This film has probably been the most awaited Indian film of the year. It also marks the long awaited comeback of Aamir Khan after four years of exile. The last movie he did was Lagaan (a very nice and well handled movie). Usually I am very clear about whether I like a movie or not. When I speak to friends, I tell them, ’’I did not like it (for blah blah reasons), but probably you may like it’’! But for the first time, I had mixed feelings about a movie.
The only thing I could well remember when I was walking out of the theater was the chant Mangala Mangala.
Request: The opinion about the movie, the actors, acting etc. are my personal feeling and opinions. Those who strongly disagree with me are requested treat it as my personal opinion about the movie and the actors!
What I liked:
Friendship: A bond of friendship that develops between an Indian Sepoy and a British officer---during a fierce battle in the Afghan, Mangal Pandey rescues William Gordon, his British commander. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and loyalty between Mangal Pandey and his chief, which does not include the concept of color, rank, or race.
Controversy: Then comes the introduction of the controversial new gun cartridges among the Indian troops. The new cartridges require soldiers to bite through their greased casing, made of animal fat. British ignore religious beliefs in favor of cheap weapons. Gordon is told by his boss that the cartridges are free from animal fat and he in turn assures Mangal. Mangal also demonstrates his total trust in Gordon by biting the cartridge. He soon discovers that it really is animal fat.
Rebellion: The saying, the spark neglected burns the house holds true here too. The spark triggered by the use of the cow/pig fat used in the cartridges ignites the barrel of indignation in the country. Open rebellion against the British authority breaks out.
Woman Power: Kamala, the nanny probably plays the most important woman role (as compared to the characters played by Rani and Amisha). She reminds us of the level of patience and determination the women of those times had. But, she also symbolizes the weakness of a woman to unconditionally care for people, specially the children. She cared for the little British child she was feeding, infact she loved the child. Her sympathy and generosity played a major role in the failure of the Indian plans. He tips off the childs mother about the Indian plot. Had it not been for her, India may have had a triumphant victory then (instead of waiting for almost a century). A tip off that made India wait for a century is a deadly equation isn’t it?
This also highlights that every person, no matter how small, plays an important part in helping to build or wipeout a great effort. (Sounds like the modern corporate mantra of team spirit does it not?)
Acting: Toby Stephens has played his role very well! He has done true justice to the character. The character Gordon saving a beautiful young native girl from sati, the funeral pyre of her late old-husband was impressive.
The Impact: This movie had some positive impact on me as it made me appreciate the efforts of Bahgat Singh, Subash Chandra Bose, and Gandhiji, (to name a few) a lot more.
What I did not like:
The Hype: First and foremost I disliked the hype that surrounded the movie. Mangal Panday might have been involved in revolting against the British, but was he really a hero? Did Mangal Panday really play a significant that can be considered as a major landmark in the history of Indian Independence? Other people (in the crowd who were backing him) were equally enthusiastic as he was and probably thought more logically than he did (just as the movie showed). Then are they not heroes in their own right?
Repeated Act: Aamir Khan repeated his Lagaan act in Mangal Panday. There is no change in his style of acting or dialogue delivery. His appearance is different and to the mark, but I definitely was not impressed by his performance, especially since he took four years to prepare for this performance.
Rani: She was wasted in this role. Her character was not relevant to the story line. It was probably introduced to include a lady and two songs in the movie.
Amish Patel: By god looked lovely and ravishing, but was expressionless. A beautiful statue! She was taken under the protection of Toby Stephens. The second innings of her life was because of Toby Stephens. Were the passionate kisses required to be shown, especially since the story revolves around Mangal Panday and not her. That was like adding spice to the unknown curry isn?t it?
Overall, a well shot movie, the pace is good, the songs are OK (not very great), good acting by most people. Some characters were added unnecessarily, certainly not a movie to be raved about!