
Synopsis
Ground Zero does not rely on high-octane theatrics but packs in ample thrills, making it an engaging and impactful watch.
Read MoreCast & Crew
Ground Zero Movie Review : Emraan Hashmi shines in this grounded yet gripping real-life BSF saga
Critic's Rating: 3.5/5
Story: The film follows the true story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey (Emraan Hashmi) as he spearheaded a daring operation to kill Ghazi Baba (Rockey Raina), the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist and the mastermind behind the Parliament Attack in 2001.
Review: Movies centred on foiled terrorist plots or the capture of militants often deliver gripping narratives infused with patriotic fervour. While many of us may have read about such missions, we are rarely made privy to the intricate details behind them. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar’s Ground Zero draws from one such real but lesser-known, high-stakes operation. It follows Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey and his relentless pursuit of practically a ghost—terrorist Ghazi Baba, whom he ultimately brought down.
The movie opens in August 2001 with a chilling sequence where terrorist Ahmed (Hanan) incites young Kashmiri boys like Hussain (Mir Mehrooz) to graduate from stone pelting to wielding pistols and shooting jawans at point-blank range. From there, writers Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava craft a gripping narrative—decoding terrorist phone calls, chasing leads, facing deception, and navigating red tape and power play that repeatedly hinder Narendra and his team from carrying out their mission.
Amid all the thrill, the story retains its heart, with Narendra trying to dissuade young boys from picking up guns rather than eliminating them. His connection with Hussain is portrayed with depth. The stakes and tension remain high, yet the film carries a subdued energy that adds to its realism. Familiar elements—terrorists manipulating vulnerable youth, sacrifices made by the families of security personnel, and the overall atmosphere—are present, but they’re handled with restraint and never feel over-dramatised.
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.
Kamaljeet Negi excels at capturing both the haunting silences and breathtaking beauty of the Kashmir valley. John Stewart Eduri’s background score, infused with electric guitar riffs, heightens the drama with a raw, immersive edge. Tanishk Bagchi’s Lahoo and So Lene De, along with Sunny Inder’s Fateh, are stirring compositions that add emotional weight to the narrative.
Commandant Dubey’s portrayal is refreshingly grounded rather than overtly heroic. His courage is undeniable, but the characterisation avoids going overboard. Emraan Hashmi delivers the role with conviction, embodying a man devoted to his duty and mission. Sai Tamhankar makes an impact in her brief role as his wife. Zoya Hussain, as Adilaa from the Intelligence team, delivers a strong performance. Deepak Paramesh, Lalit Prabhakar, and Guneet Singh deserve mention for their portrayals of BSF jawans, as do Mukesh Tiwari and Rahul Vohra as the top brass.
Ground Zero may not rely on high-octane theatrics, but its grounded energy, strong performances, and storytelling make it an engaging and impactful watch.
Review: Movies centred on foiled terrorist plots or the capture of militants often deliver gripping narratives infused with patriotic fervour. While many of us may have read about such missions, we are rarely made privy to the intricate details behind them. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar’s Ground Zero draws from one such real but lesser-known, high-stakes operation. It follows Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey and his relentless pursuit of practically a ghost—terrorist Ghazi Baba, whom he ultimately brought down.
The movie opens in August 2001 with a chilling sequence where terrorist Ahmed (Hanan) incites young Kashmiri boys like Hussain (Mir Mehrooz) to graduate from stone pelting to wielding pistols and shooting jawans at point-blank range. From there, writers Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava craft a gripping narrative—decoding terrorist phone calls, chasing leads, facing deception, and navigating red tape and power play that repeatedly hinder Narendra and his team from carrying out their mission.
Amid all the thrill, the story retains its heart, with Narendra trying to dissuade young boys from picking up guns rather than eliminating them. His connection with Hussain is portrayed with depth. The stakes and tension remain high, yet the film carries a subdued energy that adds to its realism. Familiar elements—terrorists manipulating vulnerable youth, sacrifices made by the families of security personnel, and the overall atmosphere—are present, but they’re handled with restraint and never feel over-dramatised.
