Movie Review: John Abraham in Parmanu

Movie Review: Parmanu
Rating: 3/5
Director: Abhishek Sharma
Cast: John Abraham, Boman Irani, Diana Penty, Anuja Sathe, Yogendra Tiku

Parmanu Movie Trailer

Parmanu The Story of Pokhran begins here with Research And Test Wing’s Ashwat Raina (John Abraham), who is still ruing over the apathy displayed by the Prime Minister’s Office, PMO, during crucial moments. He had proposed the idea of nuclear test at a high-level meeting where the PM’s representative looked more interested in the snacks than the strategy.

The first draft of India’s nuclear bomb explosion was written in the year 1995, but a grave mistake leaked the information to the west, and the plan was abandoned under severe diplomatic pressure.

The Neerja duo of Saiwyn Quadras and Sanyuktha Chawla Sheikh is back as they pen a balanced script for this one too. With the proper amount of patriotism, emotions, humour and thrill, the script of this film is a winner. To be honest the movie starts with mockery and a dramatic speech and I was turned off in the first ten minutes, but it flies since then achieving nothing but respect.

There are sequences which needed scissoring and pace could’ve been even more tight. The entire Mussoorie sequence builds John’s relationship with his wife but that could’ve been shorter. Also, Abhishek take cinematic liberties at places but that’s totally fine as the movie keeps you entertained throughout. The movie, more than being a national mission, is about the efforts of a team who refused to give up. Follow Spotlife Asia for the latest Entertainment and Lifestyle news.

The director, Abhishek Sharma, shows restrain and doesn’t hurry into the matter. He lets the plan sink in into the minds of the viewers. They know what to expect.

It’s a tricky situation. Parmanu is a film based on a real event that took place not long ago. You can easily predict the direction of the wind. A structure has already developed. The only way to stop the audiences from losing interest is by keeping them thrilled.

Sub plots are introduced for this purpose and they serve the purpose effectively. In fact, the film doesn’t totally lose its sheen and engagement value because of the two spies introduced mid-way. Played by Mark Bennington and Abhiroy Singh, they add sleekness to Parmanu, usually non-existent in Hindi films.

There is also an attempt to introduce dark humour. It sometimes works, especially during an emotionally charged scene between John Abraham and Anuja Sathe, his wife in the film.

Parmanu revolves around John Abraham’s personality. There are dark edges and the writers dare to touch them. Maybe unintentional, but their idea of a headstrong and nationalist government servant sometimes looks like a plea for war. Thankfully, they control it in time and let the theme take over.

Sharma has judiciously used the real footage. That take the focus away from uncertain actors and breaks the monotony of shooting at the same location.

John Abraham’s deadpan expressions are a hindrance but he somehow manages to hold his ground. Other actors follow his footsteps. It’s the writing that saves the day for Abraham and Parmanu. John Abraham is perfect! He’s subtle when it’s required and charming when the proceedings get too intense. The efforts were visible and he delivers a memorable performance. He maintains his balance to not cross the line between patriotism and jingoism.

Boman Irani is decent! He takes the cake in some scenes, but overall has a limited presence. Yes, even in such short screen-time, he makes you laugh and love him. Diana Penty is good, too, and has a seeti-maar scene in the climax. She looks beautiful as always!

The rest of the team plays a very important part and each character does their part well. Yogendra Tiku shines and brings in the comic relief. Anuja Sathe’s character is half baked and of very less importance. She’s just about okay and should’ve gotten a meatier presence.

There are too many songs in the film, some are used well, some are just for the sake of it. Jeet Gannguli and Sachin-Jigar go all out with the songs and partially succeed. Singer Divya Kumar has an important contribution towards passion the script builds. It’s good to see veteran Sandeep Chowta composing the background score for such an important film. The BGM has the required tingle which such story demands.

Climax saves Parmanu from drowning in the dust of Pokhran. It picks up the pace at the right junctures, and gives audiences the choice to overlook some sketchy acting. At 129-minute duration, Parmanu keeps you hooked once you let the dull opening scenes pass.