Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is a 2018 Indian historical action drama film directed by Abhishek Sharma and produced by Zee Studios and JA Entertainment. The film is written by Saiwyn Quadras, Sanyuktha Chawla Sheikh and Abhishek Sharma.[7] The film is based on the nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by the Indian Army at Pokhran in 1998.[8][9] It features John Abraham, Diana Penty and Boman Irani. It was released on 25 May 2018.[10] Parmanu was earlier slated to release on 8 December 2017, but the makers pushed the date to avoid clashing with Padmaavat.[11] Recently film got delayed further owing to conflicts between the producers of the film, Abraham's JA Entertainment and Kriarj entertainment
Parmanu was officially announced on 15 April 2017 via Taran Adarsh's Twitter handle.[14] John Abraham was approached by film producers Prerna Arora and Arjun N Kapoor with the script, which was further developed.[15] Parmanu was shot in Delhi and Mumbai, with major portions being shot in Pokhran, and areas of Pokhran Fort, Aada Bazaar, Gandhi Chowk Main Market and the Gomat Railway Station.[16] The principal photography of the film began on 31 May 2017 and the shoot was completed in August.[17][18] About the film, Abraham said: "Parmanu is an ode to the Army and scientists, who although ordinary people, truly accomplished extraordinary feats in the face of adversity to ensure that India finds its due place on the world nuclear map
The film currently holds a 50% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, based on 6 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10.[27]
Rohit Vats from Hindustan Times rated the film 3/5. He praised the climax of the film, however he called the opening scenes "dull" and pointed out some "sketchy acting".[28] The opening sequences of the film were criticised in the review of Bollywood Hungama too which called it "shaky", but added that it picked up pace later. The film was given 3.5/5 as it had "enough plusses". Also, Abhishek Sharma’s direction was called "to the point".[29] It received a rating of 3.5/5 from Rachit Gupta in her review for The Times of India as it had enough "tricks to please even a discerning audience". She felt the film lacked attention to details and "authenticity", though these shortcomings were overcome by "emotions and a sense of national pride".[30]
The film was criticised by some reviewers. Shrishti Negi of News18 criticised over-dramatisation and twisting of facts, rating it 2/5. The opening sequence was also critised, being called "too shaky".[31] Kennith Rosario of The Hindu felt the film was "simplistic" and had "all the ingredients to be a propaganda film". He even added that there is "nationalistic jingoism" at the core of the film which hailed the achievements of Vajpayee government.[32] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express criticised the film for its lack of details and use of historical facts, calling it "all surface, no depth", and gave it 1.5 stars.[33] Deccan Chronicle also gave it 1.5 stars out of 5 in its review by Arnab Banerjee, saying that the seriousness of the film didn't come across as it looked like a "picnic with a little bit of work thrown in here and there".
