Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

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{{short description|2018 Indian film directed by Abhishek Sharma}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
| image = Parmanu film poster.jpeg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Abhishek Sharma (director)|Abhishek Sharma]]
| producer = {{ubl|[[John Abraham]]|[[Zee Studios]]|KYTA Productions}}
| writer = [[Saiwyn Quadras]] Abhishek Sharma Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh
| based_on = [[Pokhran-II]]
| starring = {{ubl|[[John Abraham]]|[[Diana Penty]]|[[Boman Irani]]}}
| music = '''Songs:''' [[Sachin–Jigar]] [[Jeet Gannguli]] '''Background Score:''' [[Sandeep Chowta]]
| cinematography = [[Aseem Mishra]] Zubin Mistry
| editing = Rameshwar S. Bhagat
| studio = {{ubl|[[Zee Studios]]|JA Entertainment|KYTA Productions}}
| distributor = [[Pooja Entertainment]]
| released = {{film date|df=yes|2018|05|25}}
| runtime = 129 minutes
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Hindi]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes}}35 crore<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3772 |title=Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran – Movie – Box Office India |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref>
| gross = {{estimation}} {{INR|link=no}}91.38 crore<ref name="box office">{{Cite news |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-break-parmanu-story-pokhran/ |title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran |publisher=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=16 August 2022}}</ref>
}}

'''''Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran''''' ({{translation|'''''Atom'''''}}; {{IPA-hi|pəɾmaːɳʊ}}) is a 2018 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Period piece|historical]] [[action drama film]] directed by [[Abhishek Sharma (director)|Abhishek Sharma]] and jointly written by [[Saiwyn Quadras]], Sanyuktha Chawla Sheikh and Sharma.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-john-abraham-set-to-surprise-again/story-rVJNeZKUiVuQSIV8VA8I9O.html |title=Parmanu-The Story of Pokhran: John Abraham set to surprise again |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=1 June 2017 |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref> It was produced by [[Zee Studios]], JA Entertainment and KYTA Productions banners. The film is based on the [[Pokhran-II|nuclear bomb test explosions]] conducted by the [[Indian Army]] at [[Pokhran]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/john-abraham-parmanu-poster-pokhran-nuclear-tests/1/1025701.html |title=John Abraham unveils Parmanu poster: All you need to know about the story of Pokhran |last=Ghosh |first=Samrudhi |work=India Today |date=14 August 2017 |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/new-movies-of-2017-your-complete-list-of-all-the-major-upcoming-movies-this-year/ |title=Your complete list of all the major upcoming movies this year |date=26 July 2017 |website=GQ India}}</ref> It stars [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]], [[Diana Penty]] and [[Boman Irani]] in lead roles.

''Parmanu'' was earlier slated to release on 8 December 2017, but was postponed to avoid clashing with ''[[Padmaavat]]'' (2018).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-john-abrahams-parmanu-is-not-releasing-in-december-1758010 |title=Why John Abraham's Parmanu Is Not Releasing in December |last=Basu |first=Nilanjana |publisher=NDTV |date=3 October 2017 |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref> It was further delayed owing to conflicts between the producers of the film, Abraham and [[KriArj Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://scroll.in/reel/874848/parmanu-controversy-john-abraham-files-three-criminal-complaints-against-co-producer | title='Parmanu' controversy: John Abraham files three criminal complaints against co-producer }}</ref> It was eventually released on 25 May 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/john-abraham-and-diana-penty-parmanu-to-release-on-march-2/190628 |title=John Abraham and Diana Penty's Parmanu to release on April 6th, trailer to arrive soon |publisher=Times Now |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref>

==Plot==
In 1995, Ashwat Raina, an [[IAS officer]] from the [[Research and Analysis Wing]], suggests the ministers perform a retaliatory [[nuclear test]] in response to the recent nuclear missile tests by [[China]]. However, he is ridiculed, and the PMO secretary Suresh Yadav tells him to keep the file of his plan brief. Ashwat submits the file along with a floppy containing the details, but Yadav submits a half-baked plan to the Prime Minister and ignores the floppy. The test is hastily conducted without Ashwat's involvement, who then becomes the scapegoat when an American [[Reconnaissance satellite|Lacrosse Satellite]] photographs the test preparations, and the United States warns India not to continue with the tests. Ashwat loses his job, and three years later, in 1998, when a new Prime Minister is sworn in, he is approached by the new PMO secretary Himanshu Shukla who questions the failure of the tests. Ashwat explains the most integral part of the mission was to keep it confidential, but it couldn't happen since no one viewed the floppy. Himanshu gives Ashwat a second chance to conduct the tests, for which he starts preparing a team. Selecting five members from the BARC ([[Bhabha Atomic Research Centre]]), DRDO ([[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]), [[Indian Army]], ISA (Indian Space Agency) and IB ([[Intelligence Bureau (India)]]), Ashwat leads the team to Pokhran for the test setup.

