Salakaar: Dual Timeline Spy Thriller Unveiling Secrets Across Generations
Salakaar is a tense espionage thriller weaving between 1978 and 2025, where loyalty and secrets collide in a gripping tale of nation, duty, and betrayal.
Salakaar: Dual Timeline Spy Thriller Unveiling Secrets Across Generations
A Gripping Entry in Indian Spy Drama
Salakaar, now streaming on JioHotstar since 8 August 2025, is a Hindi-language espionage thriller that unfolds across two distinct timelines—1978 and 2025. Created and directed by Faruk Kabir, with writing credits to Kabir and Spandan Mishra (among others), the series promises intrigue, geopolitical tension, and moral quandaries.
Starring Naveen Kasturia as a young Adhir Dayal, Purnendu Bhattacharya as NSA Adhir Dayal, Mouni Roy as Mariam/Srishti Chaturvedi, Mukesh Rishi, and Surya Sharma, Salakaar spans five episodes, each ranging from 27 to 39 minutes.
Story Overview: Loyalties, Missions, and Nuclear Threats
Set against the backdrop of covert intelligence operations, Salakaar alternates between the Cold War era and the present. In 1978, RAW agent Adhir Dayal (Naveen Kasturia) goes undercover as a cultural attaché in Pakistan, aiming to thwart a secret nuclear initiative by infiltrating high-stakes environments.
In 2025, Mariam (Mouni Roy), posing as a tuition teacher named Srishti Chaturvedi, executes a “honey trap” to photograph clandestine nuclear blueprints from Colonel Ashfaq Ulla (Surya Sharma) using spy-camera glasses. The recovered data leads back to files accessible only to the Prime Minister and NSA Adhir Dayal, catapulting the narrative across decades and regimes.
Ratings & Reception: Promise Meets Plot Holes
On ratings, Salakaar has received a user rating of 3.9/5 (around 5.8/10), reflecting moderate approval from viewers.
Critics and audiences are polarized:
Praise: Performances by Mouni Roy and Mukesh Rishi stand out. The premise’s scope and shifting timelines raise initial interest.
Criticism: Writing and plot execution—particularly logic inconsistencies—are common points of dissatisfaction. Notable lapses include how Dayal survives a nuclear explosion with minimal injuries and returns to suspect zones undetected. Some reviewers have labeled the show “a cringe fest” or “too dumbed-down, amateurish and contrived to be credible.”
Troy Ribeiro remarked that though audacious, Salakaar “leaves you wondering – does it stir pride or resurface old wounds?” Many reviewers echoed similar mixed sentiments.
Even IMDb user feedback reflects this split, noting both intriguing real-life inspirations and Bollywood-style clichés that detract from the seriousness of the subject matter.
Final Thoughts: Salakaar’s Ambition and Its Shortfalls
Salakaar boldly tackles themes of national loyalty, cross-border espionage, and the ripple effects of past missions on the modern era. With a talented cast and a premise brimming with potential, it holds your attention—especially in its early episodes.
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But as the story progresses, narrative inconsistencies, underwritten logic, and underwhelming execution dilute its promise. Performances by Mukesh Rishi and Mouni Roy still anchor the drama, yet they can’t fully redeem a script that falters when coherence and intelligence are truly needed.
In summary, Salakaar offers a thrilling setup and memorable moments, but it ultimately struggles to deliver sustained engagement or credibility. It’s worth a watch for those who enjoy spy thrillers—just go in with measured expectations.
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