Recent commentary from Indian intelligence officials critiques the portrayal of spies in Bollywood films, noting that these depictions often oversimplify and exaggerate the realities of espionage. While popular films like “Madras Cafe” and “Raazi” are acknowledged for their realistic elements, most portrayals fail to capture the extensive teamwork, psychological burdens, and ethical complexities involved in real intelligence work. Spies are depicted as glamorous action heroes, while the truth reveals a need for stealth and adaptability, often requiring them to lead compartmentalized lives fraught with emotional challenges. This disparity highlights the importance of more authentic storytelling in cinema, which could foster a better public understanding of the nuanced and often unsung sacrifices made by real intelligence operatives.