The Diplomat is an upcoming Indian Hindi-languageaction drama film directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah.[1] The film stars John Abraham as Aryan Sheikh, a terrorist and country traitor in Islamabad.[2] Set against a backdrop of real-life political events, the film explores themes of diplomacy, international relations, and the personal conflicts faced by diplomats.[3] It is scheduled for theatrical release in India during the Holi festival, on 14 March 2025.[4]
The film follows real-life Indian diplomat J.P. Singh. His world is turned upside down when Uzma Ahmed, a woman seeking refuge, arrives at the embassy. Uzma claims to be an Indian citizen who was abducted and forced to marry a Pakistani man. As tensions rise, Singh must navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, legal systems, and the pressure from both the Indian and Pakistani governments to resolve the matter. The film delves into the moral and ethical challenges faced by diplomats when personal lives are entwined with state affairs.[5][6]
Sharib Hashmi as a journalist investigating the case
Revathy as a senior advisor in the Indian government
Production
Development
The film was announced in 2024 with John Abraham attached as the lead actor.[9] The project was developed under the banner of T Series in collaboration with JA Entertainment.[10] It was inspired by the real-life incident involving Uzma Ahmed, a woman who fled from Pakistan to India in 2017, after being forced into marriage. This true story formed the basis for the film’s narrative. Director Shivam Nair was chosen for his previous work in the thriller genre. Ritesh Shah, known for his writing in films like Pink and Kahaani, was hired to pen the screenplay.[11][12][13]
Casting
John Abraham was cast to play the negative role fictional character of Aryan Sheikh (a terrorist and country traitor), a role that would depict the nuanced and often stressful life of a diplomat. Sadia Khateeb, who gained recognition for her performance in Sardar Ka Grandson (2021), was cast to portray Uzma Ahmed.[14] The supporting cast includes seasoned actors like Kumud Mishra and Sharib Hashmi, who bring depth to the political and personal dynamics within the film.[15][16]
Filming
Principal photography began in mid-2024.[17] The production was primarily shot in Delhi, with several sequences filmed in actual embassy settings. Some parts of the film also required international locations to depict Islamabad accurately. Shivam Nair focused on ensuring authenticity by working closely with diplomatic consultants to recreate the nuances of a high-pressure diplomatic environment. The film wrapped up filming by late 2024.[18][14]
Music
The music for The Diplomat was composed by Manan Bhardwaj and Anurag Saikia, who worked alongside lyricist Manoj Muntashir and Manoj Muntashir. The soundtrack features a mix of emotional ballads and intense instrumental tracks that complement the political thriller theme. The music also includes patriotic undertones, reflecting the nationalistic sentiments explored in the story.[19][20]
The song "Bharat," from the 1992 film Roja, sung by Hariharan and composed by A. R. Rahman is recreated for the film.[21]
It was earlier planned to release in theatres on 7 March 2025 ,[22] but was eventually postponed by a week to 14 March 2025 (Holi Day).[23]
Home media
Following its theatrical run, the film will be made available for streaming on Netflix. The film's satellite rights have been acquired by Sony MAX, ensuring a wide reach on television as well.[24][25]
Marketing
The marketing campaign for The Diplomat began with the release of the first look poster in January 2025,[26] followed by a teaser and the official trailer, which was dropped on February 14, 2025.[27][28][29][30]
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