Salakaar Review : Salakaar, streaming on JioHotstar, attempts to be an espionage thriller, but it falls short on both authenticity and suspense. Instead of diving into the complex layers of citizenship, patriotism, and the sacrifices tied to national duty, the show leans on outdated cinematic clichés and superficial drama.
🕵️♂️ Plot Overview The story unfolds across two timelines. In present-day Pakistan, Colonel Ashfaq Ullah (Surya Kumar) acquires a nuclear blueprint with sinister intentions. He’s romantically involved with Indian spy Shrishti (Mouni Roy), whose mission has blurred the lines between duty and intimacy. Their relationship, marked by post-coital cigarette sharing, feels more stylized than sincere — a portrayal that lacks emotional depth and realism.
Meanwhile, RAW learns of Ashfaq’s plans and brings in Adhir Dayal (a character loosely inspired by Ajit Doval) to intervene. This triggers a flashback to the late 1970s, where a younger Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) was stationed in Islamabad, investigating President Zia’s nuclear ambitions. The connection between past and present is built on family ties, amateur spy tactics, and underwhelming performances.
🎭 Character & Execution Shrishti’s spy gear ranges from AI-powered glasses to 90s-style cell phones, creating a jarring mix of tech and nostalgia. Dayal’s younger self uses childish disguises to fool Pakistani officials, making the espionage feel more like a school play than a high-stakes operation.
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The only standout is Mukesh Rishi as President Zia Ullah, whose portrayal of a radical leader is chilling. In one disturbing scene, Zia encourages his grandson to harm a wounded man — a moment that captures the brutal ideology he stands for. Rishi’s performance hints at a deeper, more human villain, but the writing never fully explores this complexity.
🎬 Direction & Themes Directed by Faruk Kabir, the series relies heavily on slow-motion shots, dramatic background scores, and 90s-style storytelling. The show treats spying as a game of bluff rather than a nuanced study of national identity, geopolitical tension, or the psychological toll of espionage.
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📉 Final Verdict While Salakaar promises a deep dive into the global spy game, it ends up being a glossy tribute to a brilliant mind — one that ironically fails to honor the very intelligence it celebrates. The show misses the opportunity to explore the twisted roots of conflict, choosing instead to skim its surface with familiar tropes and theatrical flair.