught in a terrifying ordeal. Her fear, resilience, and desperation feel authentic, making her character one of the film’s strongest emotional anchors. Sharib Hashmi and Kumud Mishra also provide solid support, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward plot.

A Thriller That Lacks Real Threat

While “The Diplomat” gets many things right—its factual accuracy, subtle patriotism, and strong performances—it falls short in one crucial aspect: the thrill factor. The sense of imminent danger never quite reaches its peak, which is a significant drawback for a film positioned as a political thriller.

Part of this stems from the fact that the audience already knows the outcome, given that the film is based on true events. However, even with this constraint, the screenplay could have been structured to build more tension and uncertainty. The ISI’s presence is felt but never truly menacing, and JP Singh’s mission unfolds with minimal real obstacles.

A stronger antagonist or unexpected plot developments could have heightened the stakes, making the film more immersive. As it stands, “The Diplomat” feels more like a well-documented case study rather than a nail-biting cinematic experience.

A Subtle Patriotic Film for the Intellectual Audience

Unlike typical Bollywood patriotic films that rely on overt nationalism, “The Diplomat” takes a more intellectual approach. It highlights India’s diplomatic capabilities without resorting to excessive flag-waving. The film stays focused on its story without unnecessary diversions, making it a refreshing change from the usual fare.

However, this also means that it may not resonate with viewers who expect larger-than-life heroics and emotional high points. It is a film that demands patience, rewarding those who appreciate a more measured and realistic portrayal of international affairs.

In conclusion, “The Diplomat” is a well-intentioned, competently made film that succeeds in presenting a fact-based story with minimal embellishments. John Abraham delivers a decent performance, and the film maintains a steady pace, even if it occasionally loses momentum. While it lacks the unpredictability and sheer thrill factor of top-tier political dramas, it remains an engaging watch for those interested in real-life diplomatic challenges.

For those looking for a patriotic film that isn’t overly dramatic or jingoistic, “The Diplomat” fits the bill. But for those expecting heart-pounding suspense and high-stakes action, this might not be the gripping thriller they were hoping for.