Raazi

"Raazi" is a truly remarkable film that elevates the spy thriller genre with its deeply human story and an absolutely brilliant performance from Alia Bhatt. Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the film tells a captivating and emotionally resonant tale that remains gripping from start to finish. The film's greatest strength lies in its exceptional story, based on true events, which focuses on Sehmat, a young Indian woman who is married into a Pakistani military family to serve as an intelligence agent. The narrative is taut, well-paced, and meticulously crafted, avoiding jingoism to instead explore the immense personal cost of patriotism and the moral ambiguities of espionage. It's a complex plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, not just with suspense, but with profound emotional stakes. Alia Bhatt delivers a career-defining performance as Sehmat. Her portrayal is nothing short of brilliant, capturing the character's initial innocence, her rapid transformation into a cunning spy, and the immense emotional turmoil she endures. Bhatt navigates Sehmat's dual life with incredible nuance, making her internal conflict palpable and deeply affecting. Her ability to convey so much through subtle expressions and restrained emotion is truly remarkable. The direction is precise, allowing the story and performances to shine without unnecessary melodrama. The supporting cast also delivers strong, believable performances that add depth to the intricate web of relationships. Overall, "Raazi" is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. Its great story, combined with Alia Bhatt's outstanding performance, makes it a must-watch film that transcends typical spy thrillers.

RAAZI REWRITES THE SPY-THRILLER GENRE WITH EMOTIONS, INSTEAD OF EXPLOSIONS Raazi Story: Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pak war in 1971, an Indian girl marries a Pakistani Army officer to spy for her country. Raazi Review: ‘Raazi’ is the true story of a Muslim girl Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) - a naïve and inexperienced Kashmiri whose life changes when her father Hidayat Khan (Rajit Kapoor) seals her fate as an Indian spy. She undergoes rigorous training under Indian intelligence agent Khalid Mir (Jaideep Ahlawat) before being married off to Pakistani Army officer Iqbal Syed. On the other side of the border, Sehmat gradually assimilates into Iqbal’s family to uncover vital information while keeping her real motives hidden from them. Vicky Kaushal’s nuanced turn gives Iqbal a charming sincerity as he tries to balance his attention between Sehmat’s natural appeal, and the love for his country. Iqbal’s father, played by Shishir Sharma, lends a commanding presence to Brigadier Syed as a man committed to his official duties over his family. Back home, Rajit Kapoor makes his mark as Hidayat who reluctantly chooses his daughter’s destiny, placing the devotion of his country above all else. Of course, there’s an undeniable delight in seeing Soni Razdan play mother to her real-life daughter onscreen. Arguably, the film’s most substantial relationship is between Khalid and Sehmat. Jaideep Ahlawat tactfully plays Khalid as a stoic patriot who deliberately restrains his concern for Sehmat. They share an underlying bond of unease mingled with mutual respect that is tangible even when they’re not onscreen together. Director Meghna Gulzar uses this tension to further the intrigue around the interpersonal drama, thrilling us with explosive emotions rather than gun-toting action. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music lends credibility to the 70’s backdrop. The songs evoke patriotism without tipping over into nationalism, primarily enhanced by Gulzar’s lyrics. The production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray along with Maxima Basu Golani'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. Nevertheless, Alia Bhatt's stellar performance keeps you invested in ‘Raazi’. Her transition from the gullible girl to a determined woman is subtle. Alia keeps Sehmat’s true alliance hidden just under the surface from her new family, but fortunately, in full view of the audience. Amidst all the compelling performances, this is Alia’s film as she continues to push her boundaries as an actor while challenging our expectations of her. In the same vein, ‘Raazi’ defies the spy genre’s traditional expectations of full-blown action sequences. Instead, Meghna Gulzar’s steady hand gradually ramps up the tension throughout, leading to an explosive final act in this strong dramatic thriller. It also leaves you questioning the repercussions of war on the human psyche.

Can bollywood for once make movie where muslim characters are NOT pakistani or terrorists. Terrible representation like Bollywood U THAT OBSSESED?

Meghna Gulzar's work always hit on mark – 8.5/10 Starting with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, lovable chemistry they created showing how back at time arrange marriage look like. Story is down to reality and no over drama is created in this. I know Meghna Gulzar's works and she is capable of handling the story which is on true event. Full movie was carried by Alia Bhatt and she has given her best throughout her career. Amazing job by her. Small or big action whatever she is doing, dialogue delivery, every small detail in her face expression, every crying and fear she got in tense situation had grab hundred percent attention from me to this movie. Vicky Kaushal and Jaideep Ahlawat had created a backbone for Alia Bhatt character. Specially Jaideep Ahlawat. Speaking about story, they created foundation providing some data what was going on that period. The tense shown from starting few minutes and moving on to young girl played by Alia Bhatt with fully innocent yet smart provides us time to settle with flow of screen play. First half is important part because screen play has provide complete data of each main and supporting characters intro, foundation of story and time from us so we connected with film. If we connect in first part, then from next part we understand each moment of screenplay, mainly how hard trauma a young girl is facing and every action she doing on we are understanding it. Ending of movie I felt very hard. Really I appreciate Alia Bhatt for her performance and she has given justice for that young girl character. I love this movie and this movie going on my favorite movie list

