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Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is an inspiring Indian film that falls under the genres of historical drama and thriller. Released on May 25, 2018, the movie is directed by Abhishek Sharma and features John Abraham in the lead role. Based on true events, the film highlights one of India’s most significant achievements: the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran in 1998. With a gripping narrative and a patriotic theme, Parmanu manages to strike an emotional chord with its audience.

Plot Summary

The movie tells the story of Ashwat Raina, an ambitious IAS officer who is determined to help India establish itself as a nuclear power. Tasked with a covert mission to conduct nuclear tests without being detected by international forces, Ashwat assembles a team of experts to execute this challenging operation. Set against the backdrop of national pride and geopolitical tension, Parmanu takes viewers on an intense journey of risk, strategy, and courage. The narrative builds suspense without revealing too much, making it a compelling watch.

What’s Good?

Engaging Performances

John Abraham delivers a strong performance as Ashwat Raina, portraying the character’s determination and vulnerability with conviction. The supporting cast, including Diana Penty and Boman Irani, also shine in their roles, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Direction and Screenplay

Abhishek Sharma’s direction deserves applause for its focus and clarity. The screenplay is well-paced, maintaining a fine balance between technical details and emotional moments. The narrative seamlessly weaves factual events with creative storytelling, ensuring that the movie remains engaging throughout.

Cinematography and Visuals

Zubin Mistry’s cinematography captures the arid landscapes of Pokhran beautifully, creating a visual atmosphere that enhances the movie’s tension and urgency. The aerial shots and depiction of the testing sites add to the authenticity of the film.

Music and Background Score

The background score by Sachin-Jigar complements the film’s intense mood, heightening the impact of critical scenes. While the songs are limited, tracks like “Shubh Din” stand out for their celebratory tone, perfectly capturing the spirit of the movie.

Patriotism with Subtlety

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke patriotism without resorting to melodrama. The narrative focuses on the efforts and sacrifices of individuals, making it relatable and inspiring.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Realistic Approach: The movie’s attention to detail in depicting the challenges of a covert operation is commendable.
  • Well-written Characters: Each character has a distinct role and contributes significantly to the story.
  • Gripping Narrative: The suspense and strategic elements keep viewers invested.

Weaknesses

  • Simplistic Conflicts: Some of the challenges faced by the team are resolved too easily, which might seem unrealistic.
  • Limited Exploration of Side Characters: While the supporting cast performs well, their backstories could have been explored more deeply.
  • Predictable Climax: Given the historical nature of the story, the ending feels predictable, though it is still impactful.

Target Audience

Parmanu is a film that will resonate with a broad audience. History enthusiasts and those interested in India’s scientific achievements will appreciate its detailed narrative. Families can enjoy the movie for its inspiring story and positive values. Fans of patriotic dramas and thrillers will also find it highly engaging. However, if you’re looking for a light-hearted entertainer, this might not be your cup of tea.

Box Office Details

Budget

The total budget of Parmanu was approximately INR 35 crore, which included production and promotional costs.

Worldwide Box Office Collection

The movie was a commercial success, earning around INR 91.38 crore globally. Its strong performance was a testament to its universal appeal and positive word-of-mouth.

Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

  1. Day 1: INR 4.82 crore (India: INR 4 crore, Overseas: INR 0.82 crore)
  2. Day 2: INR 7.64 crore (India: INR 6.5 crore, Overseas: INR 1.14 crore)
  3. Day 3: INR 9.79 crore (India: INR 8 crore, Overseas: INR 1.79 crore)
  4. Day 4: INR 4.10 crore (India: INR 3.5 crore, Overseas: INR 0.60 crore)
  5. Day 5: INR 3.81 crore (India: INR 3.2 crore, Overseas: INR 0.61 crore)

The consistent box office numbers reflect the film’s ability to connect with audiences across different demographics.

Recommendation

Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is a must-watch for anyone who values stories of grit, determination, and national pride. Its engaging performances, gripping narrative, and inspiring message make it a film worth experiencing. Highly recommended for fans of historical dramas and patriotic cinema.

Genres:

Drama, Action, History

Rating:

7.015/10

Cast:

ActorCharacter
John AbrahamCapt. Ashwat Raina
Diana PentyCapt. Ambalika Bandyopadhyay
Boman IraniHimanshu Shukla
Zachary CoffinStephen
Mark BenningtonDaniel
Arush NandPrahlad
Yogendra TikuDr. Naresh Sinha
Vikas KumarMajor Prem
Darshan PandyaPakistani Spy
Anuja SatheSushma

How is Our Review?

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Rampukar

About the Author: Rampukar

Rampukar is a seasoned and dedicated movie reviewer with a deep passion for cinema. He holds a degree in Mass Communication from Polygon College, Kathmandu, where he gained a strong foundation in film theory and media studies. With years of experience analyzing and critiquing movies, Rampukar brings a thoughtful and insightful perspective to his reviews.

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