In the stirring film ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, director Kannan Iyer weaves a tapestry of patriotism against the backdrop of India’s valiant struggle for independence during the historic 1942 Quit India Movement. Through the lens of the lesser known yet resolute Usha Mehta, brought to life by the talented Sara Ali Khan, the movie delves into the heart of our nation’s fight for freedom.
Usha Mehta emerges as a beacon of courage, fearlessly challenging the oppressive British rule by establishing an underground radio station. This clandestine endeavor becomes a powerful tool, broadcasting messages of unity and defiance to inspire a nation yearning for liberation. With every transmission, Mehta and her compatriots, Fahad (Sparsh Srivastav) and Kaushik (Abhay Verma), embody the indomitable spirit of patriotism, risking everything to awaken the collective conscience of their fellow countrymen.
The film masterfully captures the essence of sacrifice, love for the motherland, and the unwavering resolve of those who dared to dream of a free India. It portrays the struggles and triumphs of our freedom fighters with cinematic brilliance, immersing viewers in the tumultuous era of our nation’s history.
Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal of Usha Mehta is not just a performance; it is a tribute to the countless unsung heroes who laid down their lives for the cause of independence. Her portrayal embodies the resilience and determination that define our nation’s ethos, reminding us of the sacrifices made by generations past.
The film’s cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary captures the essence of the era, evoking both the somberness and the triumph of India’s freedom movement. The poignant lyrics by Daraab Farooqui, accompanied by the soul-stirring music by Mukund Suryawanshi, Akashdeep Sengupta, and Shashi Suman, enhance the film’s themes of sacrifice and patriotism, beautifully rendered by singers like Sukhwinder Singh, Swaroop Khan, and Javed Ali.
While “Ae Watan Mere Watan” may have its flaws in pacing and character development, its overarching message of unity, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of patriotism resonates deeply. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our forefathers and a testament to the enduring legacy of freedom that defines our nation.
Though the makers have paid attention to the detailing of India under British rule, as a film based on the life of a freedom fighter is supposed to do, it does not move the viewer. ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, though, addresses the themes of love and revolution, freedom and unity, truth and pragmatism with an undercurrent of subversion that gives it an edge and elevates it above the chronicle it sets out be of the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle.
Movie: Ae Watan Mere Watan
Director: Kannan Iyer
Cast: Sara Ali Khan, Anand Tiwari, Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O’Nell and Emraan Hashmi
Streaming on: Prime Video
Duration: 133 minutes
