The movie “Ground Zero” is based on a true story from 25 years ago when Pakistani terrorists were active in India. The story revolves around BSF Commandant Narendranath Dhar Dubey, played by Emraan Hashmi, who led a team that killed the notorious terrorist Gazi Baba. Dubey was severely injured in the operation and spent a long time in a coma. Despite his injuries, he managed to eliminate the terrorists. Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of Dubey is a significant departure from his usual roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He brings depth to the character, capturing the intensity and bravery of the BSF officer. The film is directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, who made his Hindi cinema debut with this movie. Interestingly, Deoskar also released a Marathi film, “Devmanus,” on the same day, making it a rare instance of a director having two films released simultaneously.
The Problem with ‘Ground Zero’
The film’s biggest weakness is its predictable storyline. The plot unfolds like a routine patriotic speech given on national days like August 15 or January 26. The narrative lacks emotional depth, failing to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The film’s attempt to convey patriotism feels forced, and the characters lack the emotional resonance needed to make the story impactful. Emraan Hashmi, despite his best efforts, struggles to overcome his previous image, making it hard for the audience to fully accept him as a BSF commandant. The supporting cast, including Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, and Mukesh Tiwari, do their best, but their characters are underdeveloped. The villain, Gazi Baba, played by Rocky Raina, fails to create the desired impact, and his character’s buildup is insufficient.
The movie’s climax is the only part that manages to evoke some emotion, but it’s too late to make a significant difference. The film’s emotional connection with the audience is missing, and the story feels like just another chapter in the patriotism narrative. To make matters worse, none of the film’s songs stood out before its release. While the cinematography by Kamaljeet Negi and the action choreography by Vijay Dahiya are praiseworthy, the editing by Chandrashekhar Prajapati could have been tighter. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar handled his responsibilities well, but the overall film feels disjointed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Ground Zero” is an average film that could have been much better with a more engaging storyline and stronger character development. Emraan Hashmi’s performance is commendable, but it’s not enough to save the film from its overall mediocrity. The film’s lack of emotional resonance and predictable plot make it a forgettable watch. With a 2/5 rating, “Ground Zero” is a disappointing effort that fails to leave a lasting impact.
- Release Date: April 25, 2025
- Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, Mukesh Tiwari, Rocky Raina, and Gunith Singh
- Writers: Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshi Srivastava
- Director: Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar
- Producers: Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani