Ground Zero

Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar's Ground Zero is based on Operation Ghazi Baba, conducted by the BSF in 2003.

The film is very grounded and balanced in its approach, dealing with the subject matter with sensitivity. There are a good number of intense sequences that provide thrills, yet there are also several dragged-out portions where the film's energy dips. Camerawork, music, and background score work very well in support of the film, whereas the editing feels subpar. The action sequences are good.

Emraan does a very good job as BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, handling both the action and emotional scenes nicely. Sai

Tamhankar provides good support. Mukesh and Zoya are okay, while Mir Mehrooz stands out.

The rest of the supporting cast does a decent job.

Overall, we liked the film but wish it had been tighter in terms of pacing and screenplay.

OVERALL 7.25/10.

Tejas Deoskar's "Ground Zero" is a perfectly decent counter-terrorism thriller that takes its sweet time getting to the good bits, though when it does, it rather makes up for the sluggish start. Based on true events involving BSF operations in Kashmir, the film delivers proper thrills once it stops faffing about with exposition.

Emraan Hashmi turns in a committed performance as a BSF officer, bringing his usual intensity whilst mercifully avoiding the chest-thumping heroics that plague most Indian military films. He's genuinely compelling when given decent material to work with, particularly as the story picks up steam in the latter half.

The film's biggest bugbear is its pacing. Deoskar seems hellbent on establishing every conceivable bit of backstory before getting to the actual story, which tests one's patience rather unnecessarily. The Kashmir setting feels authentic, and the supporting cast provides adequate backup without being particularly memorable.

Where "Ground Zero" truly comes alive is in its final act. The tension ratchets up considerably, and the action sequences feel authentic rather than choreographed for maximum spectacle. However, the film occasionally gets a bit preachy when it should have trusted its story to do the talking.

What's most refreshing is the film's restraint. It's genuinely surprising to see a military thriller that doesn't descend into flag-waving nationalism. Instead, Deoskar delivers a thoughtful examination of counter-terrorism work that respects both the complexity of the subject and the intelligence of the audience.

A decent thriller that could have been genuinely excellent with tighter editing and more faith in its own narrative strength. Worth sticking with, even if the first half tests your patience.

6.5/10.

In Ground Zero, director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar attempts to blend fact-based realism with cinematic intensity, setting his sights on one of India's most volatile Kashmir conflict issues. Anchored in the backdrop of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the subsequent manhunt for the elusive terrorist Ghazi Baba, the film sets out to be a gripping military-political thriller. The film unfolds through the eyes of a BSF officer.

Tejas Deoskar's direction is sincere and grounded, opting for a restrained, fact-based approach. His choice to present the conflict through a soldier's moral compass is commendable. The engagement dips at crucial junctures, and the screenplay though ambitious, stagnates in parts. The climax feels slightly rushed and abrupt. It leaves the audience feeling affected, but not entirely fulfilled.

Ground Zero is a well-intentioned & moderately effective film. If there's one consistently strong pillar in the film, it's Emraan Hashmi's sincere performance. Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain offer commendable support. Mukesh Tiwari was decent. Deepak Parmesh, Lalit Prabhakar, and the rest of the supporting cast contributed well to the film's overall texture.

For viewers interested in real-event-inspired cinema and a mature take on the Kashmir issue, Ground Zero is definitely worth a watch, even if it leaves you wanting a bit more in terms of depth and emotional payoff. The cinematography captures the starkness of Kashmir's landscape well. The action sequences are executed with restraint and authenticity rather than Bollywood-style spectacle. Its commitment to realism over propaganda is one of its strengths, even if the storytelling occasionally falters.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Music 2.5/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Movie Review: Ground Zero Streaming on Prime video!!

Not many might have watched this film when it hit the cinema halls in late April. So here's my review for those who would like to watch it on OTT !!

Based on real incidents , this gripping film describes the operation conducted by the armed forces to kill the dreaded terrorist Gazi Baba , the mastermind of the Parliament & Akshardham Attacks. It also describes the passion of zeal & fervor shown by army officer Narendra Nath Dubey who was instrumental in bringing this operation to a logical conclusion!!

The film offers an emotional & authentic portrayal of Kashmir and its people. Imran Hashmi's portrayal of protagonist Narendra Nath Dubey is very realistic and his bonding with a misled Kashmiri youth who later becomes his informer is very endearing. Despite the terrorists being two steps ahead every time and our hero encountering failure time and again , his relentless pursuit & perseverance finally pays dividend when he finally nabs his man !!

If u want to watch no nonsense cinema with strong content and substance then Ground Zero is a delightful watch for the weekend!!

Right from the first scene, the strong screenplay , slick editing, action and cinematography will keep you hooked till the end.

Going with 3.5/5 for this one .. Adios 😊!!

For the others , u can always watch Housefull 5 😂😂!!

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I really liked the restraint of the movie... It's rare to find a Bollywood movie based on a BSF soldier's daring, sans melodrama. The restraint in storytelling, especially in patriotic or armed forces-based films, is rare but refreshing. I found Emraan's performance compelling. Sai Tamhankar as Jaya Dube is convincing. The music also does justice to the theme. One can imagine how difficult it must have been to crush terrorists when almost the entire ecosystem of Kashmir was either overtly or covertly supporting 'jihad'. The probe uncovers the mastermind Ghazi Baba, facilitating India's largest anti-terror operation. A quasi-real portrayal... Indian movies are coming of age!