A well-meaning nuclear thriller let down by a thin, Bollywood-ised script.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is mixed, with scores ranging widely from 30 to 80. Several critics acknowledged the film's earnest intentions in bringing a significant historical event to the screen, and supporting performances — particularly Boman Irani's — drew praise. However, a recurring complaint is that the screenplay is overly fanciful and lacks the nuance and detail that the subject matter demands, with some critics noting the story takes too long to build and leans on Bollywood conventions ill-suited to a fact-based narrative. John Abraham's performance divided opinion, seen by some as genuinely committed and by others as unable to overcome a weak script.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
You will get the money shot of John Abraham and co. walking in slo-mo to swelling background music, enveloped in a comic book feel. You will not get crucial nuance and detail, essential requirements for a film to be to taken seriously.
Top critic
Film review ·
John Abraham does his best to lend some frisson to his role, but he is weighed down by a ridiculously fanciful screenplay...
Film review ·
All said and done, some movies serve more than just entertainment and Parmanu provides an experience that will linger in your soul for a long time post you leave the cinema hall. Don't watch this for anyone, watch it for your country.
Film review ·
What 'Parmanu' lacks in detail and authenticity, it makes up with emotions and a sense of national pride. The narrative isn't explosive but it does have the dramatic moments to keep the viewer engaged. Thrills, suspense, drama, a little bit of humour, as well as a solid comment on India's soldiers – this movie, largely has all the tricks to please even a discerning audience.
Film review ·
John Abraham despite all his limitations as an actor is extremely earnest not only in his performance but also in his intention to tell the Pokharan tale. His most honest moment comes towards the end when he breaks down in tears. Boman Irani is a delight to watch. He gives a controlled and classy performance as the PM's secretary. Despite resorting to some very obvious tricks, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran remains noble in its intention of telling a historic tale that made every Indian proud. It's a good one time watch.
Film review ·
Overall, the film is worth a watch for the unsung heroes of the tale.
Film review ·
John Abraham Starrer is Too Bollywood to be a "True Events" Story...The good part about the movie is that just like the recently released Raazi, Parmanu too doesn't fall into the usual trappings of bashing Pakistan on screen just to make a few extra bucks at the box office.
Film review ·
With American satellites keeping a constant eye on Pokhran, India's Nuclear site for years (India had conducted the first 'peaceful' nuclear explosion in 1974), there was no way they world was going to allow India to join the nuclear nations. So a civil services officer created a team and helped conduct not one, but three underground nuclear explosions successfully, one of the most successful covert operations in the world. The idea is great, but it takes too long to build the story.
From our readers
4 ratings · user score 6.5
wonderful movie to watch out the real story of pokhran, every indian should watch the movie.
Over the 70 odd years of Indian Independence, our nation have achieved numerous feats such as Green Revolution, White Revolution, ISRO's exploits etc. One such notable achievement was India's nuclear power capabilities which was accomplished on the back of the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran in 1998. Apart from the fact it was a crowning moment for India, it is also one of the biggest failures of the CIA which had no clue about it despite the numerous satellites spying in the region. Though the events are well documented in print, Abhishek Sharma decided to re-create it on celluloid. So did he stick to the actual details or is it just merely fiction with an over dosage of patriotism??? It's 1995 & China has just conducted 43 nuclear tests which had sent our politicians into a frenzy due to the increasing might of its neighbours. Among the numerous nonsensical retaliation suggestions that are floated at the PM's Office, Ashwat Raina (John Abraham), a IAS Officer proposes the idea that India also needs to conduct nuclear tests. His suggestion is met with ridicule & though the PM's secretary takes up the idea, Ashwat is sidelined & it reflects in the eventual planning as the nueclear test turned out to be a failure. As one would expect, Ashwat is made the scapegoat which breaks his confidence. However, three years later he gets a shot at redemption when Himanshu Malik, the new Principal Secretary to the PM puts him in charge of the nuclear mission. How Ashwat & his team accomplishes the task under the nose of the US spy satellites forms the crux of the movie. Abhishek Sharma made quite a few look up & take notice of him with his debut venture "Tere Bin Laden" which released close to a decade back. However, "Parmanu" will be his first major movie in terms of budget & canvas on offer. Based on the Pokhran nuclear tests, masterminded by APJ & Co.; Abhishek in the company of Saiwyn Quadras & Sanyukta Chawla Sheikh (of "Neerja" & "Mary Kom" fame) has created a story that is more fictional than the actual truth. The whole mission seemed rather too simplistic though the tension built up towards the climax was credible. None of the technical aspects deserves a special mention as it average at best. John Abraham has given a sincere effort & fitted the role of the protagonist. Boman Irani was impressive in his brief role while the rest of the cast were fine as well though I felt Diana Penty wasnt quite the right choice for her role. Verdict: With not much competition in the first week, "Parmanu" was able to break even without breaking much sweat. However, with "Veere Di Wedding" having hit the screens this weekend; it remains to be seen how much more it will be able to collect. There is no doubt that the movie is decently crafted, but I felt it could have been more impactful. In short, you can give it a try!!! Rating: 2.5/5 Regards...Ben
'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran' is a clearly uninspired and disinterestedly written account of the nuclear tests in Pokhran. While the style of telling is linear but still satisfactory, the film, with its time-tested formulas and clearly unsupportive performances doesn't quite soar. It dismisses its style right in its first half, although its fizz is lost right after the first few minutes. But you can still watch 'Parmanu' because it has some brilliant brushstrokes. While the performances are clarly not helping (thank you, Boman Irani, thank you, Diana Penty), there is still no dearth of storytelling. The film is a one-man show just for John Abraham, who is described as a 'Lord Krishna' here, but there are some rooting factors too. But yeah, too few.
Credits
John AbrahamCaptAshwat Raina [8]
Diana PentyCaptAmbalika
Boman Irani
Zachary CoffinStephen
Mark Bennington
Abhishek Sharma
Saiwyn Quadras
Sachin-Jigar
Yogendra TikkuMore Hindi films
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