Salakaar, starring Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, and Mukesh Rishi, is a five-episode spy thriller streaming on JioHotstar. Each episode is about 30 minutes long, making the total runtime around two and a half hours. While the short duration feels like a relief compared to other long web series, the show fails to deliver a truly engaging spy story.
Salakaar Review: Fast-Paced Spy Thriller Falls Short
The series runs in two timelines. In 2025, RAW agent Maryam, also known as Srishti (Mouni Roy), is working to stop Pakistani Colonel Ashfaqullah (Surya Sharma) from making a nuclear bomb. She is helped by India’s National Security Advisor (Purnendu Sharma), who shares a personal history with the Colonel. The second timeline takes us back to 1978, when the NSA was a young field agent named Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) in Pakistan, trying to stop General Zia (Mukesh Rishi) from developing a nuclear reactor.
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The plot is inspired by real-life events connected to Ajit Doval, but the execution is weak. The show moves quickly and has constant action, but it does not give enough time to develop the characters or emotional depth. The lack of detail and realism is another problem. Small but important facts are shown incorrectly for example, military ranks are mixed up, embassies are called high commissions incorrectly, and secret missions are done in public view. For a story claiming to be based on true events, such mistakes are hard to ignore.
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Performance-wise, Naveen Kasturia does a good job as the young NSA and handles the action scenes well. Mouni Roy’s role is underused, leaving her as more of a supporting character than the strong spy she is meant to be. The highlight is Mukesh Rishi as General Zia, who brings real menace and power to the screen. However, the supporting cast, including talented actors like Surya Sharma, is wasted with over-the-top scenes.
Salakaar was meant to be a tribute to Ajit Doval, but the rushed storytelling and lack of depth make it fall short. With better writing, more attention to accuracy, and stronger character focus, it could have been a gripping spy drama. Instead, it ends up as a passable but forgettable series that leaves viewers still waiting for India’s true “Argo.”
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
