Sarzameen Movie Review: Powerful Performances by Prithviraj & Kajol, But a Weak Script Undermines It

Sarzameen arrives with big ambitions — emotional drama, national identity, family conflict, and the scenic yet sensitive backdrop of Kashmir. Directed by debutant Kayoze Irani, and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, the film sets out to be bold and emotional. Sadly, what unfolds is a visually rich yet narratively flat experience.

Story: A Promising Concept That Never Fully Lands

The story follows Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a stern Army officer, and his troubled son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan). Harman suffers from a speech stammer and feels emotionally neglected by his father. His life takes a dark turn when he’s kidnapped by a Kashmiri extremist outfit. The experience transforms him — mentally and ideologically.

But when Harman returns, he’s not the same boy. This internal and external conflict — between father and son, between ideology and identity — should’ve been the film’s core strength. Instead, the writing remains surface-level and misses emotional nuance, making it difficult for the audience to stay invested.

Performances: Stellar Cast, Uneven Character Writing

Prithviraj Sukumaran anchors the film with a commanding performance. His portrayal of a father torn between duty and guilt is compelling, but limited by a script that doesn’t give him much emotional ground to explore.

Kajol, as a protective mother, brings her signature intensity. Yet, the role relies too heavily on melodrama and lacks the composure expected of an army officer’s wife. Her emotional breakdowns feel repetitive rather than impactful.

Ibrahim Ali Khan makes a sincere effort in his first substantial role. While he shows growth, his character’s arc is too ambiguous, robbing him of a chance to truly shine.

Technical Brilliance, Narrative Inconsistency

Visually, Sarzameen is breathtaking. The cinematography captures the majestic landscapes of Kashmir beautifully. Each frame has the potential to stir emotions the story doesn’t quite deliver.

The background score and sound design, however, are disappointingly bland. Music that could have elevated emotional moments instead fades into the background. The action sequences are competent but lack urgency due to poor build-up.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Sarzameen had the ingredients for a powerful emotional-political thriller — family conflict, radicalization, patriotism, and redemption. Unfortunately, it squanders its opportunity with flat writing and inconsistent tone.

Watch it if:

• You’re a fan of Prithviraj or Kajol

• You enjoy Kashmir-set emotional dramas

• You don’t mind a one-time watch with stunning visuals

Skip it if:

• You expect strong storytelling and layered writing

• You want a powerful, well-defined debut from Ibrahim Ali Khan

• You’re looking for a gripping patriotic thriller