Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has lauded John Abraham for his performance in the upcoming political thriller, The Diplomat, set to release in theaters on March 14, 2025. Kashyap, who previously directed Abraham in the cult classic No Smoking (2007), praised the actor’s portrayal in the new film, highlighting his departure from typical action roles to embrace a more nuanced character.
In a conversation with The Hindu, Kashyap remarked, “I really liked The Diplomat. I told John, ‘After a long time, I am seeing you being a very good actor.’ He is not doing unnecessary action or herogiri in the film. He is solely playing a character. And Shivam Nair has made a really engaging film.”
A Political Thriller Inspired by True Events
Directed by Shivam Nair, known for his work on Naam Shabana and Special OPS, The Diplomat is scripted by Ritesh Shah, acclaimed for his writing in films like Pink and Kahaani. The narrative is inspired by the real-life incident involving Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who, in 2017, escaped from Pakistan after being forced into marriage. The film chronicles the journey of an Indian diplomat’s efforts to repatriate her, shedding light on the complexities of international diplomacy and human rights.
Stellar Cast Brings Depth to the Story
Alongside John Abraham, who portrays the diplomat, the film features Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed, bringing sensitivity and depth to the role. The supporting cast includes seasoned actors such as Kumud Mishra and Sharib Hashmi, who add gravitas to the political and personal dynamics depicted in the film.
Authentic Production Enhances Realism
Principal photography commenced in mid-2024, with the production team shooting extensively in Delhi, utilizing actual embassy settings to enhance authenticity. Certain sequences were filmed internationally to accurately represent Islamabad. Director Shivam Nair collaborated with diplomatic consultants to ensure a realistic portrayal of the high-pressure environment inherent in diplomatic missions. Filming concluded in late 2024.
Could No Smoking 2 Be on the Horizon?
During their discussion, John Abraham expressed interest in collaborating with Anurag Kashyap on a sequel to their 2007 film, No Smoking. Kashyap acknowledged Abraham’s enthusiasm but emphasized the need for a compelling subject to justify a sequel. He stated, “John really means it, but I want a subject. Over a period of time, a film achieves a cult following. So it becomes even more scary to meet people’s expectations. I want to go into that zone only if the subject matter is unique.”
With The Diplomat poised for release, John Abraham’s venture into a character-driven narrative has garnered early praise, signaling a potential shift in his cinematic journey. Meanwhile, the prospect of No Smoking 2 remains an intriguing possibility, contingent upon discovering a story that meets the high expectations set by its predecessor.
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