Director: Kayoze Irani
Rating: **
Sarzameen, an OTT release directed by Kayoze Irani and produced under the banner of Karan Johar, sets out to be an emotional patriotic thriller but ends up as a flat, uninspired attempt at storytelling. With popular names like Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan, expectations were understandably high. However, poor character development, inconsistent acting, and a hollow script ultimately sink this war-themed family drama.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Loss, Loyalty, and Identity
The narrative centers around Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a proud army officer posted in Kashmir, and his fractured relationship with his stammering son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan). The family, including mother Meher (Kajol), lives under the burden of unspoken pain and unresolved tension. Tragedy strikes when Harman is kidnapped by terrorists, leading to a tense situation involving demands for a prisoner exchange.
Despite personal grief, Colonel Menon prioritizes national duty, assuming the worst about his son’s fate. Years later, a young man returns, claiming to be the long-lost Harman. Is he really their son? Or is this an elaborate manipulation? These questions form the crux of the film’s central mystery.
Performances: A Talented Cast Let Down by Poor Direction
Despite a cast stacked with talent, Sarzameen struggles to evoke any emotional depth. Prithviraj Sukumaran, known for his powerful screen presence, is restricted to a two-note performance—perpetually angry or mournfully tearful. His portrayal of a heartbroken father feels mechanical, lacking the nuances expected from an actor of his caliber.
Kajol, who has delivered iconic roles in emotional dramas like My Name Is Khan, is almost unrecognizable in this watered-down version of a grieving mother. Her performance lacks conviction, mainly due to the poorly structured screenplay.
The film also marks a major appearance by Ibrahim Ali Khan, but unfortunately, the young actor struggles to carry his weight. Although he fits the aesthetic of a Bollywood heartthrob—with chiseled looks and impeccable styling—his delivery is wooden, his expressions uncertain, and his presence often feels out of place in emotionally charged scenes. It becomes evident that while he might have potential, his acting still needs refinement.
Direction and Screenplay: Emotionally Flat and Rushed
Directed by Kayoze Irani, Sarzameen squanders a promising premise. The screenplay, also written by Irani, suffers from lack of emotional build-up, clunky dialogue, and a predictable plot twist. What could have been a stirring patriotic film loaded with suspense and sentiment is instead riddled with awkward pacing and unintentional comedy in the second half.
There is barely any chemistry between the core cast members. The family dynamics—so essential to making the audience invest emotionally—feel forced and superficial. A film that revolves around the devastating loss of a child should tug at the heartstrings, but Sarzameen never even gets close.
Supporting Cast and Cameos: Underused and Unimpressive
Veteran actor Boman Irani makes a brief special appearance, but his character fails to make any real impact. Mihir Ahuja, though earnest, does little more than play his part as written, with no memorable scenes or standout moments. The ensemble feels like a missed opportunity, as none are given room to shine.
Cinematography, Music, and Visuals: Gloss Over Substance
Visually, Sarzameen attempts to match the grandeur expected from a patriotic drama, but cinematography alone cannot save a weak story. The Kashmir backdrop is used more as a prop than a thematic anchor.
The music by Vishal Mishra is disappointingly forgettable. Not a single song manages to linger after the credits roll, despite the potential for powerful background scores in such emotionally driven narratives.
OTT-Friendly but Emotionally Disconnected
Sarzameen fits the mold of several recent OTT releases: quick to produce, packed with recognizable faces, and reliant on genre appeal rather than narrative strength. It's the kind of film that garners views based on cast alone but fails to offer any memorable moments or meaningful insights.
If the film aimed to comment on sacrifice, patriotism, and familial grief, those themes remain woefully underexplored. Audiences hoping for a Main Hoon Na-style payoff or an Uri: The Surgical Strike level of emotional catharsis will find themselves disappointed.
Final Verdict: A Glossy Shell With No Soul
Sarzameen might look like a gripping patriotic thriller on the surface, but underneath lies a shallow attempt to recreate the magic of better films. Despite its star cast and emotional premise, it falters due to weak direction, underwhelming performances, and an emotionally barren screenplay.
