Hi All,
The last few reviews I’ve read here - has pulled me out of hybernation and I’m forced to write some lines. I’d recommend the people - please do not consider this as a review but think of it as an opinion.
Most of the people have written more about Subhash Bose than about the film. To me, that’s a digression - because this review is about the film and not about Subhash Bose. On the other hand though I feel that all the writers have done quite some learning on Netaji - and have been keenly following the missing pieces of history - which is a really good thing. So my kudo’s to all of you.
Coming back to the film - I’ve been an avid follower of non-manistream films. Quite naturally - I’ve been following Mr. Benegal’s films as well. But - this film is not at all doing justice to Mr. Benegal’s talent or experience. Throughout the film - the aim to depict on celluloid Netaji’s life - the incidents, the implications and the following impact - all of this have taken a backseat. Instead - the film focuses more on the then prevalent international political scenario. Hence, the film becomes a classic example of what should’ve been avoided - the backdrop overshadowing the flow of narration.
The other issue I have with the film - is the way the character of Netaji has been sketched. It doesn’t make him a hero anywhere in the film - it makes him a mere mortal who had grand plans which didn’t yield result - due to factors beyond Netaji’s control. Where in the film one can see the courage, the conviction, the leadership skills, the firebrand thinking, the philosophy, the yearning for freedom.....? During the movie someone can sit up and think ’’ Hey, even I’m like that, even my plans go awry because of reasons beyond me, even I retreat most of the times’’!
This move deviates from the basic - it brings down a HERO to the level of a common man who made some news. That’s not SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE, That’s not the NETAJI we know or want to know. Netaji’s life, thoughts, actions, implementations - all are much magnanimous than what we can see through this movie. And there, Mr. Benegal, I’ve seen you fail for the first time.
Hope - it’s the last time as well!