Raazi is one-of-a-kind spy thriller! What is more surprising is that it is based on a true story (although in a dramatized form)! This true story itself is something that, I am sure, NO ONE could ever imagine in their wildest dreams!

But here's something that I am sure you will agree with!

Probably, we all would've enjoyed the movie more had we not been aware of the true story, beforehand! The Trailers and Reviews acted as complete spoilsports!

There are 3 main highlights of the film:

1. The story itself which is thriller - with a surprise event towards the end

2. Alia Bhat's acting - which was both, moving & convincing

3. The normal treatment of Pakistani characters (a first-of-its-kind in Hindi cinema)

Is this film worth seeing even a second time? Yes, it is!

Meghna Gulzar's Raazi is the kind of film you watch in one breath, and it keeps you right on the edge of your seat. Telling the story of a young Indian Muslim woman who follows her father's footsteps to become a spy by marrying into a Pakistani army family during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Raazi is a gripping, taut thriller. The script is excellently written, infused with great detail and a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of the relationship between the two nations. The entire espionage track is handled with mastery and is only benefitted from the unpredictable proceedings, keeping the viewers hooked all through.

Raazi breaks the paradigm of heroes and villains in the name of communal strife. The film highlights the characters as real people and makes sure to never glorify or demonise one side or the other based just on their nationality. The main protagonist, Sehmat, could be seen in either a positive or negative light depending on the personal stand of a given audience on the subject, and never are we explicitly encouraged to take sides. Are her actions moral? Is she a good person? All these questions are left to the viewer's conclusions, and opinions might be varied, but the human effect is always there, and setsting it apart from other gripping but shallow spy thrillers.

Meghna Gulzar, herself the daughter of one of India's prime poets and film directors, does a fantastic job with Raazi both as a thriller and as the human story it ends up being. On all technical accounts, the film is excellent, be it the setting, the cinematography, or the music, but its dramatic urgency is equally as meaningful. Through its extraordinary story, Raazi lets the viewers contemplate on the concept of nationalism, which might tread a fine line between patriotism as in positive national pride and love of one's homeland, and then just pure jingoism. Some may say it advocates for pacifism, but we never know what it actually intends to convey.

The acting is just fine by one and all and, needless to say, it is Alia Bhatt who the film belongs to. The role of Sehmat, a woman who is on a mission which places her under constant pressure, is a challenge to any actress, and a young and pretty Bhatt really looks the part by virtue of her unassuming and trustworthy appearance. She is efficiently delicate all through, even phenomenal in some hard-hitting scenes, and although there are weaker moments here and there, her lack of experience turns out beneficial to her portrayal, particularly in view of Sehmat's blend of determination and inner conflict.

Vicky Kaushal, just like in real life, seems like a perfectly decent young man, one it's almost impossible to ascribe negative action or malice to. It's another case of a great casting choice, and he is just always so easy to like and sympathise with in a wonderfully understated performance. It goes without saying that it is his character that we end up feeling the most for. These two work well together, and even despite the minimal importance their romantic equation is given in this tense, political thriller, it manages to leave an ultimate mark. Do watch this absorbing film to see how it concludes.

Meghna Gulzar delivers a yet another winner with 'Raazi'. Though not as great as her last fim Talvar, this Spy-Thriller is an interesting watch, that holds your grip for a large part of its running-time. And The Performances are strong!

'Raazi' revolves around an Indian spy (A Terrific Alia Bhatt) married to a Pakistani man (An Endearing Vicky Kaushal) during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

Set during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Meghna gives us a story of a young girl who had to leave whatever she had, for the sake & love for her country - India. Sehmat Khan, the protagonist, is a young girl who can't even see a drop of blood & cares for every live being, be it a human or any other. And to watch her turn into a Spy against her beliefs, is indeed interesting & at times, heartbreaking. Meghna commands the narrative with a strong grip & makes sure you are engrossed in Sehmat's journey.

Having said that, Bhavani Iyer & Meghna's Writing isn't perfect. The Screenplay, which is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka's novel Calling Sehmat, gets a bit slow at times & even the pacing is erratic. While some of the sequences, especially after Sehmat gets married & begins her life a spy, are extremely engrossing, some parts lag too. The first-hour has a few moments that don't engage, but the final 20-minutes, are the least compelling. The final-act is the real weak-link, in an otherwise gripping film. To be honest, 'Raazi' could've been tighter & more gripping, since it has such an interesting story to tell. Hence, The Writing woks for a large part, but isn't entirely on-point at times. The Dialogue, are pretty good.

Meghna's Direction is excellent. She's in top-from, yet again! Cinematography is lavish. Editing could've been a little more crisper, especially in its first 30-minutes. Art, Costume & Production Design, are elegant. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's Score is wonderful. Even the Background Score, deserves a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Alia Bhatt continues her winning streak with 'Raazi'. One of the finest leading-women of our times, Alia portrays Sehmat with the right amount of innocence & conviction, that the character demands. Its a fully realized performance, that wins you over. Vicky Kaushal is lovable as Alia's understanding & respectful husband. Jaideep Ahlawat is outstanding as the man who trains Sehmat. The actor gets a meaty tole & he completely nails the part! Shishir Sharma is dependable, as always. Rajit Kapur is perfect. Amruta Khanvilkar is first-rate. Arif Zakaria is excellent. Soni Razdan is adequate. Others lend very good support.

On the whole, 'Raazi' is definitely worth a watch, despite its blemishes. Make time for this one.