Summary
A Must-Watch for Espionage Fans
If you’re captivated by high-stakes espionage dramas, Salakaar, streaming on JioHotstar, deserves your attention. This Ajit Doval-inspired spy thriller masterfully weaves a tale of covert operations, nuclear threats, and the intense India-Pakistan rivalry. Featuring a stellar cast with Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, and Mukesh Rishi, this five-episode miniseries delivers a fast-paced narrative across two timelines—1978 and 2025. While it may not rival the depth of The Family Man or Fauda, Salakaar offers a binge-worthy experience for fans of Indian spy thrillers.
Inspired by Real-Life Nuclear Espionage
Salakaar dives into the gripping world of India-Pakistan nuclear espionage, drawing inspiration from real-life events. In 2025, R&AW agent Maryam, alias Srishti Chaturvedi (Mouni Roy), goes undercover in Pakistan to thwart Colonel Ashfaqullah’s (Surya Sharma) plan to develop a nuclear bomb. Her mission intertwines with the enigmatic National Security Advisor Adhir Dayal (Purnendu Bhattacharya), whose past as a field operative in 1978 unfolds through compelling flashbacks. Played by Naveen Kasturia as a young Dayal, the character is loosely based on Ajit Doval, India’s legendary spymaster who spent seven years undercover in Pakistan gathering critical intelligence.
Dual Timelines and High-Stakes Drama
The series opens with a dramatic scene in Abbottabad, where Colonel Ashfaqullah receives a classified nuclear blueprint, setting the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse game. Mouni Roy’s Maryam, posing as a tuition teacher, uses spy-camera glasses to photograph the blueprint, though her “honey trap” approach feels slightly awkward. Meanwhile, the 1978 timeline follows young Dayal, a cultural attaché in Islamabad, tasked with stopping General Zia’s (Mukesh Rishi) nuclear ambitions. The dual timelines add depth, connecting past and present through themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and espionage.
Standout Performances Amid Flaws
Naveen Kasturia shines as the young Dayal, bringing quiet intensity and impressive action skills to the role. Mukesh Rishi is a standout as General Zia, his menacing presence making the adversary feel genuinely threatening. Mouni Roy, while visually striking, is underutilized, often portrayed as a damsel in distress despite her character’s potential as a capable spy. Surya Sharma and Ashwath Bhatt deliver intensity but lean into exaggerated performances, which can feel out of place.
Ambitious Yet Uneven Execution
Directed by Faruk Kabir, known for Khuda Haafiz, Salakaar is ambitious but sacrifices depth for pace, limiting character development and emotional investment. Logical lapses, like Dayal surviving a massive explosion with minimal injuries or inconsistent security at Kahuta’s nuclear site, may frustrate detail-oriented viewers. Geographical inaccuracies, such as depicting Kahuta as barren rather than a mix of green and arid terrain, detract from realism. However, period-accurate details, like a clever nod to Kapil Dev’s 1978 test debut, add authenticity to the 1970s setting.
A Binge-Worthy Weekend Watch
Salakaar’s concise 2.5-hour runtime is a refreshing departure from longer series, making it an ideal weekend binge. The cinematography and music enhance the suspense, creating moments of genuine tension. While it lacks the nuance of Argo or the intensity of Fauda, its blend of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and relentless action keeps you engaged. For fans of espionage stories with a desi twist, Salakaar is a thrilling, if flawed, addition to the genre.
Salakaar Review On JioHotstar
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Salakaar |
| Genre | Spy Thriller / Espionage Drama |
| Director | Faruk Kabir |
| Cast | Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, Mukesh Rishi, Surya Sharma, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Ashwath Bhatt |
| Platform | JioHotstar |
| Rating | ★★ (2/5) |
| Runtime | 5 episodes × ~30 minutes (Approx. 2.5 hours) |
| Plot Summary | Set across two timelines (1978 & 2025), the story follows NSA Adhir Dayal (fictionalised Ajit Doval) as he undertakes covert missions to thwart Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions. In 1978, Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) infiltrates Pakistan to prevent General Zia from developing a nuclear reactor. In 2025, RAW agent Maryam (Mouni Roy) attempts to stop Colonel Ashfaqullah (Surya Sharma) from building a nuclear bomb, aided by the NSA (Purnendu Bhattacharya). |
| Strengths | Lack of realism and accuracy, underdeveloped characters, illogical plot points, wasted potential of Mouni Roy’s role, inconsistent tone (switching between gritty and silly), and geographical inaccuracies. |
| Weaknesses | Salakaar has an ambitious premise inspired by real events, but suffers from uneven execution. Despite some engaging moments and strong performances, it misses the chance to be India’s ‘Argo’. Watchable for its brevity and select performances, but not a must-watch. |
| Tone & Style | Attempts to blend political intrigue with high-paced action; mixes gritty espionage elements with over-the-top theatrics. |
| Best For | Viewers who enjoy light, old-school desi spy thrillers with modern touches and don’t mind logical lapses. |
| Verdict | Salakaar has an ambitious premise inspired by real events but suffers from uneven execution. Despite some engaging moments and strong performances, it misses the chance to be India’s ‘Argo’. Watchable for its brevity and select performances, but not a must-watch. |
Conclusion: A Tribute Worth Watching
Despite its shortcomings, Salakaar pays tribute to Ajit Doval’s legacy with strong performances from Naveen Kasturia and Mukesh Rishi. If you’re seeking a quick, thrilling dive into nuclear espionage, stream Salakaar on JioHotstar and immerse yourself in this Indian spy drama.
Note: All images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Salakaar
Q1: What is Salakaar about?
Salakaar is a spy thriller set in two timelines — 1978 and 2025 — focusing on covert missions between India and Pakistan involving nuclear espionage. It follows NSA Adhir Dayal (inspired by Ajit Doval) and RAW agent Maryam as they attempt to foil Pakistan’s nuclear plans.
Q2: Where can I watch Salakaar?
The series is available for streaming on JioHotstar.
Q3: How many episodes are there in Salakaar and what is the runtime?
The miniseries has 5 episodes, each around 30 minutes, making the total runtime approximately 2.5 hours.
Q4: Who are the main cast members of Salakaar?
The main cast includes Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, Mukesh Rishi, Surya Sharma, Purnendu Bhattacharya, and Ashwath Bhatt.
Q5: Is Salakaar based on real events?
Yes, it is inspired by real India-Pakistan nuclear espionage incidents and loosely based on the life of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who worked undercover in Pakistan for seven years.
Q6: What is the main strength of the series?
The short runtime, fast-paced storytelling, and strong performances by Naveen Kasturia and Mukesh Rishi are considered the show’s biggest strengths.
Q7: What are the main drawbacks of Salakaar?
The series suffers from underdeveloped characters, a lack of realism, geographical inaccuracies, logical lapses, and inconsistent tone.
Q8: How does Salakaar compare to other Indian spy thrillers?
While it has moments of intrigue, it does not reach the level of shows like The Family Man or Fauda. It plays more like an old-school Bollywood spy drama with some modern elements.
Q9: Who should watch Salakaar?
It may appeal to viewers who enjoy espionage dramas and are willing to overlook certain logical flaws for a fast, short, and mildly engaging binge.
Q10: What rating did the show receive?
The review gives Salakaar a 2 out of 5 stars.