As usual another bollywood crap to whitewash islamic ideology

Undoubtedly one of the best patriotic film with a niche humanity touch The film starts with a subtle introduction of 20 years old Sehmat who eventually makes the entire storyline. It is based on a true story and director Meghana Gulzar does an excellent job of portraying the patriotism of Sehmat in the film. The film also depicts the part of humanity in patriotism. Alia and vikcky have prefectly got their character in the film and does a wonderful job! Very thrilling and motivational!

One of the best war spy thrillers I have ever seen. The tension is sustained from the opening scene to the closing, with not a single dull moment. Alia Bhatt richly deserves the multiple awards she won for this film. It is painful to see her character being torn to shreds, as she commits one unspeakable act after another, all for duty to her country above all. Her depiction of the struggles with a conscience is remarkable. The fact this is based on a true story makes the events all the more plausible and relatable. 1971 was a monumental year for the sub-continent, as that which was one and split to two, further split into three. These periods of history are always cataclysmic, and the stakes are tremendously high. As a spy movie, the events portrayed here are rapid-fire and striking. Spycraft is authentic with little melodrama or hijinks. The production design is exemplary - we are steeped into the 70s, and every frame is on point for the era. Overall one of the best I have seen, laser-focused on the tremendous personal cost paid by those who risk everything for their countries.

A well written script complemented by a strong performance by Alia Bhatt.

A tight no-nonsense thriller with excellent acting Raazi does what very few Bollywood movies do right. It pulls off a tight script with good acting, and a realistic believable storyline that leaves you on the edge of your seat for two hours. The film also manages to maintain a tight pace while building up towards an impactful climax. In particular, I think three things made it unforgettable: Firstly, the acting was on point, and made the movie what it turned out to be. Alia Bhatt is turning out to be an absolute genius, and has come a long way from her 'student of the year' days. There are very few in her peer-group that can do justice to these kinds of roles. Vicky Kaushal was good as the beguiled husband, and his restrained yet emotional male character (supporting a powerful female lead) is a Bollywood rarity, and was thoroughly enjoyable. The others are on point too, with minor actors like Jaideep Ahlawat and Rajit Kapoor delivering strong performances. Secondly, the movie turned out to be tight and on point, with no melodramatic displays of emotion or sappy songs. The good old premises of a bride departing to her husband's household for (presumably) good, the arranged marriage with a virtually unknown man, and eventual marriage consummation were all present, in theory. These are all typically perfect opportunities to inject unnecessary bridal parting songs, lengthy wedding song and dance sequences (boy's side, girl's side, etc.) and the worst of all - a song balancing sleaze with "Indian culture" (read: censor board mandated restraint) that plays when the marriage is consummated (this is typically a couple kissing and rolling around in a bed, carefully clothing their privates with velvet or satin sheets). But Raazi eliminates all of this fluff and more, leaving you wishing more movies would do away with the crap in favor of keeping the pace of the plot. Lastly, and most importantly, Raazi does justice to the complexity of the India-Pakistan conflict. The countries have a shared history which makes the war painfully more unique (e.g. Abdul, the oldest and most faithful caretaker in the Pakistani household is of Indian origin). The movie takes no sides, and shows you that humanity and ruthlessness exist on both sides. This is a significant departure from the patriotic films of yesteryear - we are habituated to seeing a good vs evil theme, and having Pakistanis depicted as soulless warmongers. And so, you are simply not prepared to empathize with Iqbal's (Vicky Kaushal's) gentle persona, and when you do, it his vulnerable humanity hits you like a truck. Conversely, the hardened Indian intelligence agent Mir is many things during the movie, but 'human' he is not. I walked away from the theater understanding better the nature of such wars, and that the real conflict is not over Kashmir, or between two sides, or between ideologies. The real conflict is always fought within the human heart: between the ruthless imperatives of duty, and the very human urges of gentleness, mercy and love.

I remember watching Raazi a while ago and thought that I could give my two cents on this movie. This one is one of the most well-made, chilling, and interesting movies that I have watched in a long time. Throughout the film, I was sitting on edge as to what would happen to the protagonist, and the film managed to convey this message all throughout. As the story progresses, there are huge moments where the tension spikes and it keeps following this pattern until its largest spike at its climax. I won't spoil, but it really leaves you thinking about the lifestyle the protagonist had to go through. Overall, I would definitely consider Raazi one the greatest films of all time and I would be recommending this to someone close. Thanks!