As I saw the recent Bollywood release, The Diplomat, featuring John Abraham, I couldn’t help but connect deeply with the story. Recently, the film industry has witnessed an increase in movies that bring to life real-life stories and portray them on the big screen. The Diplomat is one such movie. Based on the true story of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who was deceived into marriage in Pakistan and later rescued with the help of Indian diplomats, the film offers a thrilling account of diplomacy, tension, and survival. Directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah, the experience is both intense and thought provoking.
The Narrative:
Inspired by the true-life stories of Uzma Ahmed, who journeys to Pakistan after she meets a man named Tahir in Malaysia. She is lured into marrying him and has a torturing experience of physical and mental violence. The movie starts with the journey of Uzma into Pakistan, where she ends up stuck in the violent Buner district. Her desperate attempt to escape leads her to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, where she seeks help from Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh. Multiple storylines give a peek into the past lives of both Umza and Singh, helping us understand their motives and emotions.
The Insights:
The movie throws light on the struggle of ordinary people caught in the middle of political tensions, and the courage and resilience needed to go through it all. The fact that the film focuses on the efforts put in by diplomats to bring Uzma back creates a sense of suspense and keeps you gripping your seat. The film is shot mostly in Pakistan contributing to tension and also showing the intricacies of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. John’s role as Singh highlights how important it is to stand by with your people. Umza’s story is both inspiring and emotional. However, I felt the pacing could have been fast. The focus on diplomacy is somehow lost when exploring the past lives of the characters.
Winning Elements:
John Abraham gives one of his best performances as JP Singh with a sense of authority and sensitivity. Sadia Khateeb’s Uzma Ahmed is just as good. Shivam Nair’s handling of the film has a tight control over the narrative without the indulgence of melodrama. Ritesh Shah’s script is sharp and well-researched. I adore the cinematography and visual narration of the film. The movie is in a perfect balance between patriotism and sensibility and never goes overboard on either. Overall, it was a well-made and thought-out movie.
Final Thoughts:
Having seen The Diplomat, I could not help but admire the strength and perseverance of people such as Uzma Ahmed and the diplomats who risked everything to assist them. The movie is a great tribute to them. While the movie is expected to fare decently at the box office, I feel it needed more promotion. The story is very interesting and everyone, from the directors and scriptwriters to the actors have done justice. The Diplomat is a must-watch for anyone interested in political thrillers or stories based on true events.