Netflix's Saare Jahan Se Accha Review: Pratik Gandhi Shines In A Realistic Role, But Women Remain Sidelined

In the crowded landscape of espionage thrillers, 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' arrived on Netflix like a well-timed firecracker: explosive, engaging, and deeply rooted in the turbulent late ’60s and early ’70s. Created by Gaurav Shukla and directed by Sumit Purohit, the six-episode series spins a mesmerising tale of patriotism, politics, and peril. While it’s not based on a true story, the narrative draws inspiration from real historical tensions between India and Pakistan.

Netflix’s ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ Review

Our protagonist, Vishnu, played with remarkable range by Pratik Gandhi, is no James Bond caricature. His character begins as a seemingly unassuming desk officer, only to transform into a formidable intelligence agent tasked with derailing Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions. One very prominent twist was that his opponent, ISI chief Sohail (a magnetic Sunny Hinduja), is shown to be as intelligent and layered as our hero, refusing to fall into the shoes of the stereotypical villain.

Loyalties will be tested, but they will stop at nothing 🔥
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— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) August 1, 2025

Saare Jahan Se Accha: Performances That Command the Screen

Pratik Gandhi delivers yet another career-defining turn, switching seamlessly from quiet resolve to steely determination. Sunny Hinduja matches him step-for-step as an antagonist who can be menacing without losing his humanity. Their scenes crackle with tension and mutual respect, elevating the cat-and-mouse stakes.

Other standouts include Anup Soni as a pragmatic Pakistani army officer and Suhail Nayyar as a conflicted Indian agent working undercover in Pakistan, his subplot may be the single most emotional anchors throughout the series.

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Rajat Kapoor lends gravitas as the RAW chief, while Kritika Kamra and Tillotama Shome deliver solid performances despite underwritten arcs. And here lies the show’s one glaring shortfall, its women remain frustratingly sidelined, robbed of narrative agency in a story that otherwise thrives on nuance.

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— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) August 13, 2025

A Feast for the Eyes But With a Few Narrative Stumbles

The production design of the show is meticulous along with a rich and atmospheric cinematography. From dimly lit intelligence safehouses to bustling bazaars, the show’s visual language immerses you completely in its Cold War-esque setting. The pacing is taut for the most part, though the finale feels rushed, with a few abrupt character resolutions that deserved more breathing room.

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The decision to give the ending a “filmy” flourish might divide viewers with some relishing the cinematic high and others, including me, feeling that it clashes with the otherwise grounded tone of the series.

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Image Credits: IMDb, X