“Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran” review: A film every Indian should watch! Outstanding!

It’s not so often that a film manages to bring out the patriotism from within us. ‘Parmanu’ is that rare film where you feel proud of being an Indian. You feel proud to see one of the most significant moments in history unfold in front of your eyes. This film tells the story of Pokhran 2, which was a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in May 1998. While this is what the story is about, the characters and the intimacy with which the story unfolds is what makes this film special. We feel as if we are a part of the achievement that made the world recognize India as a nuclear power!

Here is the basic synopsis: Ashwath Raina (John Abraham) an IAS officer, suggests that India conduct its own set of nuclear tests to stay ahead in the nuclear race with China and Pakistan. After the initial test fails under pressure from America, Raina gets a second chance in 1998 under the new reign of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.  The planning, the execution, the success, and everything in-between is what makes up the majority of the film. The biggest strength of the film is the screenplay and the direction. It’s pacy, with multiple things happening at the same, so you never get the chance to get bored. You are constantly engaged.

On the technical front, the cinematography succeeds at maintaining the tone of realism. The locales are captured beautifully,  and the live action moments are mixed smoothly with the news reels.  There is a consistent docudrama feel throughout the movie, and that works. The editing is flawless, cutting between fast cuts, and slow cuts depending on the emotion behind the moment. The music uplifts the  moments, adding to the sense of patriotism. In short, technically this is a superior products where everything gels together perfectly. Credit goes to the director, Abhishek Sharma, for communicating his vision successfully to the entire team.

On the acting front, John Abraham performed sincerely. Boman Irani is splendid as always. The rest of the supporting cast also justified their characters perfectly!

Overall, this is a film that need to be seen by every Indian and the government should make it tax free. Some films go beyond ratings. This is one such film!

Rating: This film is an experience beyond ratings!!!