The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003)

50% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
38% of users liked it
(261 ratings)

Arun Khanna is a super-spy who is sent to Kashmir to check cross-border terrorism. There he meets Reshma, a young local maiden who falls for him. She is sent to Pakistan to spy on the activities of ISI head Ishak Khan who wishes to make a nuclear bomb and demand the liberation of Kashmir. Arun and… More Arun Khanna is a super-spy who is sent to Kashmir to check cross-border terrorism. There he meets Reshma, a young local maiden who falls for him. She is sent to Pakistan to spy on the activities of ISI head Ishak Khan who wishes to make a nuclear bomb and demand the liberation of Kashmir. Arun and Reshma get engaged but their engagement party is torn apart by a bomb blast. Arun survives but Reshma is feared dead. Arun puts his past behind him and travels to Canada to search for Ishak Khan. He learns that Ishak Khan is being helped by a millionaire named Zakaria. He feigns love for Zakaria's daughterm, Dr. Shaheen, to get in touch with Ishak Khan. Meanwhile, unknown to Arun, Reshma is safe and sound and being treated by Shaheen herself. Will Arun give up his cover for the sake of his love? Will Reshma expose him for what he is?

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 3 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Anil Sharma
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Apr 10, 2003 Wide
Studio: Video Sound

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
It may be corny, unintentionally amusing at times, but it is also a lot of fun.
Edward Crouse, Village Voice
Nothing if not a scary surge of Indian nationalism.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
This colorful Indian spy adventure constitutes the cinematic equivalent of the delightful and inconsequential escapism of a 700-page summer beach novel.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
There's too much of everything, including subplots and characters.
David Chute, L.A. Weekly
Deol is a brawny action icon with a soulful countenance, and there is nothing quite like this stuff when all the elements click smoothly into place.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
All it's no more preposterous or jingoistic than American big-budget action thrillers, except for the musical numbers, which are a given.