Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran Movie Details:


Directed by: Abhishek Sharma

Produced by: JA Entertainment
                Zee Studios
                KYTA Production

Written by: Saiwyn Quadras
                Sanyuktha Chawla Sheikh
                Abhishek Sharma

Music by: Sachin-Jigar
                Jeet Gannguli

Cinematography: Aseem Mishra
                Zubin Mistry

Edited by: Rameshwar S. Bhagat

Production company:  Zee Studios
                    JA Entertainment

Distributed by: Pooja Entertainment

Release date 25 May 2018

Country: India

Language: Hindi

 Movie Rating:3/5


Movie Review:


 In 1995, Ashwath Raina (John Abraham) an IAS officer, suggests that India conduct its own set of nuclear tests to stay ahead in the nuclear race with China and Pakistan. After the initial test fails under pressure from America, Raina gets a second chance in 1998 under the new reign of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

               ‘Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran’ is exactly what the title suggests. It’s a part fiction, part fact build up to the Pokhran II tests in 1998, after which India was recognised as a nuclear power on the global stage. While it is inspired by this real-life event, it’s story doesn’t follow India’s nuclear program to the T. It takes a few, cinematic liberties, in the way our scientific community and armed forces beat the American intelligence and surveillance systems to successfully test three nuclear bombs in the desert of Pokhran, Rajasthan. It is not an authentic recreation of history, but ‘Parmanu’ is a fairly entertaining look at a story that evokes the right sense of patriotism and national pride without being jingoistic.

                    The story here is a bit far-fetched, what with John Abraham’s motley crew of scientists and army personnel, executing the entire nuclear program within a few days. But the taut execution, editing and screenplay help keep the suspension of disbelief to a bare minimum. The way India’s nuclear team outwits the American and Pakistani agents is an entertaining experience. Along the way, Anuja Sathe, playing John’s wife and Boman Irani, playing the Secretary to the Indian PM, bring in the right amount of drama and a small dose of comedy. With ticking clocks, racing surveillance satellites and an escalating sense of tension, ‘Parmanu’ does manage to engage the viewer. The use of CGI is good too, especially during sequences of outer space and the final nuclear explosions. The movie also does well to use real-life footage of then heads of state from India, Pakistan and US to create a political atmosphere. 

The first half of director Abhishek Sharma’s film takes a little too much time to set up. With a little more attention to detail, especially with the track of the American intelligence, ‘Parmanu’ would have been a much better watch. Thankfully it doesn’t resort to Pakistan bashing even as an ISI agent resorts to some villainy. John Abraham leads the film from the word go and is literally the captain of the mission and the movie. Diana Penty is good too, along with all the supporting actors who form the team of Indian scientists and soldiers.

What ‘Parmanu’ lacks in detail and authenticity, it makes up with emotions and a sense of national pride. The narrative isn’t explosive but it does have the dramatic moments to keep the viewer engaged. Thrills, suspense, drama, a little bit of humour, as well as a solid comment on India’s soldiers – this movie, largely has all the tricks to please even a discerning audience.


Plot:


The movie is based on the nuclear test conducted by Indian Army in Pokhran, Rajasthan in 1998.

Production:


Parmanu was officially announced on 15 April 2017 via Taran Adarsh's Twitter handle. John Abraham was approached by film producers Prerna Arora and Arjun N Kapoor with the script, which was further developed. Parmanu was shot in Delhi and Mumbai, with major portions being shot in Pokhran, and areas of Pokhran Fort, Aada Bazaar, Gandhi Chowk Main Market and the Gomat Railway Station. The principal photography of the film began on 31 May 2017 and the shoot was completed in August. About the film, Abraham said: "Parmanu is an ode to the Army and scientists, who although ordinary people, truly accomplished extraordinary feats in the face of adversity to ensure that India finds its due place on the world nuclear map.


Marketing:


The first look of the film was revealed by Abraham through his Twitter handle on 22 June 2017. It showed his face merged with the map of Pokhran. The second poster of the film was released on 14 August 2017 which showed Abraham running with jeeps, bunkers in the background. Two posters of the film showing Abraham and Penty in Army uniform were released on 3 November 2017. Teaser of this upcoming film was released on April 5th 2018. The trailer was released on 11 May 2018.

SoundTrack:


The music of the film is composed by Sachin-Jigar and Jeet Gannguli while lyrics are penned by Vayu, Rashmi Virag, Sachin Sanghvi and Kumar Vishwas . The songs featured in the film are sung by Arijit Singh, Divya Kumar, Yasser Desai, Keerthi Sagathia and Jyotica Tangri. The first song of the film titled as Shubh Din which is sung by Sagathia and Tangri was released on 14 May 2018. The album was released by Zee Music Company on 15 May 2018.


Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran Official Trailer:




Cast:

  • John Abraham as Capt. Ashwat Rana
  • Diana Penty as Capt. Ambalika
  • Boman Irani
  • Yogendra Tiku
  • Darshan Pandya
  • Zachary Coffin as Stephen
  • Mark Bennington1
  • Abhiroy Singh
  • Ajay Shanker
  • Anuja Sathe