Director: Tejas Vijay Deoskar
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Saiyami Kher, Amit Sial, Zoya Afroz
Genre: Thriller, Action, Drama
Runtime: 2h 15min
Cinematography (Visuals & Camera Work)
- Cinematographer: Anay Goswamy
- The film adopts a gritty, high-contrast visual palette, with a mix of handheld and steady shots to enhance tension.
- Urban landscapes are captured in a raw, unfiltered manner, emphasizing the film’s dark, conspiracy-driven tone.
- Low-light sequences are well-lit but occasionally suffer from excessive grain in darker scenes.
- Action sequences are shot dynamically, with smooth tracking shots and tight framing to maintain intensity.
2. Acting & Performances
- Emraan Hashmi delivers a powerhouse performance as a man caught in a dangerous conspiracy, balancing intensity with emotional depth.
- Saiyami Kher provides strong support, though her character’s arc feels slightly underdeveloped.
- Amit Sial excels as the antagonist, bringing a chilling yet restrained menace to his role.
- Zoya Afroz has limited screen time but makes an impact in key emotional scenes.
3. Story & Screenplay
- The plot revolves around a high-stakes conspiracy with political and personal ramifications.
- The first half is gripping, with tight pacing and well-placed suspense elements.
- The second half dips slightly due to predictable twists and some logical loopholes.
- Dialogue is sharp, though a few lines feel overly dramatic.
- The ending is impactful but could have been more innovative.
4. Direction & Execution
- Tejas Vijay Deoskar keeps the narrative taut, ensuring minimal filler scenes.
- Pacing is well-balanced, though a few sequences drag in the mid-section.
- The blend of action and drama is handled well, but some emotional beats feel rushed.
- World-building is effective, with a believable yet heightened thriller atmosphere.
5. Sound Design & Music
- Background score (by Mithoon) is tense and atmospheric, using electronic beats and orchestral swells effectively.
- Sound effects in action scenes are sharp and immersive.
- A few songs feel forced, disrupting the film’s otherwise tight flow.
Final Verdict
Ground Zero (2025) is a well-crafted thriller with strong performances, striking visuals, and a gripping first half. While it stumbles slightly in narrative originality and pacing in the latter half, it remains an engaging watch, powered by Emraan Hashmi’s compelling lead performance and solid technical execution.
Rating: ★★★ (3/5) – A tense, visually arresting thriller with minor flaws.