As the activities begin, two local spies of the CIA and [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] are alerted, and they [[Covert listening device|bug]] Ashwath's guest house to get the information on the nuclear test. Ashwat and the team manage to prepare the setup for the tests while distracting the Lacrosse satellite. When the material is arranged, Himanshu tells Ashwat to stop the tests due to the political climate. Ashwat nevertheless convinces him to greenlit the tests and distract media attention from Pokhran. This gives Ashwat and the team time as they now struggle to complete the tests within a shorter deadline. One day, when a sandstorm exposes the setup, Ashwat and other officers rush to cover it before being spotted by the satellite. They manage to run to the bunker before being spotted, but the spies learn of the test when they view satellite-clicked photographs of Ashwat's vehicle parked oddly. They try to convince the CIA about the tests, but they don't believe them. The ISI Agent calls Ashwat's wife and tells him he's in Pokhran with a woman, after which she arrives at the guest house and mistakenly believes Ashwat to be having an affair with his teammate Ambalika. Ashwat tries to defend himself, but she leaves, following which Ambalika learns of this and believes it to be a setup.

On the day of the tests, the ISI agent breaks into the guest house to retrieve Ashwat's cell phone containing codes for the blindspot at the test site. He fights off Ashwat and runs away, taking the phone. A chase ensues, leaving Ashwat trapped in a police station when he mistakenly fires a bullet from the agent's gun. Ambalika arrives and frees him, and Himanshu proceeds to meet the Prime Minister and explain to him the plan. As Ashwat arrives at the test site, Ambalika and other officers capture the agents. Himanshu manages to get encrypted permission from the Prime Minister to proceed with the tests. The [[CIA]] now has the evidence sent by the spies, but the explosion takes place before they can take any action. The test is successfully conducted, Ashwat reconciles with his wife, and India is established as a nuclear state.

==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
* [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] as [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] Ashwat Raina / Krishna Joshi
* [[Diana Penty]] as Captain Ambalika Bandyopadhyay / Nakul Singh, Krishna's colleague
* [[Boman Irani]] as Himanshu Shukla, [[Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India|Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister]]
* Aditya Hitkari as Dr. Viraf Wadia / Yudhishthir Parashar, Krishna's colleague
* [[Vikas Kumar]] as Major Prem Singh / Bheem Rajat, Krishna's colleague
* [[Yogendra Tikku]] as Dr. Naresh Sinha / Arjun Pathak, Krishna's colleague
* Ajay Shankar as Dr. Puru Ranganathan / Sahadeva Kumar, Krishna's colleague
* [[Anuja Sathe]] as Sushma Raina, Ashwat's wife
* [[Darshan Pandya]] as a [[Pakistani people|Pakistani]] [[Spy]]
* [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] as [[Prime Minister of India]] (archived footage)
}}

==Production==
''Parmanu'' was officially announced on 15 April 2017 via [[Taran Adarsh]]'s Twitter handle.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/john-abraham-next-production-on-1998-pokhran-nuclear-test-i-search-for-stories-which-are-disruptive-yet-engaging-4614210/ |title=John Abraham's next production on 1998 Pokhran nuclear test: I search for stories which are disruptive yet engaging |work=The Indian Express |date=15 April 2017 |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> John Abraham was approached by film producers Prerna Arora and Arjun N Kapoor with the script, which was further developed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/john-abrahamparmanu-is-based-on-true-story/articleshow/59724849.cms |title=John Abraham: 'Parmanu – The Story Of Pokhran' is based on true story |work=The Times of India |date=23 July 2017 |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> ''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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/movies-to-look-forward-to/john-abraham-launches-impressive-first-poster-of-parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran/photostory/59264370.cms |title=Movies to look forward to |work=The Times of India |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> The principal photography of the film began on 31 May 2017 and the shoot was completed in August.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/310517/john-abrahams-next-film-based-on-nuclear-test-goes-on-floors-today.html |title=John Abraham's film based on nuclear test goes on floors today |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/john-abraham-parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-to-release-on-december-8-see-poster-4795695/ |title=John Abraham's Parmanu The Story of Pokhran to release on December 8. See new poster |last=Kameshwari |first=A. |work=The Indian Express |date=14 August 2017 |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/john-abraham-wraps-parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-shoot-heres-when-the-film-will-release-1737640 |title=John Abraham Wraps Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran Shoot. Here's When The Film Will Release |last=Misra |first=Tisya |publisher=NDTV |date=14 August 2017 |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref>

