Web Series Review: Saare Jahan Se Accha

Netflix’s Saare Jahan Se Accha is a gripping political-espionage thriller that brings alive one of the most crucial chapters of South Asian history — the nuclear race between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Dr. Homi Bhabha’s sudden and shocking death. The show deftly weaves fact-inspired events with dramatised storytelling, highlighting the high-stakes world of intelligence, power struggles, and national security.

The narrative kicks off with Pakistan’s ambitious push towards nuclear armament under Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. With ISI head Murtaza Malik aggressively hunting down foreign spies and international agencies keeping a watchful eye, the balance of power in South Asia hangs by a thread. On the Indian side, it becomes the responsibility of the newly formed Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), led by its visionary first chief R.N. Kao, to prevent Pakistan from becoming a nuclear state. The mission is eventually handed to Indian Intelligence Service (IIS) officer Vishnu Shankar, played with quiet intensity by Pratik Gandhi.

Pratik Gandhi shoulders the series with remarkable conviction. His portrayal of Vishnu Shankar reflects discipline, restraint, and the burden of responsibility that comes with serving the nation. The ensemble cast — including Sunny Hinduja, Suhail Nayyar, Tillotama Shome, Kartik Kamra, Rajat Kapoor, and Anup Soni — provides strong support, each adding authenticity to their roles.

Director Sumit Purohit and creator Gaurav Shukla ensure that the series doesn’t just stay within Indian borders. The show moves fluidly across Delhi, Pakistan, Moscow, Budapest, and even the USA, giving viewers a sense of the global chessboard of nuclear diplomacy and espionage. The production design and DI colouring deserve special mention — they recreate the late 1960s and 1970s with finesse, transporting viewers into that tense geopolitical era.

What makes Saare Jahan Se Accha stand out is its balance between thrilling spy operations and the intellectual debates around nuclear power. Each episode explores not only tactical missions but also the larger question of how nations grapple with the allure and dangers of nuclear energy.

While the pacing occasionally dips, and some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more deeply, the series succeeds in building intrigue and maintaining authenticity. It’s not just about cloak-and-dagger action, but also about the sacrifices and strategies that defined an era.

Verdict: Saare Jahan Se Accha is a smart, tense, and layered espionage drama that combines history with gripping storytelling. With strong performances, meticulous detailing, and a narrative that feels both informative and thrilling, it is well worth a watch.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5