Movie Review: The Diplomat (2025) – A Tense Yet Flawed Tale of Diplomacy and Resilience
Streaming on: Netflix (from May 9, 2025)
Runtime: Not specified (typically around 2 hours for Bollywood films)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director: Shivam Nair
Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi
The world of diplomacy, with its high stakes, geopolitical chess games, and moral dilemmas, has rarely been explored in Bollywood cinema. Enter The Diplomat (2025), a Hindi film directed by Shivam Nair and starring John Abraham, which attempts to fill this gap by weaving a narrative inspired by a true story. Streaming on Netflix from May 9, 2025, this thriller-drama has generated buzz for its unique premise and John Abraham’s restrained performance as an Indian diplomat on a mission to repatriate a young woman from Pakistan. With an IMDb rating of 7.4, The Diplomat promises a gripping tale of international intrigue, personal trauma, and resilience—but does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dive into this 800-word review to find out.
From the opening scene, The Diplomat sets a tense tone. John Abraham plays J.P. Singh, an Indian diplomat stationed in a foreign country, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a young Indian woman trapped in a nightmare. Uzma’s story is heartbreaking—she was lured to Pakistan by a man named Tahir, whom she met in Malaysia, only to be coerced into a marriage against her will in a remote village. Singh, a man of principle with a reputation for getting things done, takes it upon himself to bring her back to India, navigating a labyrinth of bureaucratic red tape, hostile locals, and the ever-looming shadow of India-Pakistan tensions. The film’s premise, based on a true story, immediately grabs attention, offering a rare Bollywood lens on diplomacy, foreign policy, and the often-overlooked issue of gender-based violence in cross-border contexts.
What sets The Diplomat apart from typical Bollywood fare is its focus on the intricacies of international relations. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the murky waters of diplomacy—where every decision has consequences, and neutrality is a luxury few can afford. Director Shivam Nair, known for his work in television and smaller-scale films, brings a grounded approach to the storytelling. The scenes of Singh negotiating with Pakistani authorities, Indian embassy officials, and even Uzma’s captors are laden with tension, showcasing the delicate balance diplomats must strike between personal ethics and national interests. A particularly standout moment occurs when Singh confronts a Pakistani official in court, using a combination of legal arguments and emotional appeals to make his case for Uzma’s repatriation. It’s a scene that encapsulates the film’s central theme: the power of diplomacy to effect change, even in the most hostile environments.
John Abraham delivers one of his career-best performances as J.P. Singh. Known for his action-hero roles in films like Force and Satyameva Jayate, Abraham takes a more subdued approach here, letting his expressive eyes and measured dialogue convey Singh’s inner conflict. He’s a man torn between his duty to his country and his empathy for Uzma, and Abraham nails this duality with finesse. Sadia Khateeb, as Uzma, is equally compelling, portraying a woman who is both victim and survivor. Her scenes in the Pakistani village—where she’s subjected to isolation and coercion—are raw and haunting, making her eventual fight for freedom all the more rewarding. Supporting actors like Kumud Mishra, playing a seasoned advocate, and Sharib Hashmi, as a junior diplomat, add depth to the ensemble, though their characters are somewhat underdeveloped.
The film’s strongest asset is its nuanced portrayal of cultural and religious dynamics. It takes care to avoid painting Pakistan or Islam with a broad, villainous brush. Uzma herself is Muslim, and the film explicitly states that Tahir’s actions are not representative of an entire community or nation. Instead, it highlights how societal pressures and media narratives in Pakistan initially rally around Tahir, believing the false narrative of a Hindu embassy kidnapping Uzma out of prejudice. This subplot adds a layer of complexity, showing how misinformation can exacerbate already tense cross-border relations. The courtroom scenes in Pakistan, where Uzma’s fate hangs in the balance, are particularly gripping, as they expose the systemic challenges women face in such situations.
However, The Diplomat is not without its flaws, and they become more apparent as the film progresses. One of the biggest issues is the pacing in the second half. While the first half builds tension effectively, the latter half introduces unnecessary subplots—like a comic relief track involving Singh’s colleague—that dilute the narrative’s intensity. These attempts at humor feel out of place in a film that otherwise takes itself seriously, and they undermine the emotional weight of Uzma’s struggle. Additionally, the film struggles with its climax. Without giving too much away, the resolution feels rushed and overly convenient, failing to deliver the emotional catharsis the story deserves. Critics have noted this as a major drawback, and I have to agree—the final act feels like a missed opportunity to tie the narrative threads together in a more impactful way.
Visually, The Diplomat is a mixed bag. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the bustling streets of Malaysia, the desolate Pakistani village, and the sterile embassy offices with competence, but there’s nothing particularly memorable about the visual style. The background score, however, is a highlight, with its subtle use of strings and percussion amplifying the tension in key scenes. The production design also deserves a nod for its authenticity—whether it’s the cramped, dusty village or the formal embassy settings, the film feels lived-in and real.
At its core, The Diplomat is a film about resilience—Uzma’s resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship, and Singh’s resilience in fighting for justice within a flawed system. It’s also a rare Bollywood film that dares to tackle the intersection of personal trauma and geopolitical tensions, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre. Comparisons to the 2024 film Ulajh, which also explored diplomacy, are inevitable, but The Diplomat stands out for its emotional depth and real-world inspiration.
In conclusion, The Diplomat is a film that gets a lot right—its performances, thematic ambition, and tense first half make it a compelling watch. However, its uneven pacing, misplaced humor, and underwhelming climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. With an IMDb rating of 7.4, it’s clear that audiences have found much to appreciate, but for me, it’s more of a 7/10. It’s a film that’s worth watching for its fresh perspective and strong performances, but don’t expect a flawless cinematic experience. If you’re a fan of thought-provoking dramas with a geopolitical edge, The Diplomat on Netflix is a solid pick—just brace yourself for a few bumps along the way.
Rating: 7/10
