Netflix’s Saare Jahan Se Accha isn’t just another espionage drama—it’s the kind of show that hooks you in the first 10 minutes and refuses to let go. With Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja leading a stellar ensemble, creator Gaurav Shukla and director Sumit Purohit deliver a masterclass in slow-burn tension, emotional depth, and political intrigue.
The Story – History, High Stakes, and Hidden Agendas
The series throws us into the turbulent early-to-mid 1970s, a time when the world was still reeling from the Cold War and South Asia was a hotbed of political unrest. The plot kicks off after the mysterious death of scientist Homi Bhabha in a suspicious 1966 plane crash—an incident that already feels like it belongs in a spy thriller.
From there, the narrative builds around Pakistan’s defeat in the 1971 war and its loss in the 1972 diplomatic talks. Determined to turn the tables, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto begins an ambitious—and dangerous—nuclear weapons program. For India, this isn’t just a geopolitical concern; it’s a matter of survival.
Enter R&AW’s chief RN Rao (Rajat Kapoor), who dispatches his best operative, Vishnu Shankar (Pratik Gandhi), to Pakistan under diplomatic cover. His mission? Track every move, gather intelligence, and stop the nuclear program before it’s too late. Standing in his way is Murtuza (Sunny Hinduja), a razor-sharp Pakistani intelligence officer with zero tolerance for foreign spies.
What follows is a gripping cat-and-mouse game—one that’s as much about intellect and patience as it is about danger and deception.
Performances That Hit Hard
Let’s be clear—Pratik Gandhi is on fire here. We’ve seen him as the charming scamster in Scam 1992, but Saare Jahan Se Accha gives him a whole new canvas. His Vishnu is calm, calculating, and constantly aware that one wrong move could mean death—not just for him, but for his mission.
Sunny Hinduja matches him beat for beat. His Murtuza is not your typical one-dimensional antagonist. He’s sharp, determined, and almost frighteningly good at his job. Every scene between Gandhi and Hinduja is electric—it’s like watching two grandmasters play an extended chess match, each trying to anticipate the other’s move.
The supporting cast—Suhail Nayyar, Kritika Kamra, Tillotama Shome, Rajat Kapoor, and Anup Soni—add layers and nuance to the story. Tillotama Shome, in particular, has a quiet intensity that lingers long after her scenes end.
Why It Works So Well
What makes Saare Jahan Se Accha so compelling isn’t just the espionage plot—it’s how grounded and believable it feels. This isn’t a glossy, over-the-top spy fantasy with gadgets and impossible stunts. It’s about intelligence work in the 70s, where information traveled slower, and every move required meticulous planning.
The show’s pacing is deliberate. It takes its time setting the scene, fleshing out its characters, and letting the tension simmer. By the time the plot’s big twists hit, you’re so invested that they land with maximum impact.
Credit also goes to the writing team—Bhavesh Mandalia, Meghna Srivastava, Abhijeet Khuman, Shivam Shankar, Kunal Kushwah, and Ishraq Shah—for weaving historical events into a taut fictional narrative. They balance political intrigue with personal stakes, making sure the human side of the story never gets lost in the geopolitics.
The Look and Feel of a Bygone Era
From the set design to the costumes, the series nails its 1970s setting. The muted color palette, the cars, the office interiors—everything feels authentic. The cinematography captures both the bustling chaos of urban centers and the quiet tension of covert operations.
The background score is another standout—subtle when it needs to be, pulsating when the tension spikes. It doesn’t overwhelm the scenes but amplifies them, keeping you on edge in the best way.
A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Saare Jahan Se Accha is that rare mix of smart storytelling, brilliant performances, and rich historical detail. It respects the intelligence of its audience, never spoon-feeding information but trusting you to connect the dots.
If you’re into espionage dramas, political thrillers, or just great acting, this one’s a no-brainer. Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja deliver career-best work, and the direction ensures that every scene matters.
In an era where streaming platforms churn out new content every week, Saare Jahan Se Accha stands out—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s confident. It knows exactly the story it wants to tell, and it tells it exceptionally well.
So, if you’re looking for your next binge, clear your weekend and dive in. This isn’t just a good spy series—it’s an instant classic.
