Rating: 2.5/5
Starring: Sara Ali Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O’Nell, Sachin Khedekar
Director: Kannan Iyer
Producers: Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra
Music Directors: Akash Deep Sengupta, Shashi Suman, Mukund Suryawansi, Utkarsh Dhotekar
Cinematographer: Amalendu Chaudhary
Editors: Sangeeth Varghese
Related Links: Trailer
Prime Video presents “Ae Watan Mere Watan” featuring Sara Ali Khan in the lead role. Let’s delve into the story and performances of this historical drama.
Story:
“Ae Watan Mere Watan” revolves around the life of Usha Mehta portrayed by Sara Ali Khan, a lesser-known hero of India’s independence struggle. Usha Mehta, a Gandhian, establishes “Congress Radio,” an underground radio station, to propagate Gandhi’s message and ignite the Quit India Movement amidst British repression. The film unfolds the challenges and sacrifices made by Usha Mehta and her associates in their fight against colonial rule.
Highlights:
The film sheds light on the pivotal role played by “Congress Radio” in disseminating Gandhi’s message during the Quit India Movement, a lesser-known aspect of India’s freedom struggle. Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance as Usha Mehta, showcasing the courage and determination of the unsung hero. Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal adds depth to the narrative, providing solid support to Sara Ali Khan. The establishment of the radio station and the ensuing struggle against British suppression are depicted engagingly, keeping the audience invested.
Drawbacks:
While the mid-sections of the film captivate with the portrayal of the radio station’s establishment, the beginning and ending segments lack depth and impact. The pacing during the initial moments is sluggish, and the love track feels contrived, failing to add emotional depth to the narrative. The climax lacks the intensity expected from a patriotic drama, resulting in a predictable and underwhelming finale.
Technical Aspects:
The production design effectively recreates the pre-Independence era, complemented by impressive costumes and visuals captured by cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhary. The background score and songs contribute to the film’s atmosphere. However, inconsistent editing and pacing issues hamper the overall experience.
Direction:
Kannan Iyer’s direction offers glimpses of brilliance but falls short of delivering a cohesive narrative. While certain sequences are gripping, the film fails to sustain momentum throughout.
Verdict:
“Ae Watan Mere Watan” serves as a tribute to an unsung hero of India’s freedom struggle, with Sara Ali Khan delivering a convincing performance. However, the film’s uneven pacing, weakly developed love track, and lackluster climax detract from its impact. Despite its shortcomings, the film may appeal to those interested in historical events, making it a passable watch on Prime Video.