Ground Zero review: Following the recent horrifying terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, there’s a wave of anger and grief sweeping across the nation. At such a time, a film that revolves around the mission to eliminate a dreaded terrorist like Ghazi Baba should evoke strong emotions and strike a patriotic chord. Unfortunately, this film starring Emraan Hashmi fails to do either. It merely narrates a story—one that many already know—but doesn't make you feel it. Unlike emotionally charged films like 'Uri', 'Haider', 'The Kashmir Files', or even 'Mission Kashmir' this one falls disappointingly flat.
Ground Zero plot
The film tells the story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led a high-risk operation that resulted in the killing of notorious terrorist Ghazi Baba. While this mission is considered one of the most successful in BSF history, the film reduces it to a single-line summary. It lacks the emotional depth and cinematic drama required to bring such a powerful narrative to life.
How is Ground Zero?
Given the current national sentiment over the Pahalgam tragedy, one might have expected audiences to turn up in large numbers. However, when we went to the theatre, there were only two people. That says a lot.
The story had potential, but it’s let down by weak writing and a disjointed screenplay. The film begins with generic visuals of Kashmir—images we've seen time and again. In the age of detailed web series, this superficial portrayal just doesn't cut it. The film barely explores the terror of a figure like Ghazi Baba. He’s underwritten, underplayed, and not portrayed by a strong actor—making the antagonist unconvincing and the conflict uninspiring.
There’s a glaring absence of emotional moments—no goosebump-inducing scenes, no moments that make you want to applaud, and nothing that connects with your heart. The film merely goes through the motions. Even the pivotal mission, which should’ve been the film’s soul, is hurriedly wrapped up in the final minutes. It feels rushed, as if the director lost interest or assumed earlier scenes were more important.
Kashmir, as a subject, carries immense emotional weight—but this film evokes none of it. It neither shocks, nor entertains, nor moves the viewer.
Performances
Emraan Hashmi tries his best to fit into a role that’s far removed from his typical image, and to his credit, he does make an effort. But a weak script and lazy writing undo his hard work. Sai Tamhankar, who plays his wife, is given little to do. Barring one press conference scene, her character adds no value. Zoya Hussain’s character is underdeveloped, and Mukesh Tiwari is simply slotted in as a BSF officer without any significant arc. The cast feels wasted.
Writing & direction
Written by Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshi Srivastava, and directed by Tejas Prabha, the film never truly understands the weight of the story it’s trying to tell. It’s a rehash of clichés we’ve seen too often. The screenplay lacks coherence, often jumping from one scene to another with no buildup. The core mission—the heart of the story—is given the least screen time, leaving viewers emotionally disconnected.
Music
The background score by John Stewart Eduri is flat and forgettable. There’s nothing memorable or impactful about the music, which only adds to the film’s emotional void.
Verdict
This film had all the ingredients for a powerful, stirring tale of patriotism and sacrifice. But it ends up being a disappointing watch. You're better off waiting for its OTT release—if at all you decide to watch it.