Actor Emraan Hashmi is all set to headline Ground Zero, an action-thriller inspired by the courage and resilience of a real-life Border Security Force (BSF) officer. Hashmi revealed that the film aims to deliver a sincere narrative without leaning heavily into exaggerated patriotic sentiment.
Produced under the banner of Excel Entertainment by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Ground Zero tells the gripping story of Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a BSF officer who played a pivotal role in hunting down the mastermind behind the 2001 terrorist assaults on both the Indian Parliament and the Akshardham Temple.
Speaking about the project, Hashmi shared that the goal from the very beginning was to avoid unnecessary jingoism. “One of the first conversations I had when I joined the film was about ensuring that the storytelling stayed grounded and real. Overloading it with patriotic theatrics often makes the narrative feel unnatural and disconnected from reality,” Hashmi said in a chat with PTI.
Known for his performances in films like Awarapan, Jannat, The Dirty Picture, Shanghai, and Tiger 3, Hashmi said the creative team was committed to striking a balance between drama, entertainment, and authenticity — especially since the story is rooted in real-life events.
He further explained that while dramatic elements are essential in cinema, they need to be handled with care. Referring to the film’s use of the phrase Prahar Hoga, Hashmi pointed out the importance of striking the right emotional chord without making it feel artificial. “I’m quite certain Mr. Dubey didn’t stand atop a truck rallying his troops with battle cries like ‘Prahar Hoga.’ In reality, such commands would likely have been given in a far more routine and understated manner. But, for the screen, the moment needs to be elevated without slipping into an over-the-top, unconvincing zone,” he said.
The actor also shared that he had met the real-life officer, Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, during preparations for the film. Describing him as an extremely humble and grounded person, Hashmi emphasized that his approach was not to imitate Dubey but to portray the essence of his personality with honesty.
