Aditya N
Aditya N
Story:
Amid the peak of Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement, a young girl, Usha Mehta, brings freedom fighters together by establishing an underground radio station to bridge the communication divide.
Performances:
Sara Ali Khan authentically embodies Usha Mehta’s character. She did well within the limitations of her role; however, in a few places, her characterization did not allow her to give her fullest. Sparsh Srivastav delivers a compelling performance as Fahad, showcasing his talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of Ram Manohar Lohia further enhances his remarkable versatility as an actor. Abhay Mehta, Alex O’Neill, and others were apt.
Analysis:
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ illuminates a lesser-known story about India’s fight for independence, which profoundly impacted the country’s journey towards freedom after Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement. This biographical drama tries to impress with its depiction of the time, showcasing exquisite art direction that beautifully captures the nation’s atmosphere during that era. Until the intermission, the narrative follows the biopic style, while the latter half gets a touch of thriller. While the director’s intention, Kannan Iyer, is undoubtedly honest, he could have added more emotional depth to the proceedings, especially in the second half.
Positives:
The movie’s plot is very intriguing, and Kannan Iyer, the director, successfully extracted commendable performances from the lead cast and narrated the film with a no-nonsense note. The development of Usha’s character was well portrayed. Her inner fight and sacrifice of personal space were shown well. Also Usha getting to meet her idol/inspirational leader in the movement; consequent portions were also influential.
Negatives:
The film’s concept sets high expectations for intense and exciting scenes, but the director needed to utilize this opportunity fully. Regrettably, the movie lacks an in-depth exploration of its thrilling elements, causing viewers to crave a deeper dive into its gripping aspects. While this historical drama remains faithful to its depiction without unnecessary embellishments, there is room for improvement, as the required emotional high went missing at crucial moments.
Rating: 3/5
Last Line: Honest but a subdued patriotic drama
