Raj Kumar Santoshi’s The Legend of Bhagat Singh clearly wins the contest among all the Bhagat Singh films handsdown at least in terms of the best film. It also is the best film of the year barring company.
The story of Bhagat Singh is well known and oft repeated in history books and other reviews so I will spare you of the details. What I will say is that the portrayal of Bhagat Singh has been portrayed with an admirable ammount of realism. From the costumes, to the sets, to the scenes and dialougues, they contribute to the overall authenticity of the film which lends it a alot of credibility. Raj Kumar Santoshi clearly shows of his directorial talent here and proves that he is one of India’s best directors currently - a title which was questioned after the diabolical ’’Lajja.’’
But where Bhagat Singh scores is the development of his idealism and his involvment with the group. This is where the film really scores and lends it a certain level of depth. This national hero is shown as human and not larger then life which makes his achievments and ultimate sacrifice even more intriguing. There is no shouting and chest beating here. Neither are there any long preachy speeches. The film also balances the family and romantic life to give Bhagat Singh’s charector a more wholesome feel but fortunately does not let it hinder the progress of the film and the main plot.
The film also captures the entire revolutionary movement very effectively and has captured the idealism very well. The crowd scenes and speeches do evoke a sense of patriotism and do manage to involve the audience. Infact, he even touches upon the movement’s links with the Soviet communist movement and even Bhagat Singh’s marxist leanings although I wish the director had dwelt upon this a bit more.
The film is also enhanced by its swift narrative which never drags and also through the very well written screenplay. More-so, the film has been shot very well by the director, and the chase scenes where Bhagat Singh is on the run do hold the viewers on tenterhooks.
Technically, the sets in Lahore and 1940’s India have been recreated with utmost presicion and the camera work is of the highest order.
Performance wise Ajay Devgan steals the show with an award winning portyral of Bhagat Singh. His intensity is astounding and he manages to convey alot through his eyes. The rest of the supporting cast is also prolific.
Music wise the film has high class music by AR Rahman among the standouts being Desh Mere, Mahive and Mera Rang De Basanti Chola. The films flow well with the film and the picturisations are also well done. Especially Desh Mere stands out in this.
Overall, TLOBS is a fabulous film, and manages to go beyond what history and documentaries have ever gone. It portrays the reality of those times and the idealism of a movement that encompassed a whole generation of the country’s youth. It also does so in a manner that is highly accesible to today’s audience without compramising on its integrity even once. Other then that it is a superbly drected film with solid performances, strong screenplay and technical values.
Truly, TLOBS would have been a fitting candidate for India’s entry to the Oscars in place of Devdas. Unfortunately some people thought otherwise. Regardless, TLOBS is a film not to be missed at all.