A taut extradition thriller held together by strong direction and performances.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
D-Day receives a broadly positive critical reception, with most reviewers recommending it as a worthwhile theatrical experience despite its imperfections. Critics most frequently praised Nikhil Advani's direction and the performances, with several highlighting the film's ability to sustain tension and its unusually textured portrayal of a Dawood Ibrahim-like extradition scenario. Common criticisms include lapses in pacing and narrative cohesion in the middle portions, weak dialogue, and a climax that some found jingoistic or melodramatic. A handful of reviewers felt the film loses its footing once its central plan unravels, leaving both characters and plot without clear direction.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 20 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
'D-Day' is far from perfect, but as pulpy Bollywood action films go, it's very watchable and works its strengths. The film's ending, controversial and melodramatic to say the least, nevertheless sits comfortably with the wish-fulfilment fantasy that Advani's milking. I'm going with three out of five. It's worth a watch; you won't be bored.
Top critic
Film review ·
Parallels have been drawn with A Mighty Heart, even Zero Dark Thirty, but that's only because all three films are set in what passes for Pakistan. However, D-Day's imagining of Karachi is entirely Indian and far more intimate. Advani should take a bow, as for the most part, it works.
Top critic
Film review ·
D-Day is replete with such unusual touches. It is another matter that all of them do not eventually come together to make a cohesive whole. Yet, for all its flaws, this is a film good enough to merit a trip to the multiplex.
Film review ·
All-in-all, D-DAY is a clear winner. A thriller worth every penny. This is the first time I would say, where art imitates life on screen. The first half is pure thrill with not a blemish.
Film review ·
Nikhil Advani ventures into an alien terrain with D-DAY, which, on surface, may seem like yet another gangster film, but it's not. There have been a lot of debates about gangsters who have sought a secure haven on foreign soil and a lot is being said about getting them back to India for trial and justice. But D-DAY is the first Hindi film to explore this pertinent aspect
Film review ·
Nikhil Advani's sixth feature film is an acutely accomplished work of art. It's a thriller, yes. About the enforced extradition of a Dawood-like gangster. But what I came away with was a haunting love story between a mysterious Indian intelligence agent and a Pakistani sex worker, both wounded and scarred for life.
Film review ·
With its chilling action scenes and thrilling emotional quotient, D-Day is perhaps one of recent times' most rivetingly told stories. With Bollywood celebrating Dawood mostly, here's a filmmaker who has made a daunting movie which effortlessly gives the character its correct hue.
Film review ·
Nikhil Advani's taut direction of this film, keeps you hooked throughout, just once in a while letting you off the hook to gasp and breathe. While the fast paced action keeps you on the edge, what comes as a relief is that even the romantic portions between Rudra Pratap Singh and a sex worker (Shruti Hassan), who he's cooped with to hide his identity, are tender, sensititve and original.
Film review ·
Nikhil Advani exhibits rare brilliance as he manages to sustain edge-of-the-seat suspense throughout. Watch it for an engaging story and engrossing performances.
Film review ·
Directed by Nikhil Advani, 'D-Day' gives you an optimistic visual reference to what could indeed be achieved, should one put in all what is needed to get hold of that one man – who tops India's most wanted list.
Film review ·
Nikhil Advani makes a gripping, tense film on a tight budget and minus an A-List actor. And proves just how accomplished a director he is. He tells you a strong, coherent story that makes you wish was based on a true incident. I would go as far as saying this is a genre-creating film.
Film review ·
D-Day is a well-made thriller, with some outstanding performances. The film excels in portraying the dark reality of the underworld, with an impressive end.
Film review ·
Straight up, D-Day is explosive at three levels. The plot crackles. The acting sears. And the music flares with passion. Catch it - this 'D' company denotes both debate and desh-prem.
Film review ·
Till Dawood Ibrahim dies of old age, or is claimed by one of his own, we'll keep dreaming of catharsis. But director Nikhil Advani feels differently. He thinks that if Americans can extract revenge and experience catharsis via Operation Neptune Spear, Indians deserve to exhale as well. So what if the Indian government and its unintelligent intelligence officers only offer the most dreary script? A fictitious one can be scripted.
Film review ·
Following up on his exceptional Delhi Safari, Director Nikhil Advani continues to reinvent himself with D-Day, a well-crafted, violent drama balanced with an introspective mood that can loosely be indexed under historical fiction.
Film review ·
The dialogues of the film could have been sharper. And despite a thick canvas, the film loses the plot and pace in between. It's a one-time watch, do not go with much expectations.
Film review ·
Spies inhabit a shadowy world. They plot long-term moves, stay under cover for a living, and quietly run for their life when necessary, which is quite often. Any exposure equals death. Soon as their plot to abduct the don fails, these fellows just don't know what to do or where to go. Neither does the film, sadly.
Film review ·
For its flawless direction, proficient acting and adrenaline pumping scenes it is a must watch.
