⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
With the golden period of India’s soft power! Instagram flooded with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s sharp diplomatic responses and pro-India yet globally inclusive statements now it time for Bollywood as it enters the chat with a powerful narrative on screen.
The Diplomat—a strong political thriller that draws inspiration from real-life events and true leaders like Bharat’s former External Affairs Minister, the late Sushma Swaraj Ji. Directed by Shivam Nair, this John Abraham-starrer is a must-watch for those who love political intrigue, nationalism, and power-packed storytelling.
Plot & Execution: A Taut Political Thriller
Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes international crisis, The Diplomat follows John Abraham as a fierce & patriotic Indian envoy navigating global politics, strategic negotiations & high-pressure decision-making. When an Indian national faces an intense threat in a foreign land, his character takes the center stage, plotting through diplomatic challenges and power tussles between nations. The film blends political realism with edge-of-the-seat drama, making it a thrilling experience from start to finish.
Director Shivam Nair, known for his work in espionage and thriller genres (Special OPS), masterfully crafts a film that resonates with India’s current geopolitical stature. The storytelling is tight, and the pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment.
John Abraham: The Perfect Fit for the Role
John Abraham has delivered one of his career’s best performances, bringing both bravery and intensity to the role. His role of a trained diplomat balancing patriotism, negotiation tactics as well as political strategy is both convincing yet inspiring. Unlike his usual action-heavy roles most of twitch actually relies heavily on muscle power, The Diplomat sees him relying more on dialogue delivery, expressions, and strong screen presence rather.
Sadia Khateeb, while supporting his role, adds emotional depth to the narrative, while her role of mysterious yet powerful foreign minister character (reminiscent of Sushma Swaraj) provides an essential touch of realism and nostalgia.
Screenplay & Cinematography: Realism Meets High Stakes
The film doesn’t rely on over-the-top action but rather on tense negotiations, diplomatic conflicts, and mind games that feel authentic. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged, mixing political tension with dramatic highs. The cinematography has really done a good job capturing the grandeur of international politics, with beautifully shot scenes in embassies, war zones as well as high-level summits.
Filled with nationalist fervor yet balanced with strategic diplomacy, the dialogues are sharp giving audiences a sense of pride while staying realistic.
What Works?
- John Abraham’s Amazing Performance – a perfect blend of intensity and restraint.
- Authentic diplomatic & political representation – No unnecessary drama, just a well-executed thriller.
- Engaging screenplay – Keeps the audience hooked with powerful dialogues and high-stakes moments.
- Strong supporting cast – Adds emotional weight and realism.
- Patriotic yet realistic tone – Strikes the right balance between nationalism and diplomacy.
What Could Have Been Better?
- Pacing in the first half – The second half is good but in the first half, the film takes time to set up the story.
- More backstory for key characters – A depth could have been better with adding a deeper dive into the protagonist’s past.
A Must-Watch for Political Thriller Fans!
With The Diplomat, Bollywood has done a good job by not just provoking our thoughts but also never leaving behind with the entertainment. By tapping into India’s growing global influence & showcasing the power of diplomacy over might, John has played a role that goes beyond his niche the action! Proving that words, strategy and intellect can be more powerful than any fight.
So, do must watch this political thriller if you are a fan of like ones or subject like nation narrative excites you then give it a go! Comment below your thoughts on it and for more such insights, movie reviews and other happenings of the movie world do follow Niche Film Farm.