Netflix’s latest series Saare Jahan Se Accha has landed itself in the middle of a storm. While viewers are praising its sharp writing, gripping story, and tight pacing, many are unhappy with the way India’s Research and Analysis Wing has been shown on screen compared to Pakistan’s ISI.
In the show, RAW is portrayed as hesitant, guilt ridden, and lacking in conviction. Its officers often come across as spineless, which is a sharp departure from the reputation the organisation holds in real life. On the other hand, ISI is depicted as patriotic, efficient, and level headed, giving it an edge over RAW in the storyline.
This imbalance has not gone unnoticed. Audiences have taken to social media to question why a series that is supposed to entertain is making one side look weak while glorifying the other. When the subject is as sensitive as India and Pakistan, portrayals carry more weight than regular fiction. Viewers relate strongly to the way these institutions are shown, and such creative choices can spark disappointment and even anger.
Fiction of course allows for artistic freedom, and no one expects a series to mirror reality word for word. However, when stories revolve around real countries and real organisations, a certain balance is expected. When that balance is missing, it risks leaving a bitter aftertaste even if the series is otherwise engaging.
Despite this controversy, Saare Jahan Se Accha remains a compelling watch with strong performances and well paced drama. But it also serves as a reminder that filmmakers must tread carefully when dealing with themes that touch national identity and institutions. Entertainment should never feel like distortion.
Follow Binge Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more updates, reviews, and inside stories from the world of entertainment.