==Marketing and release==
The first look of the film was revealed by Abraham through his Twitter handle on 22 June 2017. It showed his face merged with the map of Pokhran.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/john-abraham-unveils-poster-of-his-next-parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-on-twitter-3733145.html |title=John Abraham unveils poster of his next Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran on Twitter |publisher=Firstpost |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> The second poster of the film was released on 14 August 2017 which showed Abraham running with jeeps, bunkers in the background.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/parmanu-john-abrahams-upcoming-new-poster-unveils-his-first-look-amid-rough-terrains-of-pokhran-3928827.html |title=Parmanu: John Abraham's upcoming new poster unveils his look amid rough terrains of Pokhran |publisher=Firstpost |date=14 August 2017 |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> Two posters of the film showing John and Diana in Army uniform were released on 3 November 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/movies-to-look-forward-to/parmanu-new-posters-john-abraham-and-diana-penty-unveil-the-story-of-pokhran/photostory/60765634.cms |title=Movies to look forward to |work=The Times of India |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref>

Earlier scheduled to release on 8 December 2017, the film released on 25 May 2018 across 1935 screens.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/parmanu-box-office-collections-john-abraham-starrer-inching-closer-to-rs-60-cr-2116471.html |title=Parmanu Box Office collections: John Abraham starrer inching closer to Rs 60 cr |date=14 June 2018 |work=Zee News|access-date=15 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=bh>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-break-parmanu-story-pokhran/ |title=Box Office: Worldwide collections and day wise break up of Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran – Bollywood Hungama |first=Bollywood |last=Hungama |date=26 May 2018 }}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name = Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Sachin–Jigar]] and [[Jeet Gannguli]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2018|May|15}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/parmanu-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1384846395 |title=Parmanu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |publisher=[[iTunes]]}}</ref>
| recorded = 2017–2018
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 22:49
| language = [[Hindi]]
| label = [[Zee Music Company]]
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{External media
| audio1 = {{YouTube|6-nA4beygc8|Audio Jukebox}}}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = [[Sachin–Jigar]]
| type =
| prev_title = [[Simran (film)|Simran]]
| prev_year = 2017
| title = Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
| year = 2018
| next_title = [[Gold (2018 film)|Gold]]
| next_year = 2018
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = [[Jeet Gannguli]]
| type =
| prev_title = [[Total Dadagiri]]
| prev_year = 2018
| title = Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
| year = 2018
| next_title = [[Jalebi (film)|Jalebi]]
| next_year = 2018
}}
}}
The music of the film is composed by [[Sachin–Jigar]] and [[Jeet Gannguli]] while lyrics are penned by Vayu, [[Rashmi Virag]], [[Sachin Sanghvi]] and [[Kumar Vishwas]]. The songs featured in the film are sung by [[Arijit Singh]], [[Divya Kumar (singer)|Divya Kumar]], [[Yasser Desai]], [[Keerthi Sagathia]] and [[Jyotica Tangri]]. The first song of the film titled ''Shubh Din'' which is sung by Sagathia and Tangri, was released on 14 May 2018. The album was released by [[Zee Music Company]] on 15 May 2018.

