Mumbai, April 25, 2025 — Bollywood’s latest war thriller, Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi in a rare, gritty avatar, has finally hit theaters. Set in the politically volatile landscape of Kashmir, the film arrives with the weight of a real-life story and high expectations from audiences who’ve followed the buzz around its sensitive and nationalistic subject. While Ground Zero hits several emotional and patriotic high notes, it has opened to mixed reviews and a lukewarm box office performance.
A Story Born from Real Sacrifice
Ground Zero is inspired by the true story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the covert operation to eliminate Ghazi Baba, the mastermind behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the intensity, isolation, and inner turmoil faced by Indian security forces during one of the most critical periods in modern Indian history.
Emraan Hashmi plays Deputy Commandant Dubey with commendable restraint. Gone is the swagger of his previous roles — instead, we get a committed performance that feels grounded, intense, and remarkably authentic. Sai Tamhankar, portraying his wife, offers a heartfelt portrayal of the emotional cost of war back home. Meanwhile, Zoya Hussain holds her own as intelligence officer Adilaa, bringing a sharp presence to the screen.
Critics Divided: Patriotism Meets Pacing Problems
While the performances have been widely appreciated, critics are split on the film’s storytelling. The film avoids over-dramatization, opting for a slow-burn narrative, but this choice may have alienated a portion of the audience expecting a high-adrenaline war film.
What Critics Say:
The Indian Express hailed it as “a well-acted, restrained film that avoids jingoism in favor of genuine patriotism.”
Moneycontrol called it “a taut, no-nonsense thriller that honors BSF courage without flashy gimmicks.”
On the other hand, Bollywood Bubble criticized it for “uneven pacing and underwhelming narrative grip,” suggesting the film doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its real-life inspiration.
Opening Box Office Collection: A Quiet Start
Despite its serious subject and strong lead cast, Ground Zero opened to a modest ₹37 lakh on day one — a surprisingly low figure considering Emraan Hashmi’s star power and the film’s nationalistic theme.
Industry analysts cite the following reasons for the slow start:
Low pre-release hype and limited promotional push.
Heavy competition from lighter commercial fare and regional releases.
Tone of the film — more serious and grounded, which may not appeal to the weekend crowd.
The film’s total budget is reportedly ₹22–25 crore, which puts pressure on the next two weekends to ensure it breaks even. With limited screens and niche appeal, Ground Zero will have to rely heavily on word-of-mouth momentum to stay in the race.
A Historic Premiere in Kashmir
In a symbolic move, Ground Zero premiered in Srinagar, marking the first Bollywood film premiere in the region in 38 years. Speaking about the experience, Hashmi called it “historic and emotional,” adding that it felt like bringing the story back to its roots.
The premiere was attended by senior BSF officials, families of martyrs, and local dignitaries — lending the event a heartfelt patriotic resonance that bolstered the film’s emotional appeal.
Cinematography, Direction & Sound Design: Strong Technicals, Uneven Flow
Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar deserves credit for handling a politically charged subject with nuance. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of Kashmir’s terrain while the sound design immerses the viewer into the environment — from the suddenness of ambushes to the eerie silence of the snow-clad mountains.
However, the film’s editing and pacing have drawn criticism. The narrative occasionally meanders, and the back-and-forth between Dubey’s personal life and professional challenges lacks fluidity in some parts. A tighter screenplay could have enhanced the overall impact.
Final Verdict: Grounded, Patriotic, But Lacking Box Office Ammo
Ground Zero is an earnest, dignified tribute to India’s unsung heroes. It steers clear of over-the-top nationalism and instead opts for a more humanized, emotionally raw take on war and duty. While it may not soar at the box office in its opening week, its real strength lies in its content, message, and potential for longevity in public memory.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of what happens on the real frontlines — not the battlefield, but the shadows of intelligence operations and internal security — Ground Zero is worth the watch.
Box Office Outlook: Can Word of Mouth Turn the Tide?
Given the soft opening, all eyes are now on the weekend numbers. If Ground Zero can pull in audiences through word-of-mouth — especially in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities where patriotic films tend to perform well — the film might just find its footing.
Should that happen, it could follow a slow-burn model akin to past films like Madras Cafe and Uri, which also started modestly before turning into sleeper hits.
In Summary
Title: Ground Zero
Genre: Political Thriller / War Drama
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain
Director: Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar
Budget: ₹22–25 crore
Day 1 Box Office: ₹37 lakh
Our Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Ground Zero is not just a movie — it’s a tribute to unseen courage, a reminder of the cost of peace, and a rare Bollywood outing that dares to keep it real.
