I’ve always read that the revolt of 1957 failed due to lack of coordination and organization.I guess it would be appropriate to say that Ketan Mehta’s film suffers from the same malady.A film which evokes mixed reactions from the audience, it is a victim of the overblown hype surrounding it.
The film’s opening shot is a brilliant specimen of good cinematography and is one which will remain in your memory for quite some time.Mangal Pandey’s introduction is typically filmi and the film is narrated as a flashback by Om Puri(What a relief to hear some other voice than Amitabh Bachchan as the narrator).The movie showcases Mangal Pandey’s life as a loyal soldier of the East India company, then his transition to a rebel and the reason behind it.The first half of the movie is a bit chaotic with a major part of the running time being used to introduce the various actors.But the most endearing parts are the ones which convey the friendship between Mangal and Captain William Gordon(Toby Stephens).They appear very comfortable with each other and the chemistry is a delight to watch.Few memorable scenes are the wrestling match between the two, the entrance of Heera(Rani Mukerjee) and Mangal’s reaction when he comes to know the truth about the cartridges.
The second half is more gripping as now the events follow one another in the proper order rather than random scenes like the first half.It belongs equally to the characters of Mangal Pandey and Captain Gordon.Both are shown struggling with their respective problems which are ultimately linked.A strong point of the movie , as far as I am concerned is that intentionally or intentionally, the director has very well shown the lack of planning and analytical thinking behind the 1857 revolt.It was a rebellion born out of passion and impulsive thinking but nonetheless a brave attempt to overthrow a 100 year old tyranny.
My favourite character is undoubtedly Capt.Gordon.His anguish at being faced with a choice between his principles and his loyalty to the Empire is well depicted.And the way he behaves with the widow Jwala(Amisha) is just so gentlemanly.A perfect role.
Aamir Khan has satisfactorily justified his hiatus of 4 years.The meticulous thinking and preparation he has gone through to make his character believable is clearly evident in his portrayal.He is one of the few actors who can totally command your attention with a single twitch of his face or a single look of his expressive eyes.The fire is there in them for all to see.Another pleasant surprise is Toby Stephens who has done an excellent job.Even though most of his dialogues are in an alien language, he has successfully mastered the pronunciation and has managed to convey the right emotions too.Kudos to him!I think he should win the Best Debut award for this film.Rani Mukerjee is competent as Heera.Though she has hardly a significant role in the film, she does her bit well.Amisha Patel is sadly wasted in a nothing role.All she has to do is look frightened and shy like a frightened ninny whenever she hears a loud sound.But I must say she looks lovely without the usual amount of makeup.
The music is fine but lacking the usual panache of A R Rehman.My favourite is the sensuous Rasiya.
On the whole, a good movie which could have been better but falls short.Watch it if you are a fan of Aamir Khan and of period films but please do not, under any circumstances, expect another Lagaan or you will be sorely disappointed.