“Salakaar” Review: A Spy Thriller That Promises Much, Delivers Little

In the golden age of streaming content, where Indian creators are increasingly taking bold leaps into genres once considered niche, “Salakaar” arrives as a patriotic spy thriller with the promise of tension, undercover drama, and political intrigue. Unfortunately, despite a few flashes of brilliance, the series ultimately fizzles out before it can fully ignite.

Clocking in at a manageable five-episode runtime, “Salakaar” tries to paint itself as a high-stakes tale rooted in historical espionage. It borrows its premise from real-life operations carried out by Indian intelligence during the 1970s and 80s—a time when national security danced on a knife’s edge and diplomacy was often a façade for darker, more covert activities.

From the outset, it’s clear that the creators want the show to carry a certain gravitas. The series opens with archival-style footage and moody cinematography, building an atmosphere thick with suspicion. The story then plunges into a narrative that jumps between timelines, toggling between past missions and present-day debriefings. The aim is to create mystery, but the execution often leaves viewers feeling more confused than curious.

At the center of the plot is an intelligence officer played by Naveen Kasturia, who brings an earnestness to the role. His character is a strategist, a risk-taker, and a patriot driven by purpose. Kasturia is clearly committed to the part, delivering a performance that tries to elevate the material around him. Unfortunately, even his best efforts struggle to overcome the limitations of a script that feels rushed and undercooked.

Mouni Roy, cast as an undercover operative, offers a compelling presence in some scenes, especially when she’s navigating the fine line between seduction and surveillance. Yet, her character arc feels frustratingly shallow. Just as her role begins to hint at deeper complexity, the plot veers away, leaving her talents largely untapped.

What “Salakaar” suffers from most is a lack of narrative tension. Spy dramas, by nature, thrive on subtlety, slow-burn storytelling, and the careful layering of stakes. Here, scenes that should simmer with suspense often fall flat. Dialogue sometimes slips into melodrama, and moments of conflict resolve too quickly to leave a lasting impact.

The pacing, while brisk, doesn’t do the story any favors either. Rather than allowing characters to evolve or motivations to unfold organically, the show rushes through major beats, as if trying to check off plot points on a to-do list. This might make the show feel “watchable” for those looking for a quick binge, but it comes at the cost of emotional investment and plot depth.

That said, the production design is commendable. From the costume detailing to the dimly lit intelligence offices and retro-style military briefings, the show does manage to create a believable world. The creators clearly aimed for a cinematic tone, and in certain moments—especially during covert exchanges and flashbacks—it almost gets there.

But atmosphere alone can’t carry a show. For a series meant to be an ode to unsung heroes in the intelligence world, “Salakaar” barely scratches the surface. It lacks the layered storytelling of globally acclaimed spy thrillers and doesn’t quite manage to capture the strategic cat-and-mouse element that makes the genre compelling.

Instead, what we get is a watered-down version of a potentially powerful narrative—one that plays it too safe, despite its subject matter. There are no real surprises, no gut-punch reveals, and no moments that linger in your mind after the credits roll.

Still, there’s one silver lining—the short runtime. At just a handful of episodes, “Salakaar” doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s easy to digest, moves fast, and provides a momentary sense of patriotism that may resonate with some viewers. But those seeking a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller may walk away feeling underwhelmed.

In a time when Indian storytelling is bravely entering new arenas and pushing boundaries, “Salakaar” feels like a missed opportunity. The ingredients were there—a solid cast, a meaningful premise, and a backdrop of real historical tension. But the execution lacked bite.

For now, “Salakaar” will likely remain a footnote in the growing catalogue of Indian spy stories—a reminder that sometimes, even the most promising missions can fall short of their objective.