Freedom at Midnight

"Freedom at Midnight" deserves a solid 10/10 for its compelling portrayal of the events surrounding India's independence and partition. The documentary takes an unflinchingly honest approach, covering sensitive topics like the Bengal massacres, showing the horrors faced by hindus by communal violence. It manages to present these events without leaning into any biased narrative, allowing the raw reality of the partition's aftermath to speak for itself.

The creators have done exceptional work in balancing perspectives from all sides, bringing a level of depth and integrity to the narrative. The archival footage, firsthand accounts, and detailed explorations of the political tensions between the British, Hindus, and Muslims make the film not only historically accurate but deeply engaging. It brings to light the complexities of freedom and the tragic consequences of division, leaving viewers with a better understanding of a crucial period in history.

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in unbiased historical documentaries. It goes beyond just recounting facts; it brings history to life, allowing us to reflect on the price of freedom.

"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.

This Era Youth Needs to Understand the Real History and I will give freedom at midnight 10/10 as this is eye-opener for the youth. INDIA National Congress Have always thought of both Hindu Muslim in india The kind of radical thinking going in country needed this eye-opener The Bond of Jawahar Lal Nehru Andd Sadar Vallabh Bhai Patel Is So Beautiful Brotherly friend

The Way Sadar Vallabh Bhai Patel Respected Gandhi Ji

Jinnah's Thought and The Direct Action Day Plan the brutality happened in india and how Only congress party stood for them shows the unity thought of INDIAN NATION CONGRESS......

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!