Saare Jahan Se Accha review: Pratik Gandhi anchors a safe spy thriller that avoids real risks

Saare Jahan Se Accha boasts strong performances by Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja, but safe execution, predictable plot, & lack of real thrills keep this espionage drama from reaching its potential.

Pratik Gandhi in a still from Saare Jahan Se Accha

Summary:

• Strong performances from Pratik Gandhi, Sunny Hinduja, and Suhail Nayyar elevate the series.

• Predictable and safe execution prevents the espionage plot from delivering real thrills.

• Female characters underused, with Tillotama Shome standing out despite limited scope.

Saare Jahan Se Accha story:

Saare Jahan Se Accha a riveting Netflix original series that takes place during the turbulent 1970s, follows R&AW agent Vishnu Shankar on a daring mission inside Pakistan to foil a clandestine nuclear program before it causes a worldwide disaster. With the nuclear threat looming on the horizon, Vishnu finds himself pitted against the tough ISI agent Murtaza Mallik in a perilous power struggle between Pakistan's ISI and India's R&AW. Combining elements of strategy, covert intelligence operations, and espionage, the series investigates a world where the sole reward for avoided calamity is the knowledge that it was prevented, rather than medals, praise, or festivities.

Saare Jahan Se Accha review:

It's not been a week since I watched Salakaar a dull show about how India prevented Pakistan from being a nuclear nation back in the 1970s. It's a known fact that the neighbouring country did its first nuclear test in 1998—almost three decades after India did its first in 1974. The Netflix series Saare Jahan Se Accha also set in the 1970s, discusses a similar plot. The series, despite its superior production values and performers, elevates the narrative by adding more characters and illustrating the formation of R&AW shortly after the death of Homi J. Bhabha in 1966, during the administration of Indira Gandhi. RN Kao was one of the spymasters who helped build the intelligence agency.

Saare Jahan Se Accha begins with Pratik Gandhi playing Vishnu Shankar, an R&AW agent who is also the narrator, telling the viewers what his basic job is. He explains that his job is to keep the country safe without being credited for it, and he also acts as a tutor for the viewers.

ALSO READ: Saare Jahan Se Accha on OTT: Here’s why to watch Pratik Gandhi’s spy thriller

The series swiftly immerses us in the world of Pakistan, where Sunny Hinduja, portraying ISI agent Murtuza, is ruthless and meticulous in ensuring the success of all his missions. He works on the orders from then-President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Hemant Kher) to create a nuclear bomb in the country. This intelligence reaches India quickly, prompting Indian officials to take action to prevent it, as it poses a clear threat to the country. Thus, Kao assigns Vishnu to go to Pakistan as an Indian diplomat to uncover the heinous plan and stop it somehow.

While doing so, we see several other R&AW agents stationed across the globe who are connected in one way or another and chart out a mission in quick succession.

Once again, we find ourselves caught in a cycle where, despite our neighbouring country's plotting, our nation manages to stay two steps ahead and thwart their plans. Here too, we see Vishnu is a no-nonsense agent for whom his country is first. He surrounds himself with agents who share his passionate dedication to the nation's duties; even if they momentarily stray, Vishnu always brings them back to their duties.

Throughout the series, he demonstrates a willingness to blackmail individuals into joining R&AW, and he understands that every piece of information he obtains from them carries a cost. The story's concept isn't the issue; the execution is so safe that you can guess the last scene after the first episode.

Although the series consists of only six episodes, its overall tone remains low for most of the time and only peaks at moments that are predictable. The first three episodes progress at a substantial pace, detailing the plan and the transitions between various locations around the world, such as India, Pakistan, Russia, and France, among others.

But it just lacks a punch or fails to thrill even for a single moment. When there's a heart-to-heart conversation between two characters, we know death's coming, and you will know the melodrama that follows. Meanwhile, when certain dialogues are spoken, it's easy to decipher hidden meanings intended to confuse the viewers.

Gandhi handles the show well, and we see him rarely smile unless it's a supposed undercover act. His character is unapologetic, and he has no qualms about admitting this, even when he knows he may be morally wrong. However, all I wished was to hear him say "Risk hai toh ishq hai" from Scam 1992 because most of his dialogues have the word "risk" or people surrounding him mention it constantly. While his comeback is unique, its essence remains largely the same.

But he and Hinduja, who draws attention just by being there, are a good match. Even though the actor portrays the main antagonist of the series, he manages to humanise the character, a rare feat. He tries to intimidate others and the camera with just a glance, and his performance is unpredictable.

What surprised me was the inclusion of female actors in the series. To be honest, I was hugely shocked to see Tillotama Shome portraying a submissive character who is unaware of her husband's profession. There are several moments in the show where you feel dejected looking at her state, where she is always doubting Gandhi's character.

But there's a dialogue that stayed with me: she said that what he does for a living is his choice, but dragging her into this mess without her consent was a choice he should have never made on her behalf. Shome's incredible performance enables her to shine in unexpected moments within the series.

On the other hand, there's Kritika Kamra, who plays an ambitious newspaper editor in Pakistan who is already ahead of her times. However, that's all about the framework of her character, with hardly any deep dive given to explore or for the actor to come out impressive.

The show is more performance-orientated than the story's execution and another actor who takes the cake is definitely Suhail Nayyar as another undercover R&AW agent who has given up his real identity for so long that it has begun getting to him like a slow poison. The actor leaves an amazing mark with scene-stealing moments and taking charge of the sequences which need him to be at the forefront.

Gaurav Shukla, who is well-known for helming Asur 2 has created Saare Jahan Se Accha, which is helmed by Sumit Purohit, who penned Scam 1992. Their earlier outings have showcased their best work. However, this collaboration doesn't blast as well as it should. The show's tagline is "The Silent Guardians," which reflects the role the makers assume while creating an espionage thriller.

The thrilling music or visuals make the most noise, like an empty vessel, while the series just doesn't rise up to the occasion from the beginning until the end. Even the climax is so anti-climactic that it leaves so many loose ends for which we won't get an answer because that's not how it has been stopped as well. The rush to finish the series as soon as possible to show the epilogue will leave you puzzled as to why.

Saare Jahan Se Accha verdict:

In Saare Jahan Se Accha the mission might be nuclear, but the thrill never really reaches critical mass. Despite stellar performances—especially from Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja—the plot plays it so safe that even its risks feel risk-free.

FAQs:

Q: What is the plot of Saare Jahan Se Accha?

A: Set in the 1970s, the series follows R&AW agent Vishnu Shankar, played by Pratik Gandhi, on a mission to stop Pakistan’s nuclear program while navigating high-stakes espionage.

Q: How many episodes are in Saare Jahan Se Accha?

A: Saare Jahan Se Accha has six episodes.

Q: Who are the standout actors in Saare Jahan Se Accha?

A: Along with Pratik Gandhi, Sunny Hinduja and Suhail Nayyar deliver notable performances, with Tillotama Shome making a mark in limited screen time.

Share