First of all I want to applaud Randeep Ji's utter conviction at delivering such a sincere and fearless attempt on a highly controversial topic like this. It takes serious guts to make a film on a historical figure like Veer Savarkar and I only know one movie that was made about him by Sudhir Ji Phadke and that had come out in 2001! The kind exuberance that Randeep Ji has towards his craft has no bounds. Seriously the man has left no stone unturned in delivering what I can call a staunchly made passion project and a long overdue tribute to a great historical figure like Veer Savarkar.
It's evident how extensive of a research Randeep Hooda has done to make this movie as historically accurate as possible but I pertain to the category of people that is saying that this should have been a two part movie because of the vastness of the life of Savarkar that just cannot be contained in a 3 hour runtime. But that aside I still want to admire the conviction that has been packed in each and every second of this film from all aspects.
Be it the cinematography that has extraordinarily depicted the pre independence era, the world building of a time where the British imperialism had atrociously enslaved and impoverished Bharatiyas and Savarkar witnessing all this wanting to start an armed revolution against the English government. The unimaginable sacrifices he and his family had to make, the unthinkable pain, the blood-curdling torture he and Babarao endured at Kaala Pani. One could literally see his descent to madness during the scenes depicting his solitary confinements. The music and BG score that has been paired with it and some great shots of brilliant visual storytelling that elevate the movie. But above all, the movie shines in the way it has connected with the audiences on an emotional level. On that note, it's not just Randeep's acting but the entire cast that has the capability of captivating you in certain moments. And hopefully this movie will help people realise the real intention of the clemency petitions that some pseudo intellectuals use against him to woefully malign his name and delegitimize his contribution towards the freedom struggle. It's absolutely deplorable how these arrogant and vile people mock him and keep perpetuating the discriminatory legacy of the British and the Congress of disparaging him.
However, I do have some gripes about this directorial debut by Randeep about some technical aspects of the film like its inconsistent pacing. The overuse of slow motion to the point the first half starts to feel more like a montage; but thankfully it gains momentum in the second half. Another thing that I'd like to critique about is how film is lit. Lighting could be better. While I understand the dimly lit scenes are done keeping the realistic situation of that time in mind but for scenes depicting some light heartedness some creative liberty can be taken by lighting up the scene even if it's slightly unrealistic. That's the great thing about film making. You can control the lighting to evoke certain emotions.
But apart from this I have nothing but praise for the film.
Another thing that is noteworthy is how they have explored their theme of "The battle of ideologies". Especially when it comes to the opposing views of Savarkarji and Gandhiji. The portrayal in those sequences is unapologetic, firm, articulate and never antagonizes the other person in any way. Which is the result of being loyal to the objective reality and taking a straightforward approach. This will not sit right with many people and that is okay. It's my opinion.
That being said. Its already been quite a long read. I'll take your leave now.
