Mission Majnu

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*Mission Majnu* (2023) is a gripping spy thriller that blends fact and fiction to recount a pivotal moment in India’s history—the foiling of Pakistan's first nuclear program. The film, inspired by true events, takes us back to the early 1970s, after India’s successful nuclear test, *Smiling Buddha*, when Pakistan launched its own covert nuclear program in retaliation. India’s RAW intelligence agency discovers this, and *Mission Majnu* follows the efforts of Tariq Ali (Sidharth Malhotra), a RAW agent embedded deep within Pakistan, to gather the vital evidence needed to prevent Pakistan from becoming a nuclear power.

Tariq, undercover as a tailor, falls in love with Nasreen (Rashmika Mandanna), a blind woman who becomes his wife. While their relationship starts as part of his cover, Tariq’s feelings for her soon turn genuine. His mission, however, remains paramount—he must uncover Pakistan's nuclear plans and smuggle the evidence back to India. The film focuses on his slow, meticulous work of gathering intel, relying on chance encounters and his sharp instincts, rather than flashy action or high-tech gadgets. The narrative style is more documentary-like, with scenes that reference historical events such as the Partition and the military coup that brought General Zia to power, adding depth and realism to the plot.

*Mission Majnu* stands out for its measured approach and lack of jingoism. The film avoids a simplistic portrayal of the conflict between India and Pakistan, instead showing human complexity on both sides. A memorable scene shows an elderly Pakistani woman offering tea to Tariq while expressing her bitterness about the lasting scars of Partition, showing that the film doesn't blame the people, but rather the circumstances they find themselves in. Tariq’s emotional depth is explored too—his father's betrayal of the nation haunts him, and the emotional stakes rise as his love for his wife and unborn child intensifies.

Sidharth Malhotra shines in his role, portraying a dedicated and conflicted spy. Unlike his more overtly patriotic roles in films like *Shershaah* (2021), here he plays a more subdued, morally complex character. His portrayal of Tariq as a man constantly balancing duty and love adds gravitas to the film. Rashmika Mandanna, in her Hindi film debut, brings warmth and authenticity to her role as Nasreen. Her chemistry with Sidharth is palpable, and she brings depth to the blind woman who supports her husband without fully understanding the danger of his mission. Supporting performances by Kumud Mishra and Sharib Hashmi add humor and charm to the story, providing a lighter touch amid the tension.

The film doesn’t glorify espionage but instead presents a realistic portrayal of the slow, painstaking work involved in intelligence gathering. The action sequences are minimal and grounded in reality, with the focus on the espionage tactics and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. While there are a couple of over-the-top moments that bring in commercial elements, the film generally stays true to its serious tone.

The decision to release *Mission Majnu* on OTT rather than in theaters is puzzling given the engaging plot and the twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Regardless, it’s a solid film, offering a refreshing take on the spy thriller genre with strong performances and a compelling story.