The film is excellently shot at what looks like real war locations; the India–Pakistan border, the LOC (Line Of Control) and other areas resembling military posts and terrorist camps were recreated in Serbia. The reason best known to Indian authorities, the unit could not get any permission to shoot the film in India! All the characters play their roles very well – Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam, Kriti Kulhari, Mohit Raina, Ivan Rodrigues, Yogesh Soman, Swroop Sampath and others. Vicky Kaushal went through an extensive military training for five months to get bulky and delivers an impressive performance. Mohit Raina too, stands out. The characters of Narendra Modi (Rajit Kapoor) and Ajit Doval (Paresh Rawal) look very real and the timing of the release is just perfect for the ruling party to gain political mileage. The two surgical strikes are very well shot and full credit goes to the entire unit. However, at some points, the surgical strikes scenes become too repetitive and lose the interest of viewers. Cinematography is superb and the movie is very well edited. The story and screenplay are perfect to keep you engrossed throughout the film. Dialogues are not very effective or hard hitting, which are required in this drama. Though the graph of the film looks authentic, cinematic liberties are common practice, especially the entire ‘Grud’ sequence helping the military to carry out the surgical strikes. One hit patriotic song is sorely felt. Overall, the film is thrilling, gripping and instills patriotic feelings. Emotionally too, it is quite good. Debutant director Aditya Dhar does a commendable job and delivers a memorable film.
Rating: 3/5
The multiplex audience will love it and positive word of mouth will benefit the film. The single screen audience may not patronize this non-masala film, though.
