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Salakaar (2025) Review: 

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Release Date: August 8, 2025

Platform: JioHotstar

Rating: 3/5

Overview

Salakaar, a five-episode spy thriller directed by Faruk Kabir, dives into the high-stakes world of espionage, weaving a narrative across two timelines—1978 and 2025. Inspired by real-life events and loosely based on the covert operations of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the series explores India-Pakistan tensions, focusing on Pakistan’s clandestine nuclear ambitions. With a stellar cast led by Naveen Kasturia and Mouni Roy, Salakaar promises a gripping tale of patriotism, sacrifice, and intrigue. While it delivers moments of suspense and strong performances, it stumbles with logical inconsistencies and uneven storytelling, making it a compelling yet flawed watch.

Plot and Setting

The series unfolds in dual timelines. In 1978, young R&AW agent Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) operates undercover in Islamabad, tasked with thwarting Pakistan’s secret nuclear program, Project Kahuta, led by General Zia Ullah (Mukesh Rishi). In 2025, an older Adhir (Purnendu Bhattacharya) confronts a resurgent nuclear threat orchestrated by Zia’s grandson, Colonel Ashfaq Ullah (Surya Sharma). Meanwhile, R&AW agent Mariam, aka Shristi Chaturvedi (Mouni Roy), infiltrates Ashfaq’s circle using AI-powered spy glasses to secure critical intelligence.

The narrative alternates between the gritty, instinct-driven espionage of the 1970s and the tech-heavy operations of 2025. The historical backdrop, rooted in real India-Pakistan nuclear espionage, adds authenticity, while the modern timeline introduces futuristic elements like AI gadgets. However, the transitions between eras can feel jarring, and the 2025 storyline lacks the depth of its 1978 counterpart.

Performances

• Naveen Kasturia shines as the young Adhir Dayal, bringing quiet intensity and authenticity to the role. His subtle expressions and calm demeanor make the 1978 scenes compelling, grounding the spy narrative in emotional realism.
• Mouni Roy plays Mariam with poise but is let down by underdeveloped writing. Her character’s reliance on AI glasses feels gimmicky, and her arc lacks emotional weight despite a promising setup.
• Mukesh Rishi delivers a menacing General Zia, though his role leans into caricature at times. His gravitas elevates key scenes.
• Surya Sharma as Colonel Ashfaq is charismatic yet brutal, effectively mirroring his grandfather’s legacy.
• Purnendu Bhattacharya provides a steady presence as the older Adhir, bridging the timelines with conviction.

Supporting performances, like Janhavi Hardas as Jyothi, add quiet depth, though some characters remain underutilized.

Strengths

• Pacing and Length: At five episodes (roughly 30-35 minutes each), Salakaar is a brisk binge, avoiding unnecessary filler. The tight storytelling keeps viewers engaged, especially in the action-packed 1978 sequences.
• Period Authenticity: The 1970s setting is a highlight, with detailed costumes, lighting, and references (like a nod to Kapil Dev’s 1978 debut) creating an immersive vibe.
• Cinematography and Music: Jitan Harmeet Singh’s cinematography captures the tension of both eras, particularly the moody 1970s scenes. Amar Mohile’s score, while occasionally overpowering, adds suspense.
• Performances: Kasturia and Rishi stand out, anchoring the series even when the plot falters.

Weaknesses

• Logical Lapses: The series sacrifices realism for drama. For instance, Adhir survives a massive explosion with minimal injuries, and security at Kahuta feels inconsistently lax. These plot holes disrupt immersion.
• Underdeveloped 2025 Plot: The modern timeline feels rushed and relies on gimmicky tech, like AI glasses, which undermines the gritty espionage tone. Mariam’s arc lacks depth, reducing her to a distressed femme fatale.
• Emotional Disconnect: Despite themes of sacrifice and patriotism, the series struggles to evoke deep emotional resonance. Key character arcs, like Mariam’s and Jyothi’s, feel like afterthoughts.
• Clichéd Execution: Some scenes veer into B-movie territory, with cartoonish villains and predictable twists, failing to match the nuance of spy dramas like The Family Man or Fauda.

Audience Reception

Salakaar has garnered mixed reactions. Fans praise its fast-paced narrative, strong performances, and historical intrigue, with some calling it a worthy weekend binge. However, others criticize its lack of depth, logical inconsistencies, and failure to fully explore its ambitious themes. On X, sentiments range from appreciation for the cast to disappointment over plot holes and clichéd execution. The series averages around 3 to 3.5 stars across reviews.

Final Verdict

Salakaar is a bold attempt at a historical spy thriller with a stellar cast and a promising premise. It succeeds in delivering a quick, engaging watch with strong 1978 segments and commendable performances, particularly from Naveen Kasturia. However, logical lapses, an underdeveloped 2025 storyline, and a lack of emotional depth prevent it from reaching the heights of genre standouts. If you’re a fan of espionage dramas and can overlook some flaws, Salakaar is worth a weekend binge for its historical flavor and brisk pacing. Just don’t expect a masterpiece.

Recommendation: Watch it for Kasturia’s performance and the 1970s intrigue, but temper expectations for a cohesive, hard-hitting spy saga.

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