The film Raazi is based on a true story of a Muslim girl Sehmat played by Alia Bhatt who is an innocent, naïve and inexperienced Kashmiri whose father transforms her life by sealing her fate as an Indian spy in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Sehmat is married off to a Pakistani Army officer Iqbal Syed, but before that she undergoes rigorous training under Indian Intelligence agent Khalid Mir played by Jaideep Ahlawat.
After being married off and shifting base to Pakistan, Sehmat gradually assimilates into Iqbal’s family to uncover information while acting innocent and keeping her motives hidden from the family.
Vicky Kaushal plays brilliantly the role of Iqbal, the Pakistani army officer and gives a charming sincerity to his performance as Iqbal who is caught between Sehmat’s appeal and the love for his country.
Iqbal’s father Brigadier Syed which is played by Shishir Sharma lends is showcased as a man how is committed to his country more than his family.
Rajit Kapoor brilliantly portrays the character of the father of Sehmat, Hidayat, whose love for his county and patriotism leads him to choose his daughters destiny as a spy.
Soni Razdan as the mother of Sehmat played by Alia Bhatt is a delight to see as the real life mother and daughter strike an amazing onscreen chemistry.
The best relationship is portrayed between Khalid and Sehmat. Jaideep Ahlawat comes up with a fine performance as he tactfully plays Khalid who is an absolute patriot who is deliberately restraining his concerns for Sehmat.
Both Alia and Jaideep Ahlawat strike a subtle chemistry where they have mutual respect for each other and at the same time share an underling bond of unease.
Director Meghna Gulzar uses this tension to further the intrigue around the interpersonal drama, thrilling us with explosive emotions rather than gun-toting action.
The lyrics have been penned by Gulzar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music lends credibility to the 70’s music while the songs evoke patriotism without tipping over into nationalism.
The production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray along with Maxima BasuGolani’s costume design further solidify the film’s authenticity, although a few cinematic liberties in the screenplay might take you out of it at specific points.
Alia Bhatt impresses once again and comes out with a stellar performance playing her role of Sehmat par excellence. The film beautifully portrays her metamorphosis from a simple girl to a determined woman which is subtly done by Alia and the director.
This definitely is Alia’s film as she pushes her boundaries as an actor and also comes out with stellar performances.
Raazi is not your regular spy thriller. It is subtle and the treatment of the subject is unique. Meghna Gulzar does a fine job of building up the tension in the film which leads to a dramatic climax.
Watch the trailer right here:
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