Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

Backdrop: I diligently avoid docudramas based on real incidents as they only rehash what we already know without adding anything new. That's precisely the reason why I avoided watching Parmanu all these weeks but it's been a while since I saw a movie and the lack of decent fair at the cinemas coupled with upbeat critical reviews for Parmanu finally cajoled me into watching it. Boy! Was I thrilled to watch a competent movie which was slick and gripping till the very end. The verdict is out first but keep reading as to what makes this movie a recommended watch.

(Credits: IndiaToday.in)

Plot: It's 1995 and India is facing an existential crisis amidst mounting defensive and strategic pressures from it's neighboring countries. I.A.S. officer, Ashwat Raina (John Abraham), believes that India's road to political parity lies in establishing a nuclear program. The recommendation is taken up but Ashwat Raina's plan is not followed to the 'T', resulting in the failure of the mission and Ashwat's suspension. Three years later with a new government in power, newly appointed Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister (Boman Irani) revives the program with Ashwat's help. Jumping at the opportunity to redeem himself Ashwat puts together a team of professionals from the country's top government agencies and sets off to Pokhran to lay the foundation for the country's first ever nuclear program. What will the global powers do to stop Ashwat Raina? Can Ashwat Raina lead a covert mission while keeping his wife and child in the dark? Will he succeed?

Review: 

The Plus

• Reality based subjects often fail on two counts. The first when they blur the lines between fact and fiction to an extent that all reverence for the original source material is lost. The second when they adopt a documentary feel and add visuals to what you can already read out of Wikipedia. Parmanu takes a middle ground, the plot is based on actual incidents but the characters  permeating the incidents are fictional. The extent of creative license taken cannot be judged but after watching the end product it's evident that due diligence was done to prevent imagination from overrunning historical fact.

• There aren't too many ways you can entertain an audience when taking up a heavy handed subject such as setting up a nuclear test. But like Sully, the film doesn't get lost in technical details and focuses on strategy and espionage which is where the drama actually is.

• The end title sequence where credit is showered upon the actual heroes of the event was very touching. The fact that I met one of the heroes Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was even more gratifying. 

• The performances of the entire star cast deserves mention. Major credit goes to Anuja Sathe who plays John Abraham's misled wife and Yogendra Tiku who plays a forgetful scientist suffering from heat exhaustion.  

• The intention to make a clean film which caters to the families, when almost every other movie (these days) is bent on pushing the boundaries deserves major kudos. It takes guts to create soulful heroes in an era where soullessness is a fashion and Parmanu can be appreciated on that fact alone . 

The Minus 

• The Tata Sumo that John Abraham uses in one scene didn't look like a late 90s model. Thin laptops (used by the foreign intelligence agents weren't a reality in the sub-continent) until the turn of the millennium. However these are minor glitches and it could always be argued that army personnel and intelligence operatives had access to advanced equipment which civilians didn't.

• The fact that the entire team was put together by a suspended I.A.S. officer who had been out of office for years didn't strike credible to me. Complex initiatives require detailed discussions on team composition and recommendations of multiple people have to be considered before a decision is taken. But I do understand that the plot had to be pushed along to where the action is hence I will not complain too much about this point.       

The Best Scene in the Movie

When Ashwat Raina's wife (played excellently by Anuja Sathe) misunderstands the covert operation her husband is involved in and suspects him of having an affair with a co-worker all hell breaks loose. John Abraham brilliantly underplays himself as a soft target letting Anuja connect with her haymakers. The scene serves to remind everyone that the only thing worse than a nuclear explosion is the scorn of a lady. 

Final Thoughts: 

Parmanu has it's share of loopholes and some might even find it overtly inclined towards a certain political party but you can't fault a feel good movie which inspires people to go one step further for their country. For that alone I tip my hat to the makers and John Abraham.

Rated: Recommended Watch

Until Next Time,

Your Movie Buff,
J.J. Chaitanya