Freedom at Midnight

"Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself."

Freedom at Midnight is a series based on Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's gigantic bestseller of the same name. Given the piercingly researched, strikingly visual source-material, it was always meant to be. Collins and Lapierre finished the book in 1975, just 25 years after India gained independence.

Starting in the early 1970s, the authors had unprecedented personal access to Lord Mountbatten, who was a fan of their book "Is Paris Burning?". They also accessed Jinnah's X-ray, which proved that so-called Quaid-e-Azam knew he suffered from advanced stage tuberculosis and that he wouldn't survive long - maximum a year or so!! Mountbatten told Lapierre-Collins that if he knew this, he would have delayed the decision on partition, which would have then changed the course of sub-continent's history.

Nikhil Advani, the creator of the series, says he chose to focus on events leading up to India's independence. However, Freedom at Midnight is a difficult show to make, as it is about history and politics and relies heavily on verbose conversations, meetings, debates, speeches, decisions, exposition, heavy dialogues and individual's perception.

The series features impressive performances, particularly from Chirag Vohra as Gandhi and Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Vohra delivers a physically canny rendition of Gandhi, while Chawla nails the Gujarati twang and injects Patel's shrewdness with pangs of paternal sincerity.

It's worth noting that the book "Freedom at Midnight" has been adapted into various forms, including a TV series in 1988 and a movie Gandhi with Ben Kingsley directed by Richard Attenborough. While the movie focuses primarily on Gandhi's life and role in India's struggle for independence, this TV series takes a broader approach, covering the final years of British rule in India and the events leading up to independence. This series is more of a historic epic with more emphasis on political and social upheavals of the time. It manages to capture the essence of the time period.

I have a personal connection with this book having read it during my college days. It was one of the first books (first book being The Good Earth) in English literature that I read and it left an everlasting impression on me. Even today, it gives me goosebumps to think about the horrifying incidents written by the authors, particularly the riots that started in Punjab.

After reading "Freedom at Midnight", I became a huge fan of the author duo and went on to read their other books in a marathon session. I devoured "Is Paris Burning?", "O Jerusalem", "City of Joy" and "Fall from Grace", among others. I owe a debt of gratitude to my dear friend Chetan Desai who introduced me not only to Collins and Lapierre but also to other renowned authors like Leon Uris, Somerset Maugham, Ayn Rand, Hermann Hesse and more. He also sparked my interest in English literature that has been a lifelong passion since then.

While the series may be challenging to follow at times due to its focus on politics and history, it is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone interested in last days of British Raj and dawn of India's freedom. The ability of this series to balance individual perspectives with historical events makes it a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Overall, Freedom at Midnight is a gripping and informative series that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Indian history. I do however recommend reading the book.

I had read this book almost 45 years ago when I was in my twenties. So I was not sure whether the makers of the web series would be truthful to the book or would put their bias in. I was delighted to see that they were truthful to the book. For those who criticize the decisions made in 1946-1947, should realize that their arguments are based on the luxury of their knowledge of what happened between 1946 and 2024. The series shows the struggles all the leaders were having in deciding about partition. Everyone should watch this series with an open mind. Even Jinnah saw an opportunity to be the leader of a brand new country and took it. After all, he was a politician. Great series, production design, background score.

The Freedom at Midnight series on SonyLIV is one of the best historical dramas I've watched to date. Its gripping portrayal of India's independence and the Partition is both emotionally resonant and historically rich. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the series features brilliant performances by the cast, who breathe life into iconic figures like Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, and Mountbatten.

The storytelling is immersive, enhanced by authentic set designs and a hauntingly powerful soundtrack. While the pace is slow in the initial episodes, it builds up to an emotionally charged climax. The depiction of communal tensions and political negotiations is both vivid and thought-provoking.

The actors' nuanced portrayals and the show's attention to detail make it a standout. It's a deeply impactful series that leaves a lasting impression. A must-watch for history enthusiasts!

An absolute masterpiece, portraying the true architects of our freedom struggle. As the film-makers have told us in the tagline, this is the history that we should know. I would go one step further and say that this is the history that we, as a nation, NEED to know, especially in today's times when the true Fathers of our nation are being ridiculed, vilified, blamed, and stripped of all the credit they deserve.

The series portrays the struggles behind Partition, how the Congress, as a whole, tried their utmost to stop it, how the Mahatma did not compromise with his ideals till the very end, how the League tried (and ultimately succeeded) to extort a Nation merely based on the inferiority complex of their leader, and how selfish the British truly were.

My salute to the Director, Mr. Nikhil Advani, and to Sony LIVV for bringing this important piece of history to our screens. My salute to the casting director for being so spot on with his/her casting choices!

Overall, one of the best and most important web series that I have watched. The ending, as well, makes me think that there could be another season of this showing the horrors of the actual partition and the aftermath, especially the contribution of Sardar Patel in the accession of princely states and the vision of Dr. Nehru during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Freedom at Midnight on Sony Liv reinvigorates the story of India's Independence and partition with fresh energy. Anchored by stellar performances-Mountbatten, Edwina, Attlee, and Jinnah-it balances historical depth with sharp, modern storytelling. Gandhi and Nehru may seem miscast initially but evolve into compelling portrayals.

Focusing on key events like the Muslim League's Direct Action Plan, Congress-Muslim League tussles, 1937 provincial elections, the series skips exhaustive timelines in favor of precision. Highlights include Gandhi's Indigo Satyagraha, where his quiet resolve awes a young Nehru, the layered tension between Jinnah and Nehru, the contrasts between Nehru and Vallabhbhai among others.

With top-tier production-authentic sets, flawless costumes, and pitch-perfect casting-the series sets a new standard for period dramas. Understated performances by Edwina Mountbatten and VP Menon leave a mark, while Louis Mountbatten brings charisma and sophistication. Tight screenplay and sharp dialogues create a thriller-like momentum moving towards partition.

Director Nikhil Advani expertly handles sensitive themes with nuance and objectivity, avoiding glorification or clichés. Freedom at Midnight is a must-watch for its balanced narrative, stunning execution, and fresh take on history.