Sarzameen, directed by Kayoze Irani, attempts to weave a layered narrative of patriotism, fatherhood, trauma, and radicalisation through the experiences of a conflicted military family. While the film showcases moments of emotional intensity, it falters due to inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped character arcs.
At the center of the story is Major Vijay Menon (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran), a tough army officer stationed in Kashmir who replicates the same rigid upbringing he endured onto his son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a teenager with a speech disorder and deep-rooted insecurities. Meher, portrayed brilliantly by Kajol, is the empathetic mother trying to balance emotional understanding with her husband’s stoic patriotism.
When a terrorist exchange operation spirals out of control, Harman’s frustration takes a dangerous turn. Disillusioned and angry, he ends up on the path of radicalisation—ironically against the very ideals his father fights to uphold. This descent sparks the film’s central conflict: can love and understanding redeem someone pulled into extremism?
Sarzameen aims high with its themes, including intergenerational trauma and the emotional void that cultivates hate. But despite noble intentions, the screenplay struggles with tonal balance. Character motivations shift too quickly, and pivotal emotional scenes lack the buildup needed to resonate.
Kajol is undoubtedly the film’s strongest pillar. Her grounded, emotionally rich performance gives authenticity to the chaos around her. Prithviraj Sukumaran performs capably, but suffers from a technical misstep—poor dubbing—that disrupts his otherwise commanding presence.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in his early foray into film, shows moderate improvement from Nadaaniyan. He fares better in action sequences and silent moments, but lacks emotional range in the heavier scenes. Supporting actor Mihir Ahuja makes an impression despite limited screen time.
Ultimately, Sarzameen is an ambitious film with a message that gets muddled in execution. It’s engaging and fast-paced, but leaves viewers with more questions than emotional payoff. The film stirs curiosity, even if it doesn’t always satisfy.
