Helmed by Faruk Kabir, JioHotstar’s spy thriller series Salakaar is out now. Starring Naveen Kasturia and Mouni Roy in the leading roles, the show is reportedly inspired by one of India’s most prominent and respected intelligence officers, Ajit Doval.
Salakaar unfolds across two separate timelines. In the present day, a RAW agent named Srishti, operating under the alias Maryam and played by Mouni Roy, is working to uncover a nuclear bomb plot orchestrated by Pakistani Colonel Ashfaqullah (Surya Sharma). The present-day storyline is less defined than the past timeline, but it’s clear that the focus is on a covert mission to stop Pakistan’s nuclear program.
Early reviews for the show are mixed, with many viewers and critics calling it an ambitious but ultimately flawed espionage thriller. While some praise its performances and patriotic tone, the majority point to weak writing, a lack of realism, and a rushed plot as its main shortcomings.
One of the biggest positives is the performances of Kasturia and Mouni Roy, with the latter’s work gaining more attention. Mukesh Rishi’s performance has also been praised. However, the show’s story and writing have been criticised for being clichéd and mediocre.
Another major point of criticism is the lack of narrative depth, as the total episode count stands at only five, each with a runtime of just 30–40 minutes. While the shorter episodes make for a fast-paced watch, viewers argue that this format prevents any real character development or tension from building.
Moreover, the plot feels predictable, and the climax is widely described as underwhelming and forgettable.
Salakaar has been the talk of the Indian OTT landscape for a while now. Equipped with immense hype and extensive promotion, the latest Naveen Kasturia–Mouni Roy starrer delivers in some areas but struggles in others. Stay tuned for more updates.
Here are some early reactions to Salakaar!