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.
Kamaljeet Negi excels at capturing both the haunting silences and breathtaking beauty of the Kashmir valley. John Stewart Eduri’s background score, infused with electric guitar riffs, heightens the drama with a raw, immersive edge. Tanishk Bagchi’s Lahoo and So Lene De, along with Sunny Inder’s Fateh, are stirring compositions that add emotional weight to the narrative.
Commandant Dubey’s portrayal is refreshingly grounded rather than overtly heroic. His courage is undeniable, but the characterisation avoids going overboard. Emraan Hashmi delivers the role with conviction, embodying a man devoted to his duty and mission. Sai Tamhankar makes an impact in her brief role as his wife. Zoya Hussain, as Adilaa from the Intelligence team, delivers a strong performance. Deepak Paramesh, Lalit Prabhakar, and Guneet Singh deserve mention for their portrayals of BSF jawans, as do Mukesh Tiwari and Rahul Vohra as the top brass.
Ground Zero may not rely on high-octane theatrics, but its grounded energy, strong performances, and storytelling make it an engaging and impactful watch.
Click to favourite a theatre for it to show on top
Cinepolis - Aurum Square, GhansoliHindi 2D
12:30 PM6:30 PM9:20 PM
Cinepolis - High Street Mall, ThaneHindi 2D
10:20 AM4:50 PM7:45 PM
Cinepolis - Neptune Magnet Mall, Bhandup WestHindi 2D
2:10 PM5:05 PM
Cinepolis - Seawoods Grand Central Mall, NerulHindi 2D
11:30 AM2:25 PM5:20 PM8:15 PM
Cinepolis - Viviana Mall, Thane WestHindi 2D
10:00 AM12:50 PM4:25 PM11:20 PM
Cinepolis Cinemas - Fun Republic Mall, Andheri WestHindi 2D
10:10 AM4:05 PM
Cinepolis Fun Cinemas - K Star Mall, ChemburHindi 2D
10:30 AM
Cinepolis VIP - Viviana Mall, Thane WestHindi 2D
10:45 AM1:35 PM4:30 PM7:25 PM10:20 PM
Miraj Anupam Cinemas - Goregaon EastHindi 2D
11:00 AM4:30 PM10:00 PM
Miraj Cinemas - R Mall, Mulund WestHindi 2D
10:30 AM4:30 PM7:15 PM10:45 PM
Miraj Cinemas Dattani Digiplex - Dattani Square Mall, Vasai WestHindi 2D
9:00 AM1:45 PM7:45 PM
Miraj Cinemas Fun Fiesta - Nalasopara WestHindi 2D
1:00 PM
Miraj Cinemas: IMAX - WadalaHindi 2D
12:10 PM2:45 PM
Miraj V Cinemas - Dombivali EastHindi 2D
5:45 PM
Movie Max - Prime Mall, Mira RoadHindi 2D
10:30 PM
Movie Max - Wonder Mall, Thane WestHindi 2D
10:30 AM4:30 PM7:25 PM10:05 PM
MovieMax - Eternity Mall, Thane WestHindi 2D
11:30 AM4:00 PM
MovieMax - Huma Mall, Kanjurmarg WestHindi 2D
10:30 AM10:30 PM
MovieMax - SionHindi 2D
9:05 AM2:50 PM
MovieTime Cinemas - Cubic Mall, ChemburHindi 2D
9:45 AM12:30 PM3:15 PM6:00 PM8:45 PM11:30 PM
Movietime Cinemas - The Hub Mall Goregaon EastHindi 2D
11:00 AM2:00 PM5:00 PM8:00 PM11:00 PM
Movietime Cinemas Star City - MatungaHindi 2D
7:00 PM
Movietime Cinemas Suburbia - Bandra WestHindi 2D
2:20 PM
NY Cinemas: MulundHindi 2D
4:00 PM9:15 PM
Popular Movie Reviews
Next Movie Review
0/5