Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran [Sub: Eng]

Sharma unashamedly plays the patriotic card. Without apology, he yanks our heartstrings and evokes a rush of pride.

This might have seemed cheeky on paper, but it's almost as if the writers willingly dilute their vision when it runs the risk of getting too self-aware.

Parmanu makes you wonder how can an earnest on-screen adventure with a potential to end with a big bang on the silver screen, end on a whimper?

Abraham's lack of expression is only matched by Penty's perennially open-mouthed appearance, and their scenes are unintentionally funny because they try so hard to muster emotion.

The film does have minor flaws and loose ends but you kind of gloss over them because of its emotional impact.

The tests are two decades old, but Parmanu's chest-thumping ardour and propaganda-level treatment are firmly of the moment.

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.

Climax saves Parmanu from drowning in the dust of Pokhran. It picks up the pace at the right juncture, and gives audiences the choice to overlook some sketchy acting.