Ground Zero (2025) Review!!

Synopsis – After the 2001 Parliament attack, BSF officer Dubey leads a 2-year probe uncovering the mastermind Ghazi Baba, enabling India’s biggest anti-terror operation

My Take – Released this weekend, just days after Pahalgam terrorist attack, a tragedy whose consequences are getting worse by the hour, the significance of this latest Excel Entertainment production immediately heightened by its timely arrival.

Mainly as unlike other features that have mirrored the status of the fragile peace in the north Indian state of Kashmir, this Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar directorial steers clear of the disturbing jingoism that has been part and parcel of such packaging, and instead focuses on the tough life of the Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers in the conflict-stricken valley and draws from one such real but lesser-known, high-stakes operation.

Blending fact-based realism with cinematic intensity, writers Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivasta‘s screenplay explore the complexities of the Kashmir conflict through the eyes of Second-in-Command BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who led the operation to eliminate Ghazi Baba, the notorious mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the Akshardham attack, and a thwarted 2003 assault on the PM’s convoy, showcasing unparalleled bravery.

Anchored by a career-defining portrayal from Emraan Hashmi, the resulting film is a gripping military thriller that is weaved around a tense and compelling narrative. With the restraint in storytelling, sans melodrama, being particularly refreshing.

Yes, it suffers from some pacing issues in the third act of the film, but it also serves as a stark portrayal of the sacrifices and the efforts our brave hearts make to protect the nation and how terrorists instead manipulate the innocent through vulnerabilities, fear and lure.

Beginning in 2001 in the ever-sensitive terrain of Kashmir, the story follows BSF Deputy Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey (Emraan Hashmi), who is haunted by the loss of 17 soldiers killed in surprise point-blank range attacks carried out by a small-outfit known as the pistol gang. And while gathering information on them, Narendra and his team stumble upon plans about a bigger plan.

Believing it to be an attack on a high-profile minister during a summit in the ever volatile state, the BSF takes all the necessary prevention action, only to be left disgruntled when the attack ends up being carried out in Delhi at the Parliament on December 13, 2001. With responsibility taken by Jaish-E-Mohammed and its mysterious leader, Ghazi Baba. Convinced that the ambiguous terrorist leader is hiding in Kashmir among the common folk, Dubey, even begins an unsanctioned operation with the help of a civilian informant.

Though the Delhi-based IB officers and his own senior (Mukesh Tiwari), are not too enthusiastic about his contradicting theories, especially due to the lack of concrete evidence, but as the attacks accelerate, backed by the support of his wife (Sai Tamhankar), intelligence officer Aadila (Zoya Hussain), and the trust of his loyal colleagues, Dubey trust his own gut instincts and follows through on an impossible mission.

From there on, the screenplay effectively crafts a narrative that balances the tension of a manhunt with the broader, more contemplative themes of duty, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

We witness decoding of terrorist messages, chasing leads, facing deception, and navigating red tape and power play that repeatedly hinder Dubey and his team from carrying out their mission. All the while refusing to succumb to jingoism. While the film certainly highlights the valor and dedication of the BSF soldiers, it never loses sight of the larger human cost of conflict.

It helps that Tejas Deoskar‘s direction is sincere and grounded throughout, opting instead for a subtle approach that emphasizes action through quiet moments. For instance, Dubey’s interactions with the local informant, Husain (Mir Mehrooz), are poignant and reveal the complexities of Kashmir’s youth caught between indoctrination and a yearning for peace.

The film uses some of these details to build a complex picture of a valley in turmoil, where the locals can be both complicit and innocent, depending upon their situation. It shows locals pelting stones; it also gives us poverty stricken homes where desperate young boys become easy marks for their handlers from across the border.

Sure, the narrative pace dips at times, but it remains engaging—a deliberate blend of slow burn and suspense that builds steadily, culminating in a gripping climax as the hunt for Ghazi Baba reaches its peak.

Performance wise, Emraan Hashmi‘s portrayal of a BSF officer is probably one of his finest roles. Often known for his brooding roles in romantic dramas and thrillers, Hashmi steps into uncharted territory here and delivers perhaps one of his most nuanced performances here. His portrayal of Dubey is a far cry from the brash, over-the-top action heroes we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. He is a man of few words, guided not by vengeance but by an unwavering commitment to his duty.

Sai Tamhankar, despite limited screen time, shines in those selected compelling moments. Zoya Hussain too makes an impact, particularly in the second half. Mir Mehrooz‘s natural charisma acts as a shining light in the dark narrative. In supporting roles, Mukesh Tiwari, Deepak Paramesh, Lalit Prabhakar, and Guneet Singh contributed well to the film’s overall texture. On the whole, ‘Ground Zero‘ is a solid military thriller that packs in ample intensity to make it an engaging and impactful watch.