Raazi 2018
Directed by
Meghna Gulzar
Made by
Zee Studios
Plot Summary
Indian army officer Lieutenant General Nikhil Bakshi (/actor/aman-vasishth) actively engages a group of Indian soldiers aboard the INS Viraat, recounting the remarkable saga of a woman who served valiantly as an undercover agent for the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency, amidst the tensions of Pakistan.
The narrative unfolds, taking us back to the critical moments leading up to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Hidayat Khan, a son of an Indian freedom fighter, poses as an informant for the Pakistani government. With a dying wish, he desires to see his 20-year-old daughter, Sehmat (/actor/alia-bhatt), fulfill the family’s legacy of national service. Defying her mother, Teji Khan (/actor/soni-razdan), who expresses concern, Sehmat leaves college to undergo swift training with the seasoned Khalid Mir (/actor/jaideep-ahlawat) and his aide, the young Bakshi, in various espionage tactics, ranging from martial arts to Morse code transmission.
In a strategic ploy, Khan leverages his friendship with Brigadier Syed (/actor/shishir-sharma) of the Pakistan Army, orchestrating Sehmat’s marriage to his son, Iqbal Syed (/actor/vicky-kaushal), who is also in military service. Following the marriage, Sehmat seamlessly adapts to her new life in Pakistan and earns the trust of her in-laws. Shortly thereafter, Brigadier Syed receives a promotion to Major General, leading to access to critical national security documents and senior military personnel frequenting their home. It is during this time that Sehmat establishes communication channels with her handlers in India, and begins relaying vital information, even as she becomes emotionally attached to Iqbal.
Amid rising tension, Sehmat uncovers plans for an offensive against India. In a moment of grave peril, she collects crucial intelligence but faces a dire situation when one of the household servants, Abdul (/actor/arif-zakaria), catches on to her double life. In a desperate attempt to protect her cover, she fatally runs him over with a jeep, an act that weighs heavily on her psyche. The information she relayed indicates an impending attack on the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, then stationed in the Bay of Bengal, serving as one of the early warnings of the looming threat.
As the turmoil deepens, Sehmat is forced to eliminate Mehboob Syed (/actor/ashwath-bhatt), Iqbal’s brother and an officer, after he starts looking into Abdul’s demise, which raises his suspicions. Haunted by the ramifications of her actions, including the widowhood of Munira (/actor/amruta-khanvilkar), Mehboob’s wife, Sehmat struggles with her conscience yet finds a way to withstand the emotional storm. Her identity as a spy eventually comes to light, leading Iqbal to confront her amidst the chaos. Tragically, a bomb, orchestrated by Khalid Mir, concludes with Iqbal’s demise while ill-fated plans swirl around her.
In a twist of fate, Sehmat survives by swapping places with another agent cloaked in a burqa. She is enveloped in an overwhelming realization about the stark realities of war and the loss of human connections that come with this perilous life. After witnessing devastation wrought by her own hands, Sehmat begs Khalid for a way back to India, where it is later revealed she is pregnant with Iqbal’s child. Affectionately, she declares her intention to raise him alone.
Her intelligence leads to the sinking of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi by the INS Rajput off the coast of Visakhapatnam, igniting the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, culminating in the Pakistani Instrument of Surrender, marking an Indian victory. Bakshi’s poignant address concludes with mention of Samar Saeed, Sehmat’s son, present among the dedicated officers he speaks to.
Timeline
Hidayat Khan's Dying Wish
Hidayat Khan, a former freedom fighter in India, reveals his dying wish to see his daughter, Sehmat, follow in his footsteps of national service. Despite his wife Teji's objections, he inspires Sehmat to leave her college education to embark on a journey of espionage.
Training Under Khalid Mir
Sehmat begins rigorous training under the guidance of Khalid Mir and Bakshi, learning essential espionage skills such as martial arts and Morse code. The training equips her with the tools she needs to navigate the dangerous world ahead, preparing her for her covert mission.
Marriage to Iqbal Syed
Hidayat Khan leverages his relationship with Brigadier Syed to facilitate Sehmat's marriage to Iqbal Syed, an officer in the Pakistan Army. This strategic union is intended to place her directly in the midst of crucial military operations.
Establishing Trust
After her marriage, Sehmat adapts to her new life in Pakistan, successfully earning the trust of her in-laws. She becomes a part of the household, allowing her access to vital information as Brigadier Syed rises to the rank of Major General.
Gathering Intelligence
As tensions heighten, Sehmat begins to relay critical information back to her handlers in India. Her position within the family gives her insight into military plans, and she begins building a network for transmitting sensitive documents.
