Sarzameen Movie Review: When Patriotism Turns Into a Mess

Sarzameen finally graced the platform that was Disney+ Hotstar on July 25, 2025. With the backing of major platforms like Dharma Productions and Star Studios, a debut direction from Kayoze Irani, and a first acting role for Ibrahim Ali Khan (son of Saif Ali Khan); not only did the cast include Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kajol in commanding roles, it promised to be an engaging story of patriotism, emotion, and political intrigue.

Set in turbulent Kashmir, the story followed a military officer whose son inexplicably disappears - presumably connected to extremist elements. As the officer begins to search for answers, family loyalties, national imperatives, and personal conflicts collide in spectacular fashion.

Prithviraj Sukumaran Steals the Show with a Quietly Powerful Role

One of the major strengths of the film is Prithviraj Sukumaran's performance as Colonel Vijay Menon — a man caught between uniformity and a bloodline. He does this mostly with sparse words and low key, subtle facial expressions, as he relays the picture of a father grappling with sorrow, suspicion, and responsibility. Audiences have lauded him by noting how he creates his performance with very few words or loud monologues; he instead opts for silence, as well as, intensity that makes his sorrow be felt.

What works for Sukumaran's performance:

• He is able to provide calmness, a sense of realism, and emotional stitching to the texture of the film.
• He shares some heavy scenes with Ibrahim, and more importantly, especially the moments fatherhood meets military instinct.
• He does not resort to melodrama allowing the audience to feel the internal struggle instead of being told.

#Sarzameen had a solid premise but failed to deliver. Weak screenplay and direction let it down. Prithvi, Kajol & the rest of the cast did well, but there was no real emotional connect. Overall, a mid watch with no standout moments.

AVERAGE pic.twitter.com/sKHJmAfeno

— K A L K I (@iamkalki_13) July 25, 2025

Ibrahim Ali Khan's Debut Is Ambitious, but Uneven

As a new face in a complicated role, Ibrahim Ali Khan attempts to embody the complicated task of a possibly radicalized son. Though the role is multilayered, critics have judged his performance to be somewhere in between. And while, the role is emotionally nuanced they have stated that he hasn't yet fully evolved.

Where he struggles:

• His performance seems restrained in key scenes but especially in scenes of conflict, or emotion.
• He is unable to tap into the emotional range necessary to show the mental conflict of his character.
• While he has promise it is obvious he needs more screen acting experience and stronger.

Kajol Brings Emotion, but the Writing Lets Her Down 

Kajol, as the mother caught between a soldier husband and the missing son makes the drama work. But the character is far too dependent on dramatic speeches and shouty emotion, and so, in some moments, the performance feels over the top. 

The highlights from her role:

• She does give good silent, emotional moments, and we can feel the connectivity through family.
• Her character is the voice of all mothers, lost in their national crisis. 
• Yet, the writing brings requires her to go to scenes where she has to be exaggerated as a reaction, and the full impact of the role is lost. 

Good one time OTT watch. The narrative could have been far more gripping if the execution matched the huge strength of the plot. #Kajol delivers a standout performance - will remind you of Gupt. Prithviraj is impressive too and IAK has improved.
2.8/5 #Sarzameen pic.twitter.com/bd27OXMPZZ

— Karan Sharma (@Bryophyte871) July 25, 2025

A Story That Starts Strong but Loses Its Way

Sarzameen has a compelling premise—family vs. nation, love vs. loyalty—but it does not deliver on its promise. The movie has an interesting premise, and although it begins on a high note, as the story progresses we find that many elements do not add up.

Plot elements that detract from the film:

• Key moments lean on nonsensical setups (military officials using faxes).
• The emotional beats are repetitive in tone and delivery, and at times feel forced.
• Characters in the supporting roles lack development, creating a sense of imbalance in the story.

The film is attempting to deal with too many ideas—radicalization, national identity, breakdown of family—but ultimately there is no depth to any of them. The outcome is a patchy, overly dramatic plot.

#SarzameenOnJioHotstar :⭐⭐

Very predictable & on-the-nose

Even a RAW chief will retire after doing these many missions but Bollywood is not slowing down just tiring us out

Even that amazing cast & efforts couldn't save the script with such lousy writing#Sarzameen #Kajol… pic.twitter.com/lU6lVkXvIa

— Lakshman Sai Kumar Tumati (@xoxoLakshman) July 25, 2025

Kashmir's Imagery Gives Substance to the Story

Though Sarzameen is flawed in storytelling, there is a lot of visual splendor. The cinematography captures the beauty and tension of Kashmir's snow-covered terrain, utilizes wide shots, and adds to realism with army bases and atmosphere.  

Why the visuals draw importance:

• They elevate emotion and provide a tactile experience.
• They contrast warmth of home with chill of circumstance.
• They help create a strong sense of place, especially for scenes using isolation or quiet.
• They may be some of the most memorable images for viewers.

Emotional Themes That Almost Work

If the foundation of Sarzameen is its emotional core about a father wondering in guilt if he has raised a traitor son, a mother who doesn’t know what to believe, and a son who doesn't know if he should rebel or feel remorse, then the country’s reluctance to make concessions to them gets them into implausible melodrama on the sidelines. Sarzameen also manages to rise above the emotion, at least in certain very human moments.

• Themes that the film attempts to express:
• The emotional toll of patriotism on families.
• The ideological divide between the generations of duty.
• The emotional toll of a national conflict.

There is always some old sadness under the film, following characters as they are sometimes forced to choose between love and loyalty. Sarzameen may be hit or miss, but the emotional stakes are made clear. 

Conclusion

Sarzameen isn't a bad film, but it is not the impactful, unforgettable drama it wanted to be. It has a strong central performance, a visually impressive backdrop, and emotional themes that might have hit better with a tighter script.

This is a film that wants us to think of something of substance, but loses the message in dramatic excess and untimely storytelling. If you enjoy a slow-burn family drama and/or are Prithviraj fan, this could be a good watch. But those looking for a sharper political thriller or a fully realized emotional journey may end up disappointed.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): indiatoday.in