Salakaar Review (2025) – A Gripping Spy Thriller Honouring India’s Unsung Heroes

If you enjoy fast-paced spy thrillers packed with suspense, patriotism, and clever storytelling, Salakaar should be on your watchlist. Released on August 8, 2025, exclusively on JioHotstar, this Hindi web series is directed by Faruk Kabir and stars Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, and Mukesh Rishi in pivotal roles.

With just five episodes of around 30 minutes each, Salakaar is perfect for a weekend binge. The show not only delivers thrills but also pays tribute to the intelligence officers who work silently behind the scenes to protect India.

The Story – Two Timelines, One Mission

One of the biggest strengths of Salakaar is its storytelling. The plot unfolds across two timelines—1978 and 2025—interlinked in a way that keeps you hooked till the last episode.

At the heart of the series is Adhir Dayal, a brilliant RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) operative. In the 1978 timeline, young Adhir, played by Naveen Kasturia, is sent on a high-stakes undercover mission to Pakistan. His task? To uncover and sabotage Pakistan’s secret nuclear project at Kahuta, overseen by General Zia-ul-Haq (played powerfully by Mukesh Rishi).

Disguised as an attaché at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Adhir must gather intelligence without raising suspicion. The tension is constant—one wrong step could mean capture or worse. This era of the story beautifully captures the old-school espionage world, with retro gadgets, coded messages, and diplomatic games. The scenes where Adhir builds a delicate trust with a Pakistani scientist are some of the most intense moments in the series.

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In the 2025 timeline, Adhir is now the National Security Advisor (played by Purnendu Bhattacharya), still respected as a master strategist. But history threatens to repeat itself when Colonel Ashfaqullah (Surya Sharma) revives a dangerous nuclear project.

This time, the mission is led by Maryam a.k.a. Srishti (Mouni Roy), a fearless RAW agent embedded deep in Pakistan. Her chemistry with Ashfaqullah is layered with tension, deception, and danger. The mentor-protégé bond between Adhir and Maryam adds emotional weight, as Adhir uses lessons from his past to guide her.

Why It Works – Strengths of Salakaar

1. Seamless Connection Between Timelines

Unlike some multi-era, stories that feel disjointed, Salakaar smoothly weaves the 1978 and 2025 plots together. The flashbacks are not just filler—they directly impact the present-day mission, revealing secrets at just the right moments.

2. Smart, Realistic Espionage

This isn’t a loud, over-the-top spy drama. The series focuses on strategy over spectacle—using wit, disguise, and psychological games rather than endless gunfights. This realistic approach makes the tension more believable.

3. Strong Characters

Adhir Dayal is portrayed as a calm, intelligent hero rather than a flashy action figure. Maryam is equally compelling she’s resourceful, brave, and layered with human vulnerability. Even the antagonists are well-written; General Zia and Colonel Ashfaqullah are menacing but grounded, driven by ideology and ambition.

4. Sharp Direction and Editing

Faruk Kabir ensures that every scene serves a purpose. The pacing is tight, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger. You’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more episode” until you’ve finished the series.

5. Authentic Production Design

The attention to detail is impressive from the dusty streets of 1970s Islamabad to the sleek offices of 2025 Delhi. The music and background score heighten the suspense without being overwhelming.

Performances That Shine

• Naveen Kasturia brings quiet intensity to young Adhir, making you believe every calculated move and every moment of doubt.
• Mouni Roy impresses as Maryam, balancing charm, intelligence, and emotional depth.
• Mukesh Rishi delivers a commanding performance as General Zia, adding a layer of authenticity to the antagonist.
• Surya Sharma is intense as Colonel Ashfaqullah, a modern-day threat with deep personal connections to Adhir’s past.
• The supporting cast, including Ashwath Bhatt, adds realism to the world of espionage.

Themes That Resonate

Salakaar isn’t just about spy missions; it’s about sacrifice, loyalty, and duty. It highlights the unglamorous side of intelligence work—loneliness, constant danger, and the moral grey zones spies often navigate.

The show also takes inspiration from real historical events, such as India’s covert operations to counter Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions. Viewers familiar with stories of legendary Indian spymasters like Ajit Doval will find familiar shades here.

By the finale, the series leaves you with a sense of pride, reflecting on how countless unnamed officers safeguard the nation without ever seeking recognition.

Why You Should Watch Salakaar

Here’s why Salakaar deserves your time:

• Short and Bingeable – Only 5 episodes, each under 35 minutes.
• Positive Patriotic Vibes – Perfect for Independence Day or Republic Day moods.
• Balanced Storytelling – Equal parts suspense, strategy, and emotion.
• Inspired by Real History – Adds depth and authenticity to the plot.
• Great Performances – A talented cast bringing their best.

Final Verdict – A Must-Watch for Spy Thriller Fans

If you’re tired of over-dramatic espionage shows and want something rooted in intelligence, history, and realism, Salakaar will not disappoint. It blends clever plotting with emotional stakes, making it more than just a cat-and-mouse game.

The dual timelines, strong characters, and suspenseful writing make it one of the most engaging Hindi spy series in recent years. It’s a tribute to India’s unsung heroes, reminding us that real courage often works quietly in the shadows.

Watch It Now

Salakaar is now streaming on JioHotstar. Whether you’re watching alone or with family, it’s an experience worth having. Grab some snacks, clear your weekend schedule, and dive into this thrilling world of Indian espionage.

If you’ve already watched it, share your favourite moments in the comments below. Did the 1978 timeline grip you more, or were you hooked by the 2025 plot?

Watch the official trailer here