The Salakaar web series debuted on JioHotstar on August 8, 2025, promising audiences a gripping espionage drama that spans across decades. With Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, and Mukesh Rishi leading the cast, this Indian spy thriller set out to blend historical intrigue with present-day political tension. But does it live up to its promise of being the next big patriotic saga? Let’s unpack this ambitious yet uneven attempt in this detailed Salakaar Hotstar review.
Table of Contents
Plot Overview – The Past Meets the Present
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
At the heart of the Salakaar web series is a story that moves between 1978 and 2025, weaving a tale of covert operations, nuclear threats, and cross-border espionage.
In the late ’70s, RAW agent Adhir Dayal (played by Naveen Kasturia) is on a dangerous mission to thwart Pakistan’s nuclear program. His journey is inspired by real-life intelligence legends like Ajit Doval, lending the narrative a touch of historical authenticity.
Fast-forward to 2025, and we meet Srishti (played by Mouni Roy), another RAW operative who is working undercover in Pakistan. Her mission? To unearth classified intelligence before it’s too late. Standing against them is Mukesh Rishi as General Zia-ul-Haq, portrayed in both timelines with chilling authority.
On paper, this dual-timeline format is thrilling — a RAW agent story that connects past and present in a high-stakes spy game. Unfortunately, while the premise is solid, execution often falters.
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
The Strengths – Where Salakaar Scores Points
1. Stellar Performances
If there’s one reason to watch the Salakaar web series, it’s for its performances:
- Naveen Kasturia brings gravitas and authenticity to Adhir Dayal, grounding the more unbelievable moments with nuanced acting.
- Mukesh Rishi is a revelation here, delivering a cold, calculating performance that elevates the tension in every scene he’s in.
- Even when the script stumbles, these two keep the audience invested.
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
2. Cinematography & Background Score
The flashback sequences in 1978 are shot with an almost cinematic sheen, capturing the era’s mood perfectly. The Salakaar Hotstar review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the background score — it’s suspenseful, patriotic, and often the glue holding tense moments together.
3. Editing & Timeline Management
Managing two storylines across nearly 50 years isn’t easy, but the editing team keeps transitions clear and coherent. The switch from 1978’s covert missions to 2025’s tech-driven espionage feels smooth, helping maintain narrative flow.
4. Patriotic Undertone
From the opening frame to the final shot, Salakaar wears its patriotism proudly. For audiences who love patriotic thrillers, this emotional core might outweigh its flaws.
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
The Weaknesses – Where Salakaar Falls Short
While the Salakaar web series review shows moments of promise, the weaknesses are hard to ignore.
1. A Script Full of Logical Gaps
The script undermines the otherwise exciting premise. From scientists spilling nuclear secrets over casual drinks to spies wandering high-security zones with ease, the implausibility is hard to overlook. For a genre that thrives on realism, these lapses break immersion.
2. Underdeveloped Characters
While Naveen Kasturia and Mukesh Rishi shine, Mouni Roy’s Srishti feels underwritten. Instead of a sharp, capable spy, her character leans more toward a damsel-in-distress, which wastes her potential and undermines the series’ female representation.
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
3. Inconsistent Tone & Overblown Drama
At times, Salakaar slips into over-the-top melodrama and exaggerated villain caricatures, particularly in its portrayal of Pakistani characters. This lack of nuance can alienate viewers seeking a balanced, intelligent spy narrative.
4. Missed Opportunities for Realism
An Indian espionage drama thrives when it’s grounded in believable scenarios. Unfortunately, geographic inaccuracies, diplomatic blunders, and exaggerated heroics turn what could have been a tense, layered thriller into something closer to a stylized TV drama.
Comparisons to Other Spy Thrillers
Fans of The Family Man or Fauda may find Salakaar lacking in sharp writing and realistic spy craft. Where those series balance personal stakes with geopolitical realism, Salakaar leans more into patriotic spectacle, often at the expense of narrative depth.
Salakaar Review- Source: Youtube
The Verdict – Who Will Enjoy Salakaar?
Salakaar is best suited for viewers who value emotional patriotism over narrative precision. It’s a watchable Hotstar August 2025 release for those seeking nostalgia, drama, and powerful performances from Naveen Kasturia and Mukesh Rishi.
However, if you’re looking for a tightly written India Pakistan spy series with clever plot twists and airtight logic, this might not fully satisfy.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Salakaar Cast
- Naveen Kasturia as Adhir Dayal
- Mouni Roy as Srishti
- Mukesh Rishi as General Zia-ul-Haq
- Supporting cast includes familiar TV and OTT faces adding color to the dual timelines.
Why Salakaar Still Matters
Even with its flaws, the Salakaar web series is part of a growing wave of Indian OTT content exploring espionage and geopolitics. By tackling both historical and contemporary narratives, it tries — and sometimes succeeds — to remind audiences of the sacrifices made in the shadows for national security.
And while it may not redefine the genre, it sparks conversations about how India’s OTT space can balance patriotic storytelling with credible, intelligent plotting.
Final Word in This Salakaar Hotstar Review
The Salakaar web series review can be summed up in one line: Ambitious in scope, inconsistent in execution. It’s a patriotic ride with commendable acting and strong visuals but weighed down by a flawed script and lack of narrative discipline.
For fans of RAW agent stories and patriotic thrillers, it’s worth a weekend binge — just don’t expect the razor-sharp realism of the genre’s best offerings.