Every once in a while, there comes a story in an actor’s life that he is so engrossed in and obsessed with that sharing the cinematic version of it with his audience seems like an alarmingly urgent thing to do. If only we had listened to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Swatantra Veer Savarkar claims, India would have been liberated from British rule much earlier than 1947.
Story:
The life journey of Indian freedom fighter and reformer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, is being deemed as the real hero in our fight against the British. It almost walks the path of worship as we are told about his passion and his struggles to achieve ‘Akhand Bharat’. It addresses the alleged conspiracy of how he was denied his rightful place in India’s history and the list of celebrated freedom fighters. How he fights with the nation is the rest of the story.
Thoughts On The Film:
The film delves into significant moments in Savarkar’s life, including his encounters with Mahatma Gandhi, his failed escape attempt to seek asylum in France, his imprisonment in the Andaman Islands, his transformation during incarceration, his transfer to Ratnagiri jail, and his subsequent freedom. It also explores his life post-release and his political career.
Covering such a broad spectrum of events, the film feels exhaustive, resembling a lengthy history lesson on a tedious summer day. While the chronological narrative aids in understanding, it becomes overwhelming as it progresses. Transitioning from Savarkar’s release to his political endeavors exacerbates this feeling of information overload. Splitting the film into two parts and releasing it on an OTT platform might have mitigated this issue, as the film’s length compromises its impact.
Despite its drawbacks, the film has its merits. It remains engaging for the most part, staying faithful to Savarkar’s story until his imprisonment and beyond. However, as it delves into his political career, creative liberties are taken, portraying encounters like the one with Bhagat Singh, which lack historical backing. Similarly, the suggestion that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought Savarkar’s counsel lacks evidence, a point reinforced by Bose’s grandnephew’s recent clarification. This departure from historical accuracy is disappointing in a biopic.
Swatantra Veer Savarkar Goods?
Randeep Hooda’s acting.
Veer Savarkar’s lesser-known facts on screen.
Actors are worth playing.
Swatantra Veer Savarkar Bads?
Failed narration.
Bored screenplay.
Pitiful direction.
Rating: 1.05/5