Overview

• Salakaar, a five-episode espionage miniseries directed by Faruk Kabir, premiered August 8 on JioHotstar with a dual timeline set in 1978 and 2025 focused on covert missions against Pakistan’s Kahuta nuclear project.
• Critics have lauded Naveen Kasturia and Purnendu Bhattacharya’s portrayals of Adhir Dayal along with Mouni Roy’s depiction of undercover agent Shristi Chaturvedi and Mukesh Rishi’s take on General Zia-ul-Haq.
• The series’ sleek production design, period-accurate sets and atmospheric cinematography have been singled out for elevating its political fantasy elements.
• Reviewers have pointed to uneven pacing, logical inconsistencies and an overstuffed plot that relies on historical liberties and dramatic fan-fiction tropes.
• Audience reactions on social media have echoed mixed sentiments, with many praising the lead performances and visuals while posting about glaring plot holes and factual inaccuracies.