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Netflix’s latest Independence Day offering, Saare Jahan Se Accha, dives deep into the shadowy world of espionage, setting its narrative against the volatile Indo-Pak backdrop of the 1970s. While Pratik Gandhi headlines the show as RAW agent Vishnu Shankar, it’s the ensemble cast—Sunny Hinduja, Anup Soni, Suhail Nayyar, Tillotama Shome, and Kritika Kamra—that elevates this spy thriller into a layered, emotionally resonant drama.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the show’s strengths, shortcomings, and standout moments.
Key Highlights From the Series
- Set in the post-1971 war era, the series follows India’s covert mission to sabotage Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions
- Pratik Gandhi plays Vishnu Shankar, a RAW agent sent undercover to Islamabad
- Sunny Hinduja’s portrayal of ISI chief Murtaza Malik adds depth and menace to the antagonist role
- Anup Soni and Suhail Nayyar shine in supporting roles, portraying conflicted patriots on both sides
- The show premiered on August 13, 2025, and has received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and viewers
Plot and Historical Context
The story begins with the mysterious death of physicist Homi Bhabha, setting the tone for a high-stakes geopolitical drama. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is determined to develop nuclear capabilities, prompting India’s RAW to deploy Vishnu Shankar on a covert mission.
Disguised as a diplomat, Vishnu navigates a web of double agents, journalists, and military officials. His objective: dismantle Pakistan’s nuclear program before it reaches critical mass. The narrative is peppered with real-world references—Gaddafi, Mossad, Pokhran, and Gadani port—adding authenticity to the fictionalized account.
Performance and Character Depth
Pratik Gandhi delivers a restrained yet compelling performance, portraying a spy torn between duty and personal sacrifice. However, it’s Sunny Hinduja who steals the spotlight. His Murtaza Malik is not a caricatured villain but a layered adversary with emotional complexity and nationalistic fervor.
Anup Soni plays Naushad, a Pakistani officer secretly aiding India, while Suhail Nayyar’s Sukhbir brings vulnerability and moral ambiguity to the role of a long-embedded Indian agent. Kritika Kamra, as journalist Fatima, and Tillotama Shome, as Vishnu’s wife Mohini, add emotional texture, though their arcs feel underutilized.
Writing and Direction
Created by Gaurav Shukla and directed by Sumit Purohit, the series avoids jingoism and opts for realism. The writing team—including Bhavesh Mandalia and others—balances patriotism with introspection. Dialogues like “The work of a spy is more difficult than finding a diamond in a coal mine” may feel heavy-handed, but they reflect the show’s thematic ambition.
Each episode ends on a cliffhanger, maintaining momentum. The production design—rotary phones, vintage cars, and period costumes—recreates the 1970s with precision. However, the final episode feels rushed, and some subplots, especially the romantic angle, lack depth.
Viewer Reactions and Criticism
Audience feedback has been varied:
- Many praised the show’s grounded storytelling and historical relevance
- Some compared it unfavorably to other spy dramas like Tehran and Salakaar, citing genre fatigue
- Critics noted the lack of novelty in spy tropes—hidden cameras, coded messages, and park-bench meetings
- Others appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Pakistani characters, avoiding stereotypical villainy
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Spy Drama With Room to Grow
Saare Jahan Se Accha is not just another spy thriller—it’s a meditation on loyalty, identity, and the human cost of covert warfare. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it succeeds in presenting a mature, well-researched narrative with strong performances and emotional resonance. For viewers seeking substance over spectacle, this Netflix series is worth the watch.
Sources: Firstpost, Indian Express, New Indian Express, MensXP, Scroll.in
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