The timing is remarkably coincidental. The military biopic featuring Emraan Hashmi, titled ‘Ground Zero‘, is set to premiere shortly after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Although the narrative unfolds in the early 2000s and centers around BSF commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, it is situated in Kashmir, a region currently under significant scrutiny. While the circumstances from the early 2000s to today may differ, the persistent threat of terrorism remains unchanged.
Despite its timely relevance to the nation’s sentiments, ‘Ground Zero’ follows the conventional formula of military biopics that Bollywood has produced in abundance over the years. Emraan Hashmi portrays the courageous BSF commandant, Narendra Dubey, who is stationed in Kashmir during a period marked by numerous terror attacks orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammad. Dubey is tasked with collaborating with the Intelligence Bureau in Delhi to track down the terror group’s leader, Ghazi Baba, who is implicated in several high-profile attacks, including the 2001 Parliament and 2003 Akshardham Temple incidents, establishing him as one of the most dangerous terrorists. As Dubey and his team embark on the mission to apprehend Ghazi Baba, they possess scant information about him. The elusive figure operates in secrecy, communicating in coded messages, leaving no clear image or means of contact. To locate him, Dubey understands that he must first dismantle the pistol gang, which recruits young college students, luring them with minimal compensation for the life of a soldier.
He forms a bond with a local Kashmiri boy, who ultimately serves as his conduit to the clandestine terror networks potentially linked to the elusive leader, operating from the core of Srinagar. The quest to capture Ghazi Baba constitutes the crux of the narrative. Crafted by Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava, ‘Ground Zero’ presents a straightforward, linear storyline. While the primary emphasis is on the military’s extensive pursuit of the mastermind, the film also delves into Dubey’s domestic life, highlighting the support of his wife, Jaya (Sai Tamhankar).
Military biopics often exhibit a tendency towards excessive patriotism and overt jingoism. However, ‘Ground Zero’ successfully avoids these clichés. The character Dubey is portrayed as someone who trusts the local population, refraining from arbitrary violence or imprisonment, and instead seeks to understand the situation and build friendships. Hashmi and Tamhankar deliver commendable performances, despite their characters lacking depth. Zoya Hussain portrays an IB officer whose demeanor appears overly intense. Filmed in Kashmir, the cinematography by Kamaljeet Negi captures stunning visuals, with aerial and panoramic shots showcasing the valley’s beauty. While ‘Ground Zero’ is well-meaning, it fails to present anything innovative. The themes of Kashmir and terrorism evoke strong sentiments, yet the film relies on a familiar narrative. It fluctuates between factual representation and the conventions of a commercial action thriller, resulting in an overall average experience.
