Film Review: The Diplomat

T-Series Films, JA Entertainment, Wakaoo Films and Fortune Pictures’ The Diplomat (UA) is inspired by a real-life case of an Indian woman trapped in a forced marriage in Pakistan, and the Indian government’s intervention to bring her back safely.

Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a single mother, meets Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu) in Malaysia. Persuaded into travelling to Pakistan, she is forced to marry him, only to discover his abusive nature. Seeking refuge, she approaches the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, where she is sheltered for 20 days while the Indian government fights her legal battle in Pakistani courts. External affairs minister (Revathy) and deputy high commissioner J.P. Singh (John Abraham) lead the charge to secure her return to India.

Story & Screenplay

Ritesh Shah’s story, rooted in fact, has undeniable merit as a powerful human drama. However, the screenplay falls short of fully capitalising on its potential. Key high points Uzma’s court victory and her crossing of the Wagah border fail to deliver the emotional punch expected. Courtroom hurdles feel surprisingly easy, draining the narrative of tension. The sequences of Uzma’s stay within the High Commission too lack the edge-of-the-seat urgency such a scenario demands. Moreover, Tahir’s obsessive resistance to letting Uzma go feels underexplained, lessening dramatic impact. Still, the underlying theme of a helpless woman being backed by the Indian state provides inherent appeal. Dialogues (also by Shah) are effective and lend weight to the proceedings.

Performances

John Abraham brings gravitas and maturity to J.P. Singh, delivering a solid performance in the title role. Sadia Khateeb looks striking and performs well in parts, though her body language sometimes jars appearing too relaxed in moments meant to exude tension. Jagjeet Sandhu convinces as the menacing Tahir. Revathy is strong and dignified as the external affairs minister. Kumud Mishra leaves a mark as advocate N.M. Sayyed, while Sharib Hashmi stands out in his brief role as Tiwari. Vishal Vashishtha contributes effectively. Supporting turns by Vidhatri Bandi, Ashwath Bhatt, Bhawani Muzamil, Shriswara, and others are adequate.

Direction & Technical Aspects

Shivam Nair directs competently, but the film lacks the sensitivity and thrill that could have elevated its emotional core. While the theme carries innate power, the execution misses out on moments of exhilaration and triumph. Music (Manan Bhardwaj, Anurag Saikia) is serviceable, though the absence of chartbuster songs is felt. Lyrics (Manoj Muntashir, Kausar Munir) have depth. Ishaan Chhabra’s background score adds tension where needed. Dimo Popov’s cinematography is polished, and Mohammad Amin Khatib’s action scenes inject some thrill. Production design (Ravi Srivastava) is up to the mark, while Kunal Walve’s editing is taut.

Final Verdict

The Diplomat is a fair entertainer, lifted by its subject’s inherent strength more than by the screenplay or execution. While the drama misses emotional highs, the film has enough merit to draw audience interest. It should perform reasonably well at the box office, aided by word-of-mouth.