Movie Name: The Diplomat
Director: Shivam Nair
Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Revathi, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi
Writer: Ritesh Shah
Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
The Diplomat Review : Plot Summary
The Diplomat, directed by Shivam Nair, follows the story of J.P. Singh (John Abraham), India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan. The narrative unfolds when Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), an Indian woman trapped in a forced marriage, seeks asylum at the High Commission in Islamabad.
Initially skeptical, J.P. Singh investigates her story before committing to help her return to India. What follows is a tense diplomatic mission to safely bring Uzma home, with the support of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (Revathi).
Will diplomacy and determination triumph over political hurdles? The Diplomat explores this journey, based on true events.
What Works in The Diplomat?
One of The Diplomat’s greatest strengths lies in its intent and approach. Unlike many politically charged dramas, Shivam Nair’s direction avoids loud jingoism, opting instead for a subtle, humanized portrayal of diplomacy.
Cinematography stands out, capturing the tension and unease of the situation with finesse. John Abraham’s restrained and composed performance brings credibility to his character, offering a break from his usual high-action roles.
The background score is effective, enhancing the emotional and suspenseful moments without overshadowing the scenes. Sadia Khateeb delivers a reasonably heartfelt performance, especially in emotionally charged moments.
Moreover, the film’s grounded approach and focus on personal stakes over political grandstanding make it an honest attempt at storytelling.
What Doesn’t Work in The Diplomat?
Despite its noble intentions, The Diplomat often feels bland and dry. The pacing is slow, especially in the first half, leading to a lack of thrill expected from a political drama.
Several sequences, particularly personal interactions between J.P. Singh and his son, feel random and disrupt the narrative flow. A tighter edit would have greatly improved the film’s momentum.
The screenplay, while realistic, misses out on delivering punchy, gripping moments that could have elevated the stakes. As a result, even the climax — which has some of the film’s best moments — doesn’t hit with the emotional impact it aims for.
The movie feels less like a political thriller and more like a political procedural — steady but rarely exciting.
Performances in The Diplomat
- John Abraham delivers a mature, understated performance, fitting the tone of the story.
- Sadia Khateeb brings vulnerability to Uzma’s character, though her arc could have been more fleshed out.
- Revathi as Sushma Swaraj adds gravitas and warmth, making the most of her limited screen time.
- Kumud Mishra and Sharib Hashmi lend solid support, while Jagjeet Sandhu leaves a mark with a chilling portrayal of Tariq.
The performances overall are competent but are let down slightly by the screenplay’s lack of intensity.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Diplomat?
The Diplomat is a well-intentioned political drama that shines in its depiction of diplomacy and restraint but struggles with pacing issues and a lack of gripping moments.
While it lacks the thrill expected from a spy-political thriller, fans of subtle, human-centered storytelling may appreciate its grounded approach and strong performances.
If you’re seeking a thought-provoking narrative rather than a high-octane thriller, The Diplomat could be worth your time.
