The Diplomat review: John Abraham gives career-best performance in political film

The Diplomat opens with a famous Gandhi quote that says, ‘If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.’ Watching The Diplomat is somewhat of a similar experience. Shivam Nair’s drama starring John Abraham as JP Singh , India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan and Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed – the Indian woman trapped inside the Indian embassy in Pakistan.

The Diplomat starts off slowly but Nair’s belief in this story and his cast pulls through in putting together a film that delivers a nail-biting climax. The trick with films based on real life is that if you mess up – there is no going back! And the path is even more treacherous when the lead character you are playing is someone who commands the utmost respect in his field of work.

Fortunately, in The Diplomat, Nair steers away from the cliched potholes of a typical Indo-Pak drama that is sprinkled with chest-thumping and jingoistic slogans. Instead, his focus is on letting his characters breathe and seem real.

The Diplomat is tight. It’s gripping and fast-paced. The story of Uzma Ahmed, who got trapped in Pakistan under the pretext of a fake marriage and was later subjected to all forms of assault, is one that needs to be shared.

Nair tells the story in a sometimes linear fashion, while at other times, we witness flashbacks for both Singh and Uzma, giving us a glimpse into the events leading up to this moment. Most of the writing in the film is raw and devoid of any glamour. The tears feel real, and the pain and suffering hit hard. A political thriller needs sharpness to avoid feeling superficial. Ministers dressed in Nehru jackets or stereotypical Pakistani villains clenching their jaws with a Jinnah poster in the background are never believable.

The Diplomat is not a work of fiction. It’s set in reality and the annoyingly long disclaimer at the start tells us that the makers have retained real names of the people in the story in their film. This makes the film all the more compelling.

John Abraham’s metamorphosis from the pin-up boy who became the thirst trap for an entire nation to someone wanting to back subject-driven films as an actor and producer is commendable. John pushes the envelope even more in The Diploamt where he plays Singh with such finesse that you are in absolute awe of his ability to surrender to his director’s cue.

Less is more, and this mantra works for John, who does most of the herogiri with a gaze or a pause. The introductory scene of Uzma and Singh where the latter interrogates the former has an eerie silence with a glass of water towering in the frame. That palpable tension in the air is one of the many gripping moments that Nair creates throughout the course of the film.

Sadia Khateeb is a revelation and proves that, if given an opportunity, true talent can shine. She gives her everything to play Uzma. Some scenes that seem tough on paper become easy because of the vulnerability she brings to her character. Her ability to emote through her eyes and not become theatrical will take her places. Makers, please give this girl a chance and offer her better roles!

Jagjeet Sandhu as the repulsive Tariq is outstanding. So is Revathi as Sushma Swaraj. Kumud Mishra and Sharib Hashmi are both excellent in their parts. Nair really knows how to create a terrific supporting cast.

The Diplomat struggles in its first half with some lines and dialogue that feel sketchy and scene-fillers. Also, Singh’s track with his son and wife feels incomplete. The flashback of how Uzma landed in Pakistan and the horrible ordeal she endured could have been edited better. It’s Uzma’s psyche and her mental strength that shines through more than her agility or strength to escape.

The Diplomat is a recommended watch for John’s terrific performance as JP Singh, the second half soars and culminates into a thrilling climax. No songs, no tricks or distractions, the film’s razor-sharp focus on telling this real-life story is definitely applause-worthy.