Salakaar (2025) Review – A Slick Spy Thriller That Stumbles in Execution

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Salakaar is a five-episode Hindi espionage drama unfolding across two eras—1978 and 2025—anchored by a high-stakes mission to thwart Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions. Directed by Faruk Kabir and led by Naveen Kasturia and Mouni Roy, it’s an ambitious blend of historical intrigue and modern-day espionage, though not without flaws.

PLOT SYNOPSIS

In 1978, RAW operative Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) infiltrates Pakistan to sabotage General Zia’s nuclear program. Decades later, in 2025, RAW agent Mariam (Mouni Roy), working undercover as a teacher in Pakistan, discovers a renewed nuclear threat. Her investigation connects her with the older Adhir (Purnendu Bhattacharya), now serving as National Security Advisor. As the timelines interlace, the stakes grow—spanning covert missions, political maneuvering, and dangerous alliances.

PERFORMANCES

Naveen Kasturia delivers a strong, nuanced performance as the younger Adhir, shining particularly in the 1970s arc. Mukesh Rishi commands the screen as General Zia, adding gravitas to the antagonist’s role. Mouni Roy, while positioned as a central figure, is underutilized, with her character often leaning toward conventional tropes rather than spycraft prowess.

DIRECTION & SCREENPLAY

The dual timeline approach is a bold storytelling choice, offering both historical depth and modern relevance. The 1978 narrative emerges as the series’ strongest component, rich in atmosphere and authenticity. The 2025 arc, however, struggles with uneven pacing and reliance on spy-movie clichés, occasionally straining believability.

Technical and contextual missteps—such as oversimplified intelligence operations and unrealistic gadgetry—further undermine the narrative’s credibility.

TECHNICAL MERITS

Production design is a standout, especially in the 1970s sequences, with period-accurate sets and muted color palettes. The present-day scenes lean more on style than substance, favoring glossy visuals over grounded realism. Music and cinematography complement the setting, though the editing pace sometimes rushes key emotional beats.

CRITICAL & AUDIENCE RESPONSE

Reactions have been mixed. Viewers praise the premise, strong performances in the historical arc, and the concise runtime, but criticize the uneven writing and lack of depth in the modern storyline. Some enjoy it as a sleek, surface-level spy thriller, while others find it underwhelming compared to its potential.

FINAL VERDICT

Salakaar blends engaging historical espionage with a less convincing modern-day spy plot. Its strengths lie in the 1978 storyline’s authenticity, atmospheric visuals, and dedicated performances. However, the 2025 arc’s inconsistencies and occasional lapses in logic hold it back from being a top-tier thriller.

Recommended for fans of political espionage dramas with an interest in historical narratives. Less suited for those seeking a tightly woven, consistently high-stakes spy story.