Salakaar

This series is based on an alleged excerpt from the life of the National Security Advisor to the Government of India, Mr. Ajit Doval. While the names in the series have been changed, the characters still bear uncanny similarities. The story is well-written and is based on the Kahuta nuclear test. It stands out as historical fiction, but the characters seem more like caricatures than actual portrayals. The actors try to accurately portray their historical roles and mannerisms, but it feels jarring on screen, as if they are mimicking the actual historical character. Despite this, the episodes are around 30 minutes long, and the total series is about 2.5 hours, making it bingeable in one or two sessions.

Salaakar had the potential to be a gripping spy thriller but falls flat, resembling a clichéd Bollywood drama lacking depth or seriousness. Compared to polished series like Fauda or The Spy, its approach feels amateurish, with a weak script and implausible plotlines. For instance, the Indian diplomat casually snaps photos and roams sensitive areas without caution, even while close to Zia, defying logic. The direction lacks finesse, and the narrative collapses under its own weight. Ultimately, Salaakar squanders a promising premise, delivering a disappointing missed opportunity.

Salakaar, launched on JioHotstar August 8, 2025, is a gripping spy thriller that keeps you glued. Naveen Kasturia excels as a sharp Indian agent navigating covert missions across two eras, outshining the tactical flair of Special Ops' Himmat Singh. Mouni Roy's enigmatic intelligence officer with beauty adds fiery charisma, stealing scenes with understated menace. Surya Sharma's ruthless villain rivals the intensity of Raazi's Vicky Kausal. The five-episode run is taut but feels short, missing the layered twists of Mukhbir or the ensemble depth of Blood of Bards. Predictable moments and convenient security breaches slightly dim its edge, unlike Crackdown's tighter plotting. Still, with stark visuals and a rousing score, Salakaar tops Kathmandu Connection' drama, delivering raw suspense.

NSA Doval story. Could have been handled more realistically. It seems the Director wanted to impress NSA and hence created a comic Rambo. His operation may have happened on realty but looked childish here. Gen Zia too is depicted as a Gali Chap Goonda. Typical Sunny Deol style movie. Surely NSA wouldn't be glad to watch this.

Salaakar had the ingredients to be a gripping series or film, but poor casting and amateurish direction drag it down entirely. The most baffling choice? Mouni Roy-a performer whose limited acting range sticks out like a sore thumb. Her delivery is wooden, and she fails to elevate even the simplest scenes.

The rest of the cast doesn't fare much better, with mismatched actors struggling to salvage weak direction. The plot (if there's a coherent one) gets lost in unconvincing performances and a lack of visual flair.

Verdict: A forgettable mess that could've been decent with a stronger cast and competent filmmaking. Skip it.