BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN*
As the tricolor flutters high this Independence Day, Netflix presents a compelling gift for all Indians in the form of Saare Jahan se Accha: The Silent Guardians, a taut and emotionally charged espionage drama set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1970s. More than just a spy series, it is a heartfelt salute to the unsung heroes of India’s intelligence network, those who worked silently in the shadows to protect the nation during one of its most perilous times.
At a time when Bollywood spy sagas like WAR 2 focus on flashy action and globe-trotting stunts, Saare Jahan se Accha offers a grounded, realistic portrayal of espionage. Instead of bombastic sequences, viewers witness the true grit of a spy network: infiltration, moral dilemmas, and the heavy cost of loyalty. For those deciding where to invest their time and money, especially if eager to see how real intelligence work unfolds, this series stands out as the superior choice.
Story & Themes
The series charts the journey of Vishnu Shankar (Pratik Gandhi), a committed R&AW agent deployed undercover in Pakistan to thwart an impending nuclear threat. Inspired by true events, the narrative delves into the mechanics of espionage and the personal sacrifices made in its name. Importantly, the story avoids simplistic patriotism or caricatures; Pakistani characters are drawn with layered humanity and complexity, enriching the moral landscape.
“A real hero shines brightest when faced with an equally dangerous foe and here, the adversary is as skilled, resourceful, and patriotic as the hero himself.”
A big part of what makes this series an edge-of-the-seat thriller is the balance of power between hero and villain. The ISI chief and his team are portrayed as capable patriots for their own country, not clichés. Set in the 1970s, when Pakistan’s economy rivalled India and China’s and its ISI, senior to RAW by 20 years, had greater resources and expertise, the series depicts their operational prowess with authenticity and respect. This parity makes every face-off tense, credible, and deeply engaging.
Performances
Pratik Gandhi anchors the series with nuance and gravitas, portraying the inner turmoil of a man torn between duty, family and conscience. Sunny Hinduja excels as the relentless ISI chief, posing a constant and believable threat. Suhail Nayyar as a conflicted embedded spy, along with strong performances from Rajat Kapoor (RAW Chief), Tillotama Shome (Pratik Gandhi’s Wife), Kritika Kamra (Pakistani Journalist) and Anup Soni (Pakistani Senior Army official), rounds out a superb ensemble.
Direction & Writing
Created by Gaurav Shukla and directed by Sumit Purohit, the series balances emotional depth with slow-burning suspense. The authentic 1970s recreation, production design, cinematography, and costumes, immerses viewers in the era. The writing skillfully avoids melodrama, keeping the tension organic and the stakes high.
What Doesn’t Work
The one caveat: the climax. After building sustained high-tempo tension, the finale feels rushed and predictable, lacking the sharp twists expected. An extra episode could have given the ending more punch and payoff without sacrificing the tight pacing.
Verdict
Saare Jahan se Accha is more than a spy thriller; it’s a tribute to real intelligence officers who toil in obscurity for their nation. It’s immersive, intelligent, and emotionally stirring, showing that the best thrillers aren’t just about explosions, but about the human stakes and respect for the adversary.
Rating: **** /5 — Gripping, authentic, and patriotic, even if the finale could have shone brighter.
*Namita Dogra Sudan is the entertainment news editor and video news producer of NRIPulse.
