The Bollywood film “Sarzameen,” produced by Karan Johar and streamed on Hotstar, was one of the most awaited releases thanks to its promising cast and patriotic theme. The film starred notable artists such as Prithviraj, Kajol, and newcomer Ibrahim Ali Khan, who is also a protégé of Karan Johar. At its core, “Sarzameen” aimed to weave a tense narrative around a soldier and his biggest internal challenge — when the enemy lies within his own family.
However, what unfolds in this movie is a staggering disappointment marked by a weak storyline, poor execution, and wasted talent. Below is a meticulous dissection of the film, touching its plot, characters, production, and overall impact—or lack thereof.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around a soldier whose unwavering patriotism commands him to put his country’s interests above everything else, even family. The soldier lives by the motto of sacrificing everything—including those closest to him—for the nation he serves. The pivotal conflict arises when terrorists abduct the soldier’s son, and an exchange deal leads to a heart-wrenching separation.
Years later, a group of boys crosses the border, one of whom has the same name as the soldier’s missing son. This coincidence sets the stage for a dramatic twist: Is the soldier’s son really alive, having defied death and returned home? Or is there an impostor on a secret mission that challenges loyalty and trust?
Through its runtime of just under two hours, the film attempts to merge themes of patriotism, family, identity, and deception with thriller elements. But the narrative is tangled and lacks coherence, leading to viewer confusion rather than emotional engagement.
Performances and Character Analysis
- Prithviraj as the Soldier: The actor, known for his strong performances in Malayalam cinema, was rigorously underutilized. Instead of delivering a compelling patriotic hero, his role was flattened by poor direction and illogical plot turns.
- Kajol as the Soldier’s Wife: Kajol’s character holds potential emotional weight but is regrettably sidelined and underdeveloped. The script gives her very little to work with, making her presence feel forced rather than integral.
- Ibrahim Ali Khan as the Soldier’s Son: A newcomer and Karan Johar’s protege, his acting skills came under harsh scrutiny. His portrayal neither added credibility to the film nor saved the narrative from its narrative pitfalls.
Direction and Production
The film was clearly driven by Karan Johar’s interest in launching new talent but unfortunately at the expense of substance. The direction failed to balance patriotism with a believable storyline. Instead of creating an emotional connect with the audience, the movie used patriotism almost as a facade to promote its stars.
The plot twist in the second half, aiming for shock value, comes off as illogical and forced, generating more frustration than excitement. The lack of promotional strategy and the decision to release the movie quietly on OTT platforms further indicate a lack of confidence from the makers.
Writing and Screenplay
“Sarzameen” falters heavily in the script department. The storyline lacks a strong logical foundation and does not evoke genuine emotions. Key plot points feel hurried and contrived, and the dialogues often miss the mark on sincerity and impact.
The climax, which should ideally have been the film’s strongest moment, instead leaves the audience bewildered rather than moved. The film tries to juggle multiple ideas but ends up giving none justice.
Music and Technical Aspects
The music in the film does not enhance the cinematic experience. Instead, it feels immature, failing to support the emotional or narrative arcs needed for a patriotic drama. Cinematography and editing also appear average, lacking any distinctive style or flair that might arrest audience attention.
Overall Impressions and Final Thoughts
Despite having a strong idea at its core—the intense conflict of a soldier and his family—the movie “Sarzameen” fails to deliver on execution. It is a disappointing watch, lacking emotional depth, coherent storytelling, and meaningful character arcs.
The film’s attempt to glorify patriotism while simultaneously launching new faces feels shallow and misguided. It seems as if the movie was more about fulfilling production house objectives than creating a memorable cinematic experience.
Who Should Watch?
If you are a fan of the cast or enjoy patriotic action dramas, you may want to approach this film with caution and tempered expectations. However, if you seek a compelling story or quality filmmaking, “Sarzameen” is likely not the movie for you.