Raazi (2018) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A Patriotic Espionage Drama
Introduction
Released in 2018, Raazi is a gripping espionage thriller based on the novel Calling Sehmat by Harinder Sikka. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film chronicles the story of a young Kashmiri woman who becomes an Indian spy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Featuring an exceptional performance by Alia Bhatt, supported by an outstanding ensemble cast, Raazi is an emotionally charged tale of patriotism, sacrifice, and duty.
Key Details of Raazi
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Raazi |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Genre | Thriller, Drama, Espionage |
| Director | Meghna Gulzar |
| Producer | Vineet Jain, Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta |
| Writers | Meghna Gulzar, Bhavani Iyer |
| Music Composer | Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy |
| Cinematography | Jay I. Patel |
| Runtime | 140 minutes |
| Budget | ₹30 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | ₹195 Crores (Worldwide) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Alia Bhatt | Sehmat Khan, an Indian spy |
| Vicky Kaushal | Iqbal Syed, Sehmat’s husband |
| Jaideep Ahlawat | Khalid Mir, Sehmat’s handler |
| Rajit Kapur | Hidayat Khan, Sehmat’s father |
| Shishir Sharma | Brigadier Syed, Iqbal’s father |
| Amruta Khanvilkar | Munira, Iqbal’s sister-in-law |
Plot Summary
Raazi is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The story follows Sehmat Khan (Alia Bhatt), a bright college student in Kashmir, whose life takes a dramatic turn when her father, Hidayat Khan (Rajit Kapur), reveals that he is an Indian intelligence operative.
To continue her father’s work, Sehmat agrees to marry Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal), the son of a high-ranking Pakistani officer, and moves to Pakistan. While balancing her roles as a wife and spy, Sehmat gathers critical intelligence that aids India’s war efforts.
The narrative delves deep into Sehmat’s moral dilemmas, her unwavering sense of duty, and the sacrifices she makes for her country. The climax is a heart-wrenching reminder of the cost of patriotism and the personal toll of espionage.
Memorable Aspects of Raazi
- Alia Bhatt’s Stellar Performance: Alia’s portrayal of Sehmat is nuanced and emotionally powerful, capturing her character’s vulnerability and resilience.
- Vicky Kaushal’s Supporting Role: Vicky delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, adding depth to the story.
- Emotional Depth: The film explores the human cost of espionage, presenting a sensitive portrayal of Sehmat’s internal struggles.
- Meghna Gulzar’s Direction: Meghna’s meticulous direction ensures that the film is both gripping and emotionally resonant.
- Authentic Depiction: From the production design to the dialogues, the film captures the era’s essence with remarkable authenticity.
Box Office and Legacy
Raazi was both a critical and commercial success, earning ₹195 Crores worldwide against a budget of ₹30 Crores. It received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and direction.
The film won several awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Alia Bhatt), and Best Director (Meghna Gulzar). Raazi is celebrated as a poignant depiction of patriotism and the sacrifices made in its name.
Conclusion
Raazi is more than just an espionage thriller—it is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and humanity. Alia Bhatt’s career-defining performance, coupled with Meghna Gulzar’s deft direction, makes it a cinematic masterpiece. The film’s emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative ensure its place among the finest Indian films.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
