First- fact- we are not the only proud nation to do Surgical strike- Operation Wrath of God or Bayonet by Israel precedes us. Second- 12 Strong is a must watch. Just saying.

THE STORY

It is right out of the pages of history and it is stuffed with high octane "Jai Hind" moments. Surgical Strike was a moment of absolute pride for Modern India. It was a symbol that India is coming of age and we do not anymore wish to be perceived as cowards just to be recognised as a non-violent entity.

There is a bit of what some would mistake as propaganda but aren't all Patriotic/War movies guilty of it?

THE TREATMENT/SCRIPT:

Could have been better told. Madras Cafe, in Indian films for example laid out the premise way better and narrated the story more than action sequence.

Details of an action packed vengeance mission were missing, as is the tradition in Indian movies.

The war sequence is done wonderfully, fight sequences have been represented so tactically very rarely in Indian cinema. There were a lot of bombs and exchange of fire which makes the movie more of an action than story driven initiative.

Now, I have come to understand that critics are slamming the script because the other party- the Pakistani terrorists camps seemed like under prepared props placed there to be butchered for patriotic kick. But for logic's sake- you generally do not expect others to enter Pakistani territories- it is always the other way round, then, the mission was kept under the wrap, and even if things spill out after such secrecy- you do not expect the Indian Army to invade your enclosure and shoot at you at the midnight's time. It's called taken by surprise. End could have been better manager!

Cinematography was impressive. Direction could have been a bit better. Also, if you plan to make a Superhero film- Aaditya Dhar and Vicky Kaushal are your go to folks.

THE ACTING:

Vicky Kaushal impresses as he leads a big project for the first time. He has an on again off again support staff, crippled by the script who do not hold things together around him. Except for Mohit Raina and Paresh Rawal, no one else is given enough space to showcase their talent. Women, in particular the character that Yami Gautam played, could have been given a role that was a bit more prolific.