Ae Watan Mere Watan is one the latest films on Prime Video based on the true story of a brave woman who ran a secret radio during the Quit India Movement
Review by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
The latest Amazon Original film Ae Watan Mere Watan is set in 1942 when in the heat of the Quit India Movement- all the top Congress leaders are arrested, and there is a ban on the party. British government spreads misleading information in the name of news and news papers were not allowed to speak the truth.
On the other hand, Gandhi’s speech for Congress members to take s pledge of do or die continues to inspire the youth and leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia work from hiding to keep the spirit of fight for independence alive. But they find it difficult to communicate to larger audience.
Usha (Sara Ali Khan), is a bright student otherwise and daughter of a judge who feels loyal and proud about his British connection. She works with the Congress against her father’s wishes. Kaushik, who has special affection towards Usha and Fahad are her friends who share the sentiment. They represent the youth of the time that were ardently patriotic and were ready to do or die for freedom which they hoped would come with every dawn they see.
Coming back to the film, the story is based on the life of Usha Mehta, the founder of Congress Radio. She along with her friends build the radio during the time of the Quit India Movement. This is also the time when the British, is in the midst of the second world war. Having a radio station is banned during the war, yet they take the help of a radio engineer Firdaus Contractor and build a radio station – the Congress Radio Station.
The story of dissent and that of bravery, of ingenuity and initiative and sacrifice set during the fag end of the freedom struggle – and the story of a young girl and her two friends whose love for the country supersedes every fear is inspiring.
The reason for this is the honest attempt and a real effort put in by the entire team including the producers – Dharmatic Entertainment and team, the director, the creative team that worked on the sets and the costumes – the writers of the script and the dialogue writers. Despite flaws it does come across a compelling piece of cinema.
The lead actors especially Sara Ali Khan grow on you as the film progresses. Abhay Verma as Kaushik and Sparsh Shrivastav as Fahad show promise, And, Emraan Hashmi as Ram Manohar Lohia is a surprise package.
That the film Ae Watan Mere Watan is based on a true story of a woman Usha Mehta, who is a Padma Vibhushan awardee is a reminder of countless others who braved every challenge including a bullet that came their way, and dedicated their lives for the freedom we take for granted today – millions who remain without a mention in the history of Indian independence but their contributions and sacrifices make us what we are today. They were divided by class, caste and faith yet they found strength in their unique selves and together formed the formidable force that stood against the mighty and contributed towards change for better.
The film Ae Watan Mere Watan is a reminder that we as individuals ‘Can Do’ if we dare enough to dream!
