Parents' Guide to The Diplomat

This Indian political drama tells an engaging story based on true events, but the execution is uneven. In The Diplomat, Khateeb delivers a measured performance as Ahmed, showing the victim's trauma with empathy. However, the film takes significant liberties with reality and diplomatic procedures. Abraham's performance as the titular diplomat feels restrained, and some of his scenes feel out of place, especially those with his family that are failed attempts at comedic relief. Despite these missteps, the movie treats its subject matter seriously for the most part, though the depiction of sexual assault may feel excessive to some viewers. Elsewhere, Revathi stands out as the Union Minister of External Affairs, a character based on Sushma Swaraj. While the core story is compelling, the storytelling relies too heavily on stereotypes and patriotic rhetoric. The film would have benefited from more focus on actual diplomatic processes rather than broad generalizations about nationalities, but as it stands, it falls short of its potential.