Salakaar on JioHotstar — A Spy Saga That Strives, but Struggles

Salakaar, directed by Faruk Kabir, unfolds across two intersecting eras: 1978 and 2025. In the past, Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) infiltrates Pakistan to sabotage a covert nuclear project. Fast forward to the present, he is India's National Security Advisor, pulling strings behind the shadows as a fresh threat rises through a new generation of adversaries . This dual-layered structure offers a fertile cinematic ground—rich with legacy, espionage, and the personal cost of patriotism.

The Soul of the Series — Performances

Naveen Kasturia portrays both versions of Adhir with restraint and gravitas. His methodical, restrained presence anchors the narrative’s weight . Mouni Roy, as Mariam/Srishti in the 2025 timeline, infuses vulnerability and determination into a character torn between duty and danger. Mukesh Rishi, as General Zia, radiates menace and makes the series’ emotional payoffs memorable .

Visual & Sonic Craft — The Invisible Storytellers

Technically, Salakaar shines in slices. The cinematography—by Jitan Harmeet Singh—nails the atmospheric tones of both Islamabad’s alleys and Delhi’s shadows . Amar Mohile’s music score brings subtle tension and mood, even when the script falters . Yet, inconsistent art direction and occasional amateurish props reveal the cracks behind the craft .

The Writing — Where the Script Stumbles

Here lies the heartache. The writing is riddled with logical gaps, improbable spycraft, and disbelief-stretching moments. Diplomatic bodies act like chess pieces, identities are revealed with alarming nonchalance, and major plot threads seem disconnected. Critics flagged these flaws, calling the narrative “too filmy,” “clumsy,” and “contrived” despite its lofty intentions .

So, Is Salakaar Worth the Watch?

Yes, if you’re seeking:

• A bite-sized espionage thriller, clocking in at just around 2.5 hours over five tightly packed episodes .

• Standout performances, especially Mouni Roy’s emotional arcs and Mukesh Rishi’s brooding intensity.

• High production sheen and a certain cinematic ambition, even if the structure doesn’t always hold.

No, if your expectations are:

• A taut, internally consistent thriller with emotional depth and polished writing.

• Spycraft that respects logic, subtlety, and believable storytelling.

Final Verdict — A Flicker, Not a Flame

Salakaar wears its heart on its sleeve—it wants to honor unsung intelligence heroes while weaving a geopolitical thriller. In flashes, it gestures toward genius: a poetic line in 1978, a brooding glance that holds more than words ever could . But for many, the final product feels like a film stretched into a miniseries—ambitious, earnest, but ultimately undone by its own narrative missteps.

If you're looking for a quick spy fix wrapped in cinematic aesthetics, Salakaar delivers intermittently. Yet, for those craving narrative cohesion and subtle storytelling, the ride may feel too jolting. In a realm where silence can narrate better than dialogue, Salakaar too often stops speaking coherently.

A Tale of Two Timelines

Salakaar, directed by Faruk Kabir, unfolds across two intersecting eras: 1978 and 2025. In the past, Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) infiltrates Pakistan to sabotage a covert nuclear project. Fast forward to the present, he is India's National Security Advisor, pulling strings behind the shadows as a fresh threat rises through a new generation of adversaries . This dual-layered structure offers a fertile cinematic ground—rich with legacy, espionage, and the personal cost of patriotism.

The Soul of the Series — Performances

Naveen Kasturia portrays both versions of Adhir with restraint and gravitas. His methodical, restrained presence anchors the narrative’s weight . Mouni Roy, as Mariam/Srishti in the 2025 timeline, infuses vulnerability and determination into a character torn between duty and danger. Mukesh Rishi, as General Zia, radiates menace and makes the series’ emotional payoffs memorable .

Visual & Sonic Craft — The Invisible Storytellers

Technically, Salakaar shines in slices. The cinematography—by Jitan Harmeet Singh—nails the atmospheric tones of both Islamabad’s alleys and Delhi’s shadows . Amar Mohile’s music score brings subtle tension and mood, even when the script falters . Yet, inconsistent art direction and occasional amateurish props reveal the cracks behind the craft .

The Writing — Where the Script Stumbles

Here lies the heartache. The writing is riddled with logical gaps, improbable spycraft, and disbelief-stretching moments. Diplomatic bodies act like chess pieces, identities are revealed with alarming nonchalance, and major plot threads seem disconnected. Critics flagged these flaws, calling the narrative “too filmy,” “clumsy,” and “contrived” despite its lofty intentions .

So, Is Salakaar Worth the Watch?

Yes, if you’re seeking:

• A bite-sized espionage thriller, clocking in at just around 2.5 hours over five tightly packed episodes .

• Standout performances, especially Mouni Roy’s emotional arcs and Mukesh Rishi’s brooding intensity.

• High production sheen and a certain cinematic ambition, even if the structure doesn’t always hold.

No, if your expectations are:

• A taut, internally consistent thriller with emotional depth and polished writing.

• Spycraft that respects logic, subtlety, and believable storytelling.

Final Verdict — A Flicker, Not a Flame

Salakaar wears its heart on its sleeve—it wants to honor unsung intelligence heroes while weaving a geopolitical thriller. In flashes, it gestures toward genius: a poetic line in 1978, a brooding glance that holds more than words ever could . But for many, the final product feels like a film stretched into a miniseries—ambitious, earnest, but ultimately undone by its own narrative missteps.

If you're looking for a quick spy fix wrapped in cinematic aesthetics, Salakaar delivers intermittently. Yet, for those craving narrative cohesion and subtle storytelling, the ride may feel too jolting. In a realm where silence can narrate better than dialogue, Salakaar too often stops speaking coherently.

---

SRESTHA ROY - AUTHOR

Srestha is a film writer who explores cinema through sharp reviews, insightful news, and in-depth features. From the magic of the big screen to behind-the- scenes stories, she brings readers closer to the art and industry of film.