Review: Ground Zero- Emraan Hashmi leads with grit in a familiar tale of patriotism and terror

"Ground Zero," directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment, takes us deep into the heart of one of India’s most painful yet defining battles against terrorism. Based on the real-life operation in which BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey led the mission to take down dreaded terrorist Ghazi Baba (Rana Tahir Nadeem), this action-thriller blends reality with Bollywood drama to deliver a gripping cinematic experience, though one that doesn’t escape the weight of repetition.

A Familiar Yet Gripping Plot

Set against the picturesque yet turbulent backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir, the film opens with the intensity of a nation fighting to defend its soul. Emraan Hashmi, in a role unlike any before, plays BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey. This is his first time donning a uniform, stepping away from the romantic, soft-spoken characters he’s known for. And while it feels odd at first, yes, you might find yourself looking for the "serial kisser" in him, Hashmi soon dives deep into the skin of his character.

He delivers a solid performance: the intensity, the conviction, and the emotional depth are all there. His dialogue delivery is sharp, and the action sequences are convincing. However, something about his portrayal feels just a touch disconnected. He does a fantastic job, no doubt, but he doesn't quite become Narendra. The charm is intact, but the soul is slightly missing.

Releasing around the same time as the Pahalgam terror attack, the film eerily echoes real-world events. The storyline, while based on a different historical incident, aligns with the current national mood. The parallels are hard to ignore, and they bring an added emotional layer to the viewing experience. Unfortunately or perhaps powerfully it reminds us that not much has changed.

Tried, Tested, and Tired Template

The biggest setback of "Ground Zero" isn’t its execution, it’s the fact that we've seen this movie before. Not in this exact form, not with these characters, but in essence. The India-Pakistan conflict, terrorism in Kashmir, brave soldiers sacrificing everything, and the battle to defend our borders, it’s a formula Bollywood has dipped into countless times.

Yes, it’s a story that deserves to be told. Yes, the characters are fresh. But the structure and theme are all too familiar. You can almost predict the narrative beats, and while it still manages to engage, it doesn't surprise.

Visuals That Speak Volumes

If there’s one department where "Ground Zero" truly excels, it’s the cinematography. The film captures the raw, haunting beauty of Kashmir with stunning drone shots, narrow market lanes, serene shikaras on Dal Lake, and the quiet chaos of the valley. These visuals, combined with a well-balanced background score, elevate the film's emotional tone. However, the songs don’t leave much of an impression, pleasant, but forgettable.

Supporting Cast: Strong but UnderusedVisuals That Speak Volumes

The film boasts a promising ensemble. Sai Tamhankar, as Narendra's wife, is criminally underused. Her role lacks substance and leaves no mark. There's barely any exploration of the couple’s relationship, which could have added depth and layers to Narendra's emotional journey.

Zoya Hussain as a special agent is fierce and focused, though we wish her character had more screen time. Mukesh Tiwari as Narendra’s superior, and Deepak Parmesh and Lalit Prabhakar as fellow BSF officers, bring authenticity and strength to the narrative. The actor playing the young boy named Hussain, delivers a standout performance, tugging at your heartstrings every time he’s on screen.

The action sequences are one of the film's strengths. From high-intensity gunfights to tense standoffs, the execution is sharp and thrilling. The tension is real, and the choreography adds to the film’s realism without going overboard.

The Verdict

"Ground Zero" is a well-told and well-shot film, with a powerful story and strong performances, especially by Emraan Hashmi. But it also feels like déjà vu. The themes of terrorism, border wars, and sacrifice, while important, have been explored so extensively in Indian cinema that they now struggle to feel fresh.

Still, the film succeeds in keeping you engaged, emotionally involved, and often on the edge of your seat. It may not offer anything radically new, but it tells a real-life story with sincerity and style, a story that continues to be relevant, and maybe that’s why we keep coming back to it.

Rating

3/5 stars