Ae Watan Mere Watan Review: A Glimpse Into India’s Untold Freedom Struggle
In the film “Ae Watan Mere Watan”, directed by Kannan Iyer and starring Sara Ali Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Verma, and Sparsh Shrivastava, viewers are taken back to the year 1942, during India’s fight for independence. The story revolves around Usha Mehta (played by Sara Ali Khan), a young woman living in Bombay with her father, Justice Hariprasad, who is a staunch British loyalist. Usha, on the other hand, follows the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participates in agitations for freedom.
When Gandhiji passes the ‘Quit India’ resolution on August 8, Usha takes a bold step to start an underground radio station called Congress Radio, in order to broadcast the speeches of Congress leaders and inspire the masses to fight against the British rule. Despite facing challenges and threats from the British government, Usha and her team, including Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (Emraan Hashmi), continue their mission to spread the message of independence.
The story, penned by Darab Farooqui, is a captivating portrayal of a lesser-known chapter of India’s freedom struggle. The screenplay effectively engages the audience, although at certain points, tighter writing could have enhanced the overall impact. Dialogues by Farooqui evoke a sense of nostalgia for the bygone era, adding depth to the narrative.
Kannan Iyer’s direction is commendable, as he skillfully juggles multiple subplots while maintaining focus on Usha’s journey and her determination to run the rebel radio station. This aspect stands out as the highlight of the film, offering a unique perspective on India’s fight for independence. The sequences depicting the British government’s efforts to locate the radio station are gripping and keep viewers invested throughout the movie.
While the love story subplot may seem unconvincing, the stellar performances by the cast make up for it. Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance as Usha, displaying both vulnerability and valor in her portrayal of the freedom fighter. Emraan Hashmi shines in his role as Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, bringing depth and charisma to the character. Supporting actors like Sparsh Shrivastava and Alexx O’Nell also deliver strong performances, adding layers to the narrative.
The music in the film, while soulful, may not have a lasting impact, with the title track falling short of expectations. However, the background score by Utkarsh Dhotekar complements the period setting and theme of the movie effectively. Cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary, along with authentic costumes by Ratna Dhanda, adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the film.
In conclusion, “Ae Watan Mere Watan” is a must-watch for its portrayal of an untold chapter of Indian history, shedding light on the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom. Despite minor flaws in the direction and production design, the film succeeds in engaging the audience and leaving a lasting impact.