‘The Diplomat’ Review: A Gripping Rescue Thriller with a Few Loose Ends

John Abraham trades action for diplomacy in a tense, true-story thriller, but does The Diplomat deliver a knockout punch?

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Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Revathy, Sharib Hashmi, Jagjeet Sandhu, Kumud Mishra

Director: Shivam Nair

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A Thriller That Almost Hits the Mark

Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat ticks most of the boxes for a solid political thriller—edge-of-the-seat tension, a compelling real-life story, and a steady pace. Yet, despite its strengths, it falls just short of being a great film.

Based on the true story of Uzma Ahmad, an Indian national who was allegedly honey-trapped, forced into marriage at gunpoint, and held captive in Pakistan, The Diplomat dramatizes her daring escape, led by real-life Indian diplomat JP Singh (played by John Abraham). The film balances realism and cinematic thrills but adds unnecessary weight in places, making it engaging yet imperfect.

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What Works: Tension, Execution, and Performances

✅ John Abraham’s Refreshingly Restrained Performance
Unlike his usual muscle-flexing action roles, John plays it subtle and composed as diplomat JP Singh. He doesn’t throw punches or indulge in heroics—his strength lies in calm negotiation and resilience, though his expressions remain as stoic as ever.

✅ A Strong Female Lead
Sadia Khateeb delivers a standout performance as Uzma, capturing the pain, fear, and desperation of a woman trapped in a nightmare. Her emotional depth keeps the story grounded.

✅ Well-Paced, No-Nonsense Thriller
The film dives straight into the crisis—no wasted time, no prolonged buildup. The tension keeps rising as Uzma’s escape unfolds, making the second half particularly gripping. The execution of the India-Pakistan border crossing sequence is a highlight, bringing the story to a satisfying, high-stakes climax.

✅ Revathy’s Impactful Cameo
Portraying the late Sushma Swaraj, Revathy commands attention in limited screen time, reminding us of the real-life minister’s decisive role in Uzma’s return.

✅ Jagjeet Sandhu as the Villain
Jagjeet Sandhu plays Tahir, the abusive husband, with unsettling conviction. His performance adds a real sense of menace, making Uzma’s predicament all the more distressing.

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What Needed Improvement: Unnecessary Additions & Forced Dialogue

❌ A Forced Emotional Backstory
John’s diplomat character is given a tragic past that contributes nothing to the plot. It feels like an afterthought meant to add depth but ends up dragging the narrative instead.

❌ A Tacked-On Family Angle
Why does every protagonist need a wife and kids waiting at home? This subplot feels forced and irrelevant, diluting the urgency of Uzma’s rescue mission.

❌ Unnecessary India-Pakistan Jabs
While The Diplomat doesn’t go full-blown chest-thumping patriotism, it couldn’t resist the temptation of smug one-liners aimed at Pakistan. A film that begins as a straight-laced rescue thriller suddenly throws in mass-appeal dialogues that feel out of place.

❌ A Weak Intermission Point
The first half builds tension well, but the interval arrives without a strong hook, making it feel abrupt rather than leaving the audience desperate for what happens next.

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Performances: Who Stands Out?

🎭 Sadia Khateeb – The heart of the film, she delivers an emotionally powerful performance.
🎭 John Abraham – Strong but limited in emotional expression.
🎭 Revathy – Steals her scenes with her powerful presence.
🎭 Jagjeet Sandhu – A convincing, menacing villain.
🎭 Sharib Hashmi – Underutilized but effective.
🎭 Kumud Mishra – Always a delight to watch.

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Final Verdict: A Good Thriller That Misses Greatness

The Diplomat had the potential to be a top-tier thriller, but unnecessary subplots and forced dialogues weigh it down. Still, it remains a gripping watch, thanks to its well-executed tension, a strong female lead, and John Abraham’s restrained performance.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 – A solid thriller with a few missed opportunities.

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Tags:

The Diplomat review, John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Bollywood thriller, India Pakistan relations, Uzma Ahmad story, Shivam Nair, political thriller, true story adaptation, Bollywood drama

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