D-Day 2013

Secret Agent Wali Khan, portrayed by Irrfan Khan, has dedicated nine years to a covert operation under the oversight of the Indian Research and Analysis Wing’s Chief, Ashwini Rao (Nassar). His mission centers on monitoring Iqbal Seth, also known as Goldman, played by Rishi Kapoor, the notorious head of the D-Company syndicate operating out of Karachi.

The film intricately unfolds Wali’s day-to-day life as he navigates the challenges of living incognito in a foreign land. While posing as a barber, he forges genuine connections with the locals, including his family, yet remains acutely aware that all could vanish at any moment due to the whims of his assignments. During his tenure, he forms a bond with Khurram, an aide to Iqbal, who frequents his barbershop. Through this connection, Wali discovers that Iqbal is planning his nephew’s wedding at the Baituz Zahab Hotel and intends to attend, presenting a pivotal opportunity for Wali.

Additionally, the narrative introduces a skilled team assembled by R.A.W. just nine days prior to the operation. This includes Captain Rudra Pratap Singh (Arjun Rampal), an ex-Indian Army officer, along with Zoya Rehman (Huma Qureshi), an explosives expert, and Aslam, a Mumbai thief. Their objective is to infiltrate Pakistan and support Wali in capturing Goldman during his son’s wedding—a significant event that defies Inter-Services Intelligence protocols.

Tensions rise as Wali’s team sets foot in the hotel amid an arrangement involving ISI officers and a Pakistani general, who express concern over Iqbal’s attendance. Despite these warnings, Iqbal is unyielding in his decision to partake in the celebration. As Wali prepares for this critical mission, he plans to send his family to the UK, ensuring their safety while promising to join them shortly.

The chaos heightens when shopping for weaponry leads to Wali being recognized by Khurram, resulting in a violent confrontation that ends with Khurram inadvertently struck down by a bus. On the day of the wedding, just as Wali’s family attempts to depart for the UK, a massive volcanic eruption halts all flights. In desperation, Wali makes extreme choices, including setting fire to his family home, supposedly to eliminate any evidence linking them to his covert activities. This act, combined with whispers of an impending attack, puts his wife in peril as the ISI targets her for interrogation.

As the operation unfolds, Wali’s team enacts their carefully constructed plan to infiltrate the hotel and confront Iqbal. However, an unexpected gunfight erupts with Iqbal’s security. Wali sustains a serious injury, and the team is forced to retreat, leaving Iqbal behind. The tension escalates as Iqbal orders a crackdown on Karachi to capture the four agents.

In a critical moment, the Indian Prime Minister demands accountability from Ashwini, leading to commands to ensure the agents are not captured alive. In a frenzied market attack, Wali and his team narrowly escape, showcasing their resourcefulness. However, panic ensues when Aslam is captured, prompting a daring rescue led by Rudra.

As the stakes rise, the group decides to press on, intent on completing their mission to take down Iqbal. They arrive at the Nikah ceremony at Iqbal’s residence, only to discover that the ISI plans to eliminate him, labeling him a liability. In a shocking twist, Wali, Rudra, and Zoya launch a counter-operation, leading to an intense shootout that ultimately allows them to capture Goldman.

As the climax approaches, Iqbal’s desperate offer to set Wali’s family free tests Wali’s resolve. The situation spirals when Wali accidentally shoots Rudra while distracted by Iqbal’s manipulative plea. In a final act of cunning, Wali devises a plan to secure both his family and Iqbal, leading to a tense meeting with the ISI.

With his team following their orders, Wali orchestrates a daring escape. Just as they cross back into India, Rudra brings a chilling closing to the saga by executing Goldman, reinforcing his role as a symbol of the “new India.” The film comes to an unexpected yet thought-provoking conclusion, leaving viewers reflecting on the complex web of loyalty, duty, and the harsh realities of espionage.