The Diplomat Review: John Abraham's mission is stamped safe, sealed predictable, but delivered with some intrigue

2.5/5

The Diplomat Story: Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a 28-year-old Indian woman, unexpectedly arrives at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan one day, claiming she was deceived and brought to the country under false pretenses by a man who manipulated her with love but had sinister intentions. Trapped and subjected to both mental and physical abuse by Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu)—who is implied to be linked to a terrorist/militant group (though never explicitly stated)—she pleads for help. Enter JP Singh (John Abraham), a dedicated diplomat who takes it upon himself to investigate her case and, if proven genuine, ensure her safe return to India. However, the path is fraught with obstacles. But Singh is not a man who backs down, and across the border, there is someone with unwavering faith in his actions—former Foreign Affairs Minister, the late Sushma Swaraj.

The Diplomat Review:

Some genres come with a well-established formula—whether that formula is executed to perfection depends on the filmmaker. Breaking free from this blueprint to offer something fresh is rare, and only a handful of films succeed in doing so. Unfortunately, The Diplomat, the latest John Abraham starrer, struggles with this very challenge, ultimately falling into the predictable trappings of its genre.

There’s a sense that John Abraham is itching for a high-octane action sequence—perhaps even to shed his shirt and single-handedly take down terrorists (fortunately, he doesn’t, and thank God for that). The premise is compelling enough to justify a dialogue-heavy film—akin to Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack—but instead, The Diplomat ends up as a middling affair. That said, one of its strongest aspects is its restraint; it never resorts to over-the-top jingoism, avoids the overused ‘Naya Hindustan’ trope, and, most importantly, steers clear of religious blame games, choosing instead to focus on individuals and their actions. Meanwhile, here are 8 John Abraham movies you must watch; bonus - some are on OTTplay Premium! 

The Diplomat plays it safe in many ways. The narrative lacks a clear antagonist—Tahir brandishes a gun, but his affiliations remain ambiguous. However, where the film does succeed is in its portrayal of diplomacy itself. Given that the story is based on true events, the scope for traditional action sequences is naturally limited. The challenge is making a diplomatic mission feel engaging without resorting to gunfights and high-speed chases. With John Abraham in the lead, the temptation to turn the film into an action-packed patriotic spectacle must have been strong. Yet, director Shivam Nair resists this urge, ensuring The Diplomat remains a grounded and nuanced entry in its genre.

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Ritesh Shah, who has penned multiple “Based on Real Events” films in recent times—including Emergency and Azaad—seems to have settled into a pattern of broad-stroke storytelling, often skimming over the intricate details that make these stories truly compelling. The heart of The Diplomat lies in its protagonist—an individual who wields power through dialogue, negotiation, and strategic maneuvering. Why not showcase that power in full force, through gripping, dialogue-driven scenes? Real-life diplomacy is rarely carried out in silence or subtle implications—why, then, does the film rely so heavily on “two lines and the rest should be understood”?

One standout scene features JP Singh summoning Tahir to the embassy. Tahir and his brother hesitate, fearing what the Indian bureaucrats might do to them. What follows is an exchange that crackles with tension, wit, and subtle humor—John Abraham delivers his lines with sharp precision, making the scene an engaging watch. But this moment comes too late. Why weren’t there more scenes like this? Too much of The Diplomat treads familiar ground. The storyline of women being manipulated and taken hostage by extremist groups has been explored time and again, so what new perspective does this film bring?

Take, for example, the way IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack turned negotiation scenes into the backbone of its storytelling—this is where The Diplomat falls short. The film focuses more on the drama of moving from point A to point B, rather than delving deep into the intricacies of diplomatic strategy. The film repeatedly references a traumatic blast that haunts JP Singh to this day, but the reveal ultimately lacks impact, feeling more like a convenient plot device than an organic part of the story. Shah has used similar narrative techniques in Pink, Dahad, and Sardar Udham—but given his talent and experience, audiences rightfully expect more.

John Abraham fits the role well, his signature stoicism lending itself naturally to a character who must remain skeptical and composed at all times. However, the true standout here is Sadia Khateeb, who delivers a deeply moving performance as Uzma. Revathi, portraying Sushma Swaraj, is competent but somewhat underwhelming—the real-life Swaraj was a beacon of grace, strength, and determination, qualities that don’t fully translate in this portrayal. Given that audiences are familiar with Swaraj’s real-life persona, this depiction feels somewhat lacking. Sharib Hashmi brings charm in his limited screen time, while Jagjeet Sandhu delivers a solid performance with what he’s given. Kumud Mishra, too, breezes through his role with ease.

The Diplomat Final Verdict:

The Diplomat had the potential to be a gripping political drama, offering an intricate look into the world of diplomacy. Instead, it opts for a surface-level retelling of events, glossing over the rich complexities that could have made it truly stand out.

The Diplomat releases on March 14, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on the world of streaming and films.

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