Film review ·
On the whole, D-Day is an enjoyable fare and one which inspires a feeling of patriotism in the viewers. But it is more for the evolved audience. Its showcasing in the multiplexes is bad and, coupled with its poor start and unexciting title, this will mar the film's box-office prospects and potential. Of course, collections will pick up due to positive word of mouth but the dull start is bound to play the proverbial villain, in the final tally. The film will win critical acclaim and will be a strong contender in many categories at the awards. Its business will be more in the cinemas frequented by class audiences and in the big cities.
Film review ·
D-Day has all the right ingredients that make it a memorable film.
Film review ·
"D-Day" isn't the perfect thriller and the ending degenerates quickly into being jingoistic and loud, what with the villain and hero spouting homilies about the "new India". But despite its flaws, "D-Day" is a film that works.
From our readers
21 ratings · user score 6.6
D-Day. A political thriller based on a secret mission by India to capture one of the most wanted criminal hiding in Pakistan. This one is best work of Nikhil Advani after cult Kal Ho Naa Ho. There is some gripping screenplay, nicely sketched characters, a purpose and above all solid acting by three male actors; Always reliable Irrfan Khan, evolving Arjun Rampal and champion of his second innings Rishi Kapoor. Huma and Shruti also do good in their small but important parts. The sub-plots of Arjun- Shruti and Irrfan's family are handled with care and lot of emotion. Although movie fails to end on a high note but you still feel satisfied because there is lot to enjoy and care in this two and half hours long mission. It deserves a watch!!
But Should Have Been Better
Dawood Ibrahim, the most wanted terrorist of India has been fiercely pursued by our Government for years to no avail. So much so, his life has been fascinated to the extent that myths & folklores were being crafted. In recent years, Bollywood has been so fixated by him that movies inspired by his life has been churned out with surprising regularity be it "Company", "D Company" or "Once Upon a Time in Mumbai" The latest to join this bandwagon is Nikhil Advani's "D Day", whose promos & Rishi Kapoor's uncanny similarity to the Don has been the talk of the town. Iqbal Seth aka Goldman (Rishi Kapoor), the most wanted terrorist of India is on his way to a 5 star hotel in Karachi to attend the wedding of his son. Inspite of foolproof security arrangements by the Pakistani authorities, the Indian undercover agents manages to wreck havoc at the venue but falls short of their plans. Their mission code named "Operation Goldman", the brainchild of RAW Chief Aswini Rao (Nassar) was to kidnap Iqbal Seth & bring him to justice in India. Considering the sensitive nature of the Indo-Pak relationship, the Indian authorities vehemently denies any covert activities in Karachi. In short, the Indian authorities washed their hands off their undercover agents. Without any support, can the team ever make it back to India with or without completion of their mission??? Nikhil Advani is always known to make safe movies with huge stars has taken a detour this time around, with a slicky action flick & sort the help of a set of talented yet uncommon mix of actors. Along with Ritesh Shah & Suresh Nair, he has come with a captivating script which draws inspiration from real life events as well. Equally impressive were the action sequences choreographed by Tom Struthers & Tushar Ray's visuals. Shankar Ehsaan Loy has done a praise worthy job with "Alvida" being the pick among the lot. Though the film has its own share of melodrama & predictable climax, there is no denying that it still makes for an enjoyable watch. Frankly speaking, I am absolutely floored by Rishi Kapoor's performance. With each passing film he seems to be rediscovering himself & I am damn sure no one else could have done the role of the dreaded terorist with as much ease & flair. Irffan Khan's work doesnt need much description as he was equally fantastic playing the role of the family man & agent imparting a sense of vulnerability & grittiness at the same time. Arjun Rampal has come up with one of his best performances to date while Huma Qureshi inspite of a small role shows she is here to stay and Shruti Hasan impresses for once. Verdict: The gritty nature of the film & Ramzan season might not make it an overwhelming favourite at the box office. But the film is definitely bound to garner positive word of mouth which should do good for the film in multiplexes. In short, watch it for the fantastic performances!!! Rating: 3.25/5 Regards...Ben
'D-Day' is a brilliant call to Ram Gopal Varma- a reminder to him that his craft in interesting gangster dramas is strong, a call to him to avoid making terrible Mumbaiya flicks and let the audience relish the taste of a heishy, meaty thriller. D-Day a riveting and exciting in equal parts gangster drama which has the best cinematography capturing the real Mumbai, and interesting performances by Arjun Rampal and Irrfan Khan leaves you thinking. But I am still pondering of the significance this name- the name of Rishi Kapoor in the film- Goldmine, carries. It's funny, but the movie isn't funny business. Anything reminding you of Satya isn't funny.
Credits
Irrfan Khan
Arjun Rampal
Rishi Kapoor
Huma Qureshi
Imran Hasnee
Aakash Dahiya
Chandan Roy Sanyal
Shruti Haasan
Sandeep Kulkarni
K K RainaHindi films like D-Day
Batla House
2019
Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
2013
Om Shanti Om
2007
Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1
2012
Gangs of Wasseypur – 2
2012
Hero
2015
Dhurandhar: The Revenge
2026
Baby Do Die Do
2026
Dhurandhar
2025
New York
2009
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
