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Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 10:28 IST
Ground Zero: A Gritty Military Drama That Breaks Genre Clichés
Emraan Hashmi’s performance in “Ground Zero” evokes both excitement and contemplation as the film unfolds thrilling narratives interwoven with deeper themes.
Ground Zero
3/5
25 April 2025 | Hindi | 2 hrs 14 mins | Action, Thriller
Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain Director: Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar Music: Tanishk Bagchi, Rohan-Rohan, Sunny Inder
As Kashmir garners attention following the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, “Ground Zero” unveils a gripping narrative centered around a significant terror incident that shook India in 2001. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film depicts the efforts of the Border Security Force (BSF) in capturing Ghazi Baba, the leader of Jaish-E-Mohammed, who was involved in the notorious Parliament attack on December 13, 2001. In the context of ongoing tensions, this film delivers a poignant story set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Kashmiri landscape, intertwining themes of patriotism, moral dilemmas, and human frailty.
In this role, Hashmi presents a markedly different persona from his usual romantic film characters. Straying from his typical roles characterized by soulful music and romantic allure, “Ground Zero” emerges as a noteworthy entry into the Indian military drama genre.
Hashmi takes on the role of the real-life BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, a character grappling with his duties while navigating personal grief. The film’s narrative focuses on the conflict-ridden area of Kashmir, addresssing not only the external threats posed by terrorism but also Dubey’s internal struggle with his past amidst the ongoing violence. While the film invokes a sense of nationalism, it also delves deeply into the intricate layers of identity, duty, and trauma, elevating it beyond mere patriotic bravado into a nuanced military drama based on genuine events.
One of the standout features of “Ground Zero” is its thoughtful writing, which effectively humanizes its characters. The screenplay and dialogue merit commendation for infusing rare depth and maturity into such a sensitive and often challenging subject matter.
Alongside Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain play essential roles in the film. Tamhankar takes on the character of Jaya Dubey, Narendra’s wife, delivering a performance that captures the essence of being married to a BSF officer, highlighted by her compelling dialogue delivery and emotional range despite limited screen time.
Zoya Hussain portrays Aadila, an Intelligence Bureau officer whose path crosses with Hashmi’s character in the wake of the Parliament attacks. Hussain successfully embodies the role, holding the audience’s attention as she navigates her duties throughout the film.
The film also benefits from Kamaljeet Negi’s cinematography, which highlights the stark beauty and tension of Kashmir. Instead of glorifying the valley, “Ground Zero” showcases its landscapes as a reminder of why it’s often referred to as ‘heaven on Earth,’ providing a visually rich backdrop to the narrative.
While the film maintains a tight narrative in its first half, the pacing in the second act could be seen as uneven as it tries to weave multiple subplots together. Nevertheless, the climax provides a satisfying resolution that is impactful without crossing over into melodrama.
In summary, “Ground Zero” stands out as a raw and authentic military drama that breaks away from conventional clichés. Emraan Hashmi’s compelling performance cements the film’s status as both an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.
Source
www.news18.com