The release of Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, has coincided with the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, making its Kashmir-set story feel even more charged. Although the film is based on real events from the early 2000s, its depiction of a BSF raid on a terrorist hideout feels uncomfortably current, possibly boosting its theatrical prospects while also complicating its intended messaging.
In contrast to highly politicized films like The Kashmir Files or Article 370, Ground Zero leans closer to Shershaah — portraying patriotism with a genuine but simplified concern for Kashmiri civilians. Hashmi plays Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a real-life BSF hero who led the mission to eliminate Ghazi Baba, mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack.
The film’s early portions resemble typical action thrillers set in Kashmir, with Pakistan notably absent from the narrative. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar focuses more on internal challenges than cross-border tensions. However, the visuals and dialogues often fall into clichés, and most supporting characters are thinly written, with Dubey being the clear center of gravity.
Emraan Hashmi’s performance stands out — portraying Dubey with restraint and depth, a surprising shift from his earlier “playboy” roles. Still, some of the film’s macho one-liners feel outdated against the nuanced tone Hashmi strives for.
Key takeaway:
While Ground Zero raises important questions — such as whether Kashmir’s people are treated with the same value as its land — the current emotionally charged atmosphere might push audiences to overlook its subtleties.