Discovery of Offensive Plans
Sehmat discovers plans for a major offensive against India, risking her life to collect vital intelligence. The situation intensifies when she realizes Abdul, a servant in the household, has become suspicious of her activities.
Desperate Measures
To protect her identity, Sehmat makes a grave decision and fatally runs Abdul over with a jeep. This act of desperation marks a turning point for her, leaving her grappling with guilt and an impending sense of dread as a spy.
Confronting Iqbal's Brother
As her situation worsens, Sehmat is forced to eliminate Iqbal's brother, Mehboob, who is investigating Abdul’s death. This further entangles her in a web of deceit and violence, as she struggles with the emotional toll of her actions.
The Revelation
As the war escalates, Sehmat's true identity as a spy is unveiled, leading to a confrontation with Iqbal. The chaos surrounding their lives intensifies, culminating in Iqbal’s tragic death due to a bomb orchestrated by Khalid Mir.
Escape in Disguise
In a narrow escape, Sehmat swaps places with an agent disguised in a burqa, evading capture as she bears witness to the horrors of war. This moment catalyzes a profound reflection on the sacrifices and losses inflicted by her role as a spy.
Return to India
Overwhelmed by the consequences of her actions, Sehmat pleads with Khalid for a way back to India, revealing her pregnancy from her time with Iqbal. This revelation marks a new chapter in her life, filled with hope yet shadowed by tragedy.
Crucial Intelligence and War Begins
Her intelligence leads to the sinking of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi by the INS Rajput, significantly contributing to the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This pivotal moment showcases her impact and the cascading events that lead to a national conflict.
Culmination of the War
The war culminates in the Pakistani Instrument of Surrender, marking a significant victory for India. Sehmat's contributions are instrumental in this outcome, solidifying her legacy as a true patriot amidst the turmoil.
A Mother's Resolve
As the dust settles after the war, Sehmat reflects on her past actions and resolves to raise her child alone. The experience has changed her fundamentally, and she is determined to instill values of bravery and resilience in her son, Samar Saeed.
Lieutenant General Bakshi's Address
Lieutenant General Bakshi addresses the dedicated officers aboard the INS Viraat, recounting Sehmat's remarkable journey and sacrifices. His speech serves as both an homage and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of national service.
Characters
Sehmat Khan (Alia Bhatt)
Sehmat is a courageous young woman who becomes an undercover agent for the Indian intelligence agency. Struggling with the emotional weight of her double life, she is compelled to make heart-wrenching decisions for her country. Her journey illustrates her transformation from a naïve college girl to a determined spy, facing the harsh realities of war.
Khalid Mir (Jaideep Ahlawat)
Khalid Mir is a seasoned operative who trains Sehmat in the art of espionage. His character embodies the complexity of war and sacrifice, guiding Sehmat while also burdened by the risks involved. He represents the darker side of duty, as he plays a key role in maneuvering Sehmat's dangerous mission.
Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal)
Iqbal is Sehmat's husband and a member of the Pakistani military. His character is vital as it represents the intimate yet conflicting relationships that arise amidst war. While he provides Sehmat with emotional support, his position creates tension as her true identity threatens their bond.
Setting
Time period
1971
The film is set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, a significant conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. This period was marked by intense nationalistic fervor and the complexities of espionage, as both nations grappled with military strategies and political tensions.
Location
Pakistan, Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam
The movie takes place in various locations including Pakistan, where the protagonist Sehmat navigates her life as a spy after marrying into a military family. Key events unfold in the Bay of Bengal, home to the INS Vikrant, which is central to the conflict. Visakhapatnam also plays a crucial role as the site of the Indian naval victory that is pivotal to the plot.
Themes
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is paramount in 'Raazi', as Sehmat is willing to put herself in danger for the greater good of her country. Her journey depicts the personal costs of her commitment, revealing the heavy emotional toll that arises from her decisions. The sacrifices made by individuals in the face of national duty resonate throughout the narrative.
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Love and Betrayal
The movie intricately weaves a theme of love and betrayal, showcasing Sehmat's love for Iqbal juxtaposed with her role as a spy. Her relationship complicates her mission and highlights the emotional conflict that arises when personal affection collides with national loyalty. The betrayals she faces create deeper layers of tension as the war intensifies.
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Espionage
Espionage is at the heart of 'Raazi', portraying the intricate world of spies and intelligence-gathering during a war. Sehmat's training and her actions symbolize the dangerous game of deception and survival, bringing to light the sacrifices made by those who operate in the shadows to protect their countries. This theme underscores the entire plot, as her dual life constantly blurs the line between loyalty and danger.
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