Initial reactions suggest a divided audience. While Emraan Hashmi’s performance was widely appreciated — with many calling it his most intense role in recent years — criticism was mostly directed at the screenplay and pacing
Emraan Hashmi’s much-anticipated film Ground Zero hit the big screens nationwide on April 25, but its opening was met with a mixed response. Despite a grand premiere in Srinagar that made headlines, the theatrical turnout on day one was underwhelming, with empty seats reported in major cinema halls across Mumbai and Delhi.
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Excel Entertainment, Ground Zero attempts to marry the intensity of a real-life military operation with the emotional gravity of personal sacrifice.
Set against the backdrop of Kashmir, the film draws inspiration from the 2005 Operation Ghazi Baba — one of the most significant missions in the Border Security Force’s (BSF) history.
The film’s premiere in Srinagar marked a historic return of Bollywood to the valley, being the first such event in 38 years. The screening, held at the INOX theatre, was attended by lead actor Emraan Hashmi, co-star Sai Tamhankar, director Tejas Deoskar, and producers including Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The audience was a mix of BSF personnel and local fans, and the emotional significance of the event was not lost on anyone involved.
Director Tejas Prabha Vijay described it as a “full circle moment,” with the story, the shooting, and the first public screening all rooted in Kashmir. Hashmi echoed this sentiment, calling the premiere “a symbolic moment for the valley” and expressing hope that more filmmakers would consider the region for future projects.
Yet, when the film opened to the general public, audience interest failed to translate into footfall. Several theatres in metro cities reported low occupancy, with most seats vacant during prime time shows.
Initial reactions suggest a divided audience. While Emraan Hashmi’s performance was widely appreciated — with many calling it his most intense role in recent years — criticism was mostly directed at the screenplay and pacing. One viewer shared with IANS, “Ground Zero is a good movie. It’s based on a real story and the emotional angle really hit home. Given the current tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the theme is timely. The songs are also decent, and the movie has depth.”
Another was less forgiving: “Excel Entertainment had a chance to do something big with this story, but it felt routine. Hashmi did his part well, but the screenplay dragged, especially in the second half.”
Many echoed the sentiment that the film lacked tight editing and that the narrative didn’t do justice to the potential of the story it was inspired by. Some called it “decent but forgettable,” while others pointed out that the army’s story was not highlighted as strongly as expected.
In Ground Zero, Emraan Hashmi plays BSF Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey — a stoic, disciplined officer tasked with a mission that would change the course of India’s fight against terrorism. Sai Tamhankar plays his wife, adding an emotional layer to the soldier’s personal life. The story focuses on the inner conflict of a man torn between duty and domesticity, as the mission against Ghazi Baba unfolds. The backdrop of Kashmir, captured with raw authenticity, adds to the realism of the film.
Despite the powerful premise, the screenplay falters at key moments. The narrative sometimes feels too subdued for a thriller, and while the film tries to evoke patriotic fervor, it does so with restraint — a quality some viewers admired but others found underwhelming.
The film boasts solid cinematography, capturing the rugged terrain of Kashmir with visual finesse. The action sequences, while not over-the-top, are executed with precision. The background score enhances the mood without becoming intrusive. Excel Entertainment’s production values are visible in every frame, but the promotional push seemed lacking. Several moviegoers cited inadequate marketing as a major reason for the poor turnout, saying they hadn’t heard much about the film until the premiere made news.
Ground Zero is a film that wears its sincerity on its sleeve. Emraan Hashmi’s performance anchors the story, and the film’s respectful portrayal of the armed forces deserves recognition. However, the lack of a gripping screenplay and underwhelming marketing may prevent it from making a strong mark at the box office.
For fans of military dramas and those interested in India’s security history, Ground Zero offers a respectable watch. But for audiences expecting high-octane thrills or a deeply layered narrative, the film may not fully deliver.
Rating: 3/5
