'Sarzameen' Movie Review: Kajol and Prithviraj impress in a film let down by its plot
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in only his second outing, is better than he was in his debut but still not fully convincing.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in only his second outing, is better than he was in his debut but still not fully convincing.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in only his second outing, is better than he was in his debut but still not fully convincing.
'Sarzameen' is the kind of film that arrives with a big promise. A Kashmir set patriotic thriller, it wants to be both an intimate family drama and a statement on duty versus love. On paper, it has everything—a gripping premise, seasoned actors, and sweeping visuals. But how much of it truly lands?
At the heart of the story is Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a decorated officer who discovers that his own son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan) may be involved with a militant outfit. His wife Meher (Kajol) is caught between heartbreak and denial as the family’s private pain collides with national stakes. It’s a setup loaded with conflict, but the writing doesn’t always rise to the occasion. Some moments feel urgent and raw, others are weighed down by heavy handed dialogue and familiar tropes.
Kajol, however, is a powerhouse. She gives Meher layers, anger, despair, and a quiet resilience that lingers even when the screenplay falters. Prithviraj matches her energy with a controlled performance, showing us a man torn apart by loyalty to his country and love for his child. Their scenes together are easily the film’s strongest.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in only his second outing, is better than he was in his debut but still not fully convincing. As a young man struggling with ideology and identity, he never quite shakes off the stiffness in his delivery. It’s not a terrible performance, but it doesn’t carry the weight this role demands.
Visually, 'Sarzameen' makes good use of its setting. The snow-clad valleys and muted interiors are beautifully shot, and the tension in the air feels real. The runtime is just over two hours, and while the pace holds for most of it, the last act tries to pack in too many twists, leaving some threads unresolved.
In the end, 'Sarzameen' is an ambitious film that doesn’t fully find its rhythm. You’ll remember Kajol’s eyes brimming with quiet fury, and Prithviraj’s stoic presence, long after the credits roll. But you might also wish the story had been as sharp and fearless as the emotions it tries to capture. A one time watch, carried by its performances rather than its plot.
(The movie is streaming on JioHotstar)