Thaindian News

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Feroz Wahid Khan, Vishakha Singh, Sikander Kher.

Genre: Periodic drama.

Rating: ***1/2

Ashutosh Gowariker has come up with an yet another long periodic film but with a difference. The film is about the forgotten heroes of Chittagong Uprising in 1930. We have seen many films based on the freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Bose and Mahatma Gandhi but the battle of a school teacher, Surya Sen, was never brought on the big screen.

When you think about a periodic film during British rule, you will be thinking of some rude and rowdy British officers and some big fight between the British soldiers and the patriots. You will find the same thing here but not dramatically. Here, you will get the real feel of the story because of its realistic approach and narration style. Art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai has taken us to that era when Masterda Surya Sen planned consecutive five attacks in various important places for the British. Along with his young team of 64 people, the school teacher led the attack. It included two brave women, one is Kalpana (played by Deepika Padukone) and the other is Pritilata (Vishakha Singh).

Abhishek has done good justice to the role of Surya Sen and Vijay Maurya as one of the fighters with Sen has given yet another excellent performance. Sikander Kher has proved that he can do better in the off-beat roles. Deepika has nothing much to do but in her Bengali attire, the actress has carried off her character very well.

The kids are the best part of the story as we see them discussing the meaning of ‘Vande Mataram’. Their enthusiasm and connect with their characters make then watch worthy. Gowariker has ably brought the essence of that era in the film.

As a whole, it is a must watch film for the today’s youth, who would get to know the fighting spirit of the youth of the British era. You will not feel bored for a single moment in spite of its long duration.

–Sampurn Wire