Vipin Nair of ''[[The Hindu]]'' gave the soundtrack 2.5/5 stating that the soundtrack is a "middling start to the year" for the composer duo.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/not-quite-a-nuclear-blast/article23970629.ece |title=Not quite a nuclear blast |last=Nair |first=Vipin |date=23 May 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 May 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.musicaloud.com/2018/05/23/parmanu-music-review-bollywood-soundtrack/ |title=Parmanu – Music Review (Bollywood Soundtrack) {{!}} Music Aloud|website=www.musicaloud.com|date=23 May 2018|access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = {{Duration|m=22|s=49}}
| title1 = Shubh Din
| extra1 = [[Keerthi Sagathia]], [[Jyotica Tangri]]
| music1 = [[Sachin–Jigar]]
| lyrics1 = Vayu
| length1 = 4:42|-
| title2 = Jitni Dafa
| extra2 = [[Yasser Desai]]
| music2 = [[Jeet Gannguli]]l
| lyrics2 = [[Rashmi Virag]]
| length2 = 3:42|-
| title3 = Thare Vaaste
| extra3 = [[Divya Kumar (singer)|Divya Kumar]]
| music3 = Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics3 = Vayu
| length3 = 3:28|-
| title4 = Kasumbi
| extra4 = Divya Kumar
| music4 = Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics4 = Vayu
| length4 = 4:13|-
| title5 = Sapna
| extra5 = [[Arijit Singh]]
| music5 = Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics5 = [[Sachin Sanghvi]]
| length5 = 2:49|-
| title6 = De De Jagah
| extra6 = [[Yasser Desai]]
| music6 = Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics6 = [[Kumar Vishwas]]
| length6 = 3:55
}}

==Reception==

=== Box office ===
The film has grossed over {{INRConvert|195|c|}} worldwide, of which {{INR}}840 million was in [[India]].<ref name="box office" />

=== Critical response ===
''Parmanu'' received positive reviews from film critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/parmanu-movie-review-roundup-heres-what-critics-celebs-have-say-about-john-abraham-starrer-770089 |title=Parmanu movie review roundup: Here's what critics and celebs have to say about John Abraham starrer |first=Ankita |last=Mehta |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=25 May 2018 }}</ref> [[Bollywood Hungama]] rated the film 3.5/5 and predicted its financial success.<ref>{{cite news |title=Movie Review: Parmanu – The Story of Pokhran |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/parmanu-story-pokhran/critic-review/ |access-date=26 May 2018 |agency=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated it 3.5/5 and wrote "What ''Parmanu'' lacks in detail and authenticity, it makes up with emotions and a sense of national pride. The narrative isn't explosive but it does have dramatic moments to keep the viewer engaged. Thrills, suspense, drama, a little bit of humor, as well as a solid comment on India's soldiers – this movie, largely has all the tricks to please even a discerning audience."<ref>{{Citation|title=Parmanu Review {3.5/5}: Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran is an entertaining recreation of India's race to become a nuclear power|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran/movie-review/64310837.cms|access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> Rohit Vats from ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' rated the film 3/5 and wrote "Actually, the best moments of Parmanu arrive towards the end, just when they are needed. A film that was slowly progressing towards a definite end in the first half starts to gather steam 20 minutes into the second half."<ref>{{cite news |title=Parmanu The Story of Pokhran movie review: The climax of John Abraham's film keeps you hooked |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-movie-review-john-abraham-s-film-climaxes-at-the-right-time/story-eK4JaGlmslX44itC3ERw2N.html |access-date=26 May 2018 |agency=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

The film was criticized by some reviewers. Shrishti Negi of [[News18 India|News18]] criticized over-dramatization and twisting of facts, rating it 2/5. The opening sequence was also criticised, being called "too shaky".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/parmanu-the-story-of-pokhran-movie-review-john-abraham-starrer-is-too-bollywood-to-be-a-true-events-story-1759287.html |title=Parmanu Movie Review: John Abraham Starrer is Too Bollywood to be a |work=News18|access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> Kennith Rosario of ''[[The Hindu]]'' felt the film was "simplistic" and had "all the ingredients to be a propaganda film".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/parmanu-review-billowing-plume-of-jingoistic-smoke/article23992975.ece |title=Parmanu review: Billowing plume of jingoistic smoke |last=Rosario |first=Kennith |date=25 May 2018 |work=The Hindu|access-date=26 May 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/parmanu-review-john-abraham-diana-penty-5190371/ |title=Parmanu movie review: The John Abraham starrer is all surface, no depth |date=25 May 2018 |work=The Indian Express|access-date=26 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[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".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260518/parmanu-movie-review-unintentionally-funny-while-distorting-facts.html |title=Parmanu movie review: Unintentionally funny while distorting facts |date=26 May 2018 |work=www.deccanchronicle.com/|access-date=26 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{AllMovie title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|m/parmanu_the_story_of_pokhran}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama movie|parmanu-story-pokhran}}

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Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran