Jobaaj Stories
Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat brings to life the real story of Uzma Ahmad, an Indian woman who was trapped in Pakistan and later rescued. Starring John Abraham as diplomat JP Singh and Sadia Khateeb as Uzma, the film offers a tense and gripping watch but falls short of being a perfect thriller.
What Works in The Diplomat
The film dives straight into the action, with Uzma seeking help at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan. From there, the tension builds steadily, keeping the audience engaged. John Abraham’s performance is refreshingly restrained, stepping away from his usual action-hero persona. The second half keeps the pace high, packed with intense diplomatic negotiations, car chases, and suspenseful moments. Uzma’s journey to cross the India-Pakistan border is depicted powerfully, giving the film a satisfying conclusion.
Sadia Khateeb shines as Uzma, portraying her pain and fear convincingly. Revathy, in her brief but impactful role as Sushma Swaraj, adds depth to the narrative. Jagjeet Sandhu is effective as the antagonist, and Kumud Mishra delivers a strong performance as advocate NM Sayyed.
Where The Diplomat Falls Short
The film tries to add unnecessary emotional layers, giving John’s character a tragic backstory and a family angle that feels forced. The attempt to include patriotic one-liners makes the tone inconsistent—while not overly jingoistic, it does indulge in neighbor-bashing at times. The intermission lacks a strong hook, making the transition between the two halves uneven.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, The Diplomat is a solid thriller with a gripping storyline and strong performances. However, its execution keeps it from reaching greatness. It’s an engaging but imperfect watch, earning 3.5 stars for its effort.
Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb
Director: Shivam Nair
Rating: ★★★.5
