April 16, 2025: Actor Emraan Hashmi is all set to bring the story of a national hero to life in his upcoming film Ground Zero, a cinematic tribute to the Border Security Force (BSF).
The actor shared the emotional weight and responsibility of playing real-life BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation that eliminated dreaded terrorist mastermind “Ghazi Baba” in the early 2000s in Kashmir.
Hashmi called the film a “significant milestone” as it is the first time a movie has been made solely to honour the BSF. “We have seen stories based on the Indian Army and police before, but Ground Zero is a tribute to BSF officers, their courage, and the sacrifices they have made for the country,” he said.
The actor admitted that wearing the uniform on screen came with immense responsibility. “You represent not just one person but the entire force. Cinema has the power to preserve stories for generations,” Hashmi noted, emphasising the importance of presenting the truth with sincerity.
The team behind the film was deeply focused on authenticity. From shooting in the challenging terrains of Rajasthan to filming in the beautiful yet complex Kashmir Valley, the film aims to reflect the real-life struggles of BSF personnel. “These officers spend months away from their families in extreme conditions. That kind of sacrifice must be acknowledged,” said Hashmi.
Hashmi also recalled his first meeting with Narendra Nath Dubey, describing him as humble and patriotic. “He told me, ‘This was just another day at work for us because we love our country.’ That emotion guided my performance.”
Set during a turbulent period in Kashmir, Ground Zero aims to not only recount a high-stakes mission but also reshape public perception of the region. Hashmi said his assumptions about Kashmir changed dramatically once he saw the warmth and hospitality of its people. “The perception of Kashmir needs to evolve. We had no security concerns. The people were welcoming, and we were showered with love.”
The film, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment and directed by Tejas Deoskar, will also mark a historic moment as the first film in 38 years to premiere in Srinagar on April 18. Hashmi believes this gesture is a step toward normalising the image of the valley.
The trailer for Ground Zero has already stirred emotions with glimpses of the intense operation and personal trials faced by the officers. Reflecting on the experience, Hashmi said, “Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This story is more ‘filmy’ than any of our films. It’s extraordinary what our BSF officers accomplished.”
The film also stars Sai Tamhankar in a pivotal role and is set for a theatrical release on April 25.