Ground Zero Review: Emraan Hashmi Delivers a Gripping Salute to the Unsung Heroes
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
After a two-year hiatus from leading roles, Emraan Hashmi returns to the big screen with Ground Zero, a gritty and timely film that resonates deeply with the current national mood. Coming shortly after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Ground Zero feels like a film released at the right time — reflecting both public anger and patriotic sentiment. Based on a real-life incident, the movie blends action, emotion, and the harsh realities of terrorism in Kashmir.
Plot Overview
The film opens in August 2001 in Srinagar, where local boys, lured by money and promises of protection, are manipulated into terrorism. These young recruits carry out heinous acts, including the ambush of nearly 70 soldiers. In the midst of this chaos, BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey (Emraan Hashmi) returns to Srinagar. Determined and disciplined, he nearly captures the elusive terrorist mastermind Ghazi Baba—believed to be behind the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2002 Akshardham temple assault.
As the film progresses, personal tragedy strikes, and Narendra is falsely blamed for a deadly attack. However, he remains undeterred. Despite taking seven bullets, he executes a high-stakes mission to eliminate Ghazi Baba and dismantle the terror network. The story becomes a tense, emotionally charged ride that pays tribute to the resilience of Indian soldiers.
Direction and Writing
The strength of Ground Zero lies in its tight narrative and raw depiction of conflict in Kashmir. The Kashmiri backdrop, complete with accurate accents and authentic locations, adds depth and realism. The film successfully captures the psychological burden borne by soldiers and the challenges they face in a volatile region.
However, where the film falters is in its dialogue and music. Patriotic films often rely on stirring lines and powerful songs to elevate the emotional impact. Here, the writing falls short. Apart from the lone impactful line, “Pehredari bahut ho gayi, ab prahar hoga”, the dialogue lacks the punch one would expect from a film of this nature. Additionally, the soundtrack is forgettable — a surprising miss in a movie featuring Emraan Hashmi, once known for chart-topping music.
Performances
Emraan Hashmi delivers a commendable performance, completely immersing himself in the role of Narendra Dubey. He sheds his romantic-hero image and convincingly portrays a gritty, battle-hardened officer. His intensity and vulnerability strike the right balance, making his character both relatable and admirable.
Zoya Hussain supports well in a limited but meaningful role. However, Sai Tamhankar, playing Emraan’s wife, fails to leave a mark. Their lack of on-screen chemistry is noticeable and detracts slightly from the personal arc of the protagonist.
Final Verdict
Ground Zero stands out for its authentic storytelling, strong central performance, and a message of courage and sacrifice. It’s a timely film that brings attention to the often-ignored struggles of soldiers battling terrorism in Kashmir. Though it lacks powerful dialogue and memorable music, the film still manages to stir emotions and leaves the audience reflecting on the sacrifices of unsung heroes.
In today’s context, Ground Zero hits a nerve — and perhaps that’s what makes it worth watching.
