Sarzameen

About the film

Sarzameen (transl. Nation/Country) is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film written and directed by Kayoze Irani, in his directorial debut. Produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta under Dharma Productions, in collaboration with Star Studios, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Set in Kashmir, the film follows an Indian Army officer who discovers that his estranged son has joined a militant group.

Sarzameen was released on 25 July 2025 on the streaming platform JioHotstar and received negative reviews from critics. This was the last film to be released under the Star Studios name before being rebranded to Star Studio18 in August 2025.

Plot

Colonel Vijay Menon, a decorated Indian Army officer posted in Jammu & Kashmir, captures two terrorists — Mohsin and his brothers Aabil and Qaabil. In retaliation, the terrorists kidnap his young son Harman, demanding the release of their men. Despite his wife Meher's pleas, Vijay refuses to compromise national security. He executes Aabil and declares that the safety of the nation comes before personal ties.

During a rescue operation in a terrorist camp, the Army finds several hostages — among them is a now-adult Harman. Meher welcomes him back joyfully, but Vijay suspects that his son might have been replaced or brainwashed. A DNA test confirms that Harman is indeed their biological son.

Years in captivity have left Harman deeply radicalized under Qaabil's influence. His loyalty to extremist ideology clashes with his family's attempts to reconnect. Meher tries to restore emotional ties, while Vijay remains guarded, aware of the threat Harman may pose.

Production

Sarzameen was announced in 2023 as a co-production between Dharma Productions and Star Studios, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan. It marks the directorial debut Kayoze Irani, the son of actor Boman Irani. The project was initially developed with a focus on familial and ideological conflict set within the socio-political context of Kashmir.

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack is composed by Vishal Khurana K and Vishal Mishra, with the lyrics written by Kausar Munir and Jaani.

Release

Sarzameen premiered on JioHotstar on 25 July 2025.

Reception

Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 1.5 stars out of 5 and said that "Prithviraj is capable of ratcheting emotion, as is Kajol. And Ibrahim, playing a boy cruelly bullied for an impairment who grows into a young man on the opposite side of the loyalty divide."

Vineeta Kumar of India Today also gave 1.5 stars out of 5 and said that "In this Ibrahim Ali Khan, Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer, neither the patriotism lands nor the emotional family drama connects. What you get instead is a hollow story trying hard to feel important."

Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India commented that "Given that Sarzameen is a Dharma Productions film, you can detect a collision of eras and sensibilities: vintage “It’s all about loving your family” v/s new-age “It’s all about loving your nation”.

Key details