Swatantra Veer Savarkar review: Randeep Hooda is brilliant in an endless biographical drama, but struggles with direction | Bollywood

Swatantra Veer Savarkar Movie Review: Narrating chapters from the life of a polarizing historical figure is not an easy task. However, Randeep Hooda’s Swatantra Veer Savarkar — a biopic on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar — rises to the challenge, attempts to dissect and detail the key events of his life, and serves up a three-hour biopic that works in parts and struggles to hang on your attention for the rest. Read also | Swatantra Veer Savarkar, Madgaon Express, Arthur The King: new releases in theaters this week

Spanning over 100 decades, including the pre- and post-independence period from 1857 to 1966, the film unapologetically tells the story solely from the perspective of its highly controversial protagonist. And it does nothing to do so, especially when dealing with a revered figure with ideals that many may not have initially agreed with, but would eventually come to terms with. As a result, Swatantra Veer Savarkar ends up being a one-sided narrative that does not care to present a balanced view of the contributions made to India’s struggle for freedom.

Premise of the film

Savarkar, a politician, activist and writer, who propagated Hindutva and the ideology of Akhand Bharat (undivided India), believed in armed revolution to get rid of British rule, as opposed to the beliefs and ideologies of non- violence of Mahatma Gandhi. However, the film does not support or defend the idea of ​​violence, which was a relief.

It highlights the contribution and sacrifices of armed revolutionaries who are often looked down upon as only non-violence is believed to have contributed to India’s freedom. Using bold newspaper headlines to highlight Savarkar’s rise and fall, the film’s motive is clear: to acquaint us with his early life, the highlights of his stay in England when he associated with India House and to the Free India Society, his arrest by the British police, the time spent in prison and his countless requests for pardon from the British authorities as a political prisoner.

Savarkar’s life is so intriguing

Some called him a patriot, others called him a “govalala” bomb who incited violence. He has been accused and acquitted of several conspiracy theories. What makes Savarkar’s life so intriguing is his sacrifices and contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the film does not shy away from slowly turning the pages of his life. The first half offers a great build up showing us a young Savarkar as a child devoted to his elder brother (Amit Sial) and as an adult, extremely loyal to his wife Yamunabai (Ankita Lokhande) and as a charming and confident law student in England . Unfortunately, the second half takes a nosedive both in terms of storyline and Hooda’s directing. Somehow he loses track and goes everywhere, unable to decide how to put the pieces together.

Randeep Hooda stands out in the film

Despite the good and the bad, what undeniably stands out throughout the film is Randeep Hooda in the lead role, also credited as the film’s director, co-writer and co-producer. His incredible physical transformation (loss of 30 kg), with his exposed ribs and rotten teeth, remains a spectacle that is both unmissable and difficult to watch.

There are many disturbing images of him being mercilessly beaten during his imprisonment in the notorious Andaman and Nicobar Islands Cellular Jail and then solitary confinement in Kaalapani, and each time they leave you with a lump in your throat. Whether he’s a heroic leader or a helpless prisoner, he impresses either way. The way Hooda got into Savarkar’s skin from his body language, dialogues and even his voiceover is simply exceptional and once again proves his acting prowess.

The scenes are treated with maturity and dignity

While many expected the film to feature a clash between the ideologies of Gandhi and Savarkar, fortunately, that is not quite the case. In fact, the scenes between Savarkar (Randeep Hooda) and Gandhi (Rajesh Khera) are handled with maturity and dignity. Although a scene in which Savarkar says, “Gandhi itna bada kab se ho gaya” may elicit laughter, it obviously has a sarcastic undertone. Swatantra Veer Savarkar might argue that this is so as not to portray his leader as perfect, but you notice several instances where the narrative aims to correct his image. There are subtle but impactful references when Hooda, as Savarkar, says that he does not hate Gandhi, that he does not like the idea of ​​non-violence or when he says that he does not hate the British, that he hates slavery, injustice and oppression.

Final Thoughts

The biggest flaw the film suffers from is its length and editing. At two hours 58 minutes, it meanders far more than one might expect. Although actor Hooda shines, as a director he had so much to say that even with this length he struggles to hold your attention.

With so much material at hand and such in-depth research and understanding of the subject, I wouldn’t mind if Savarkar’s life was documented in a long-form episodic series rather than this endless, direction-losing film and our further interest after a while. indicate. However, Randeep Hooda’s impeccable acting and conviction in playing this role saves it somewhat.

Movie: Swatantra Veer Savarkar

Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ankita Lokhande, Amit Sial, Rajesh Khera

Director: Randeep Hooda

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