Sara Ali Khan, known for her role in Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal (2020), is facing criticism for her dialogue delivery in the historical drama Ae Watan Mere Watan. The film transports viewers to the pre-Independence era in the early ’40s, focusing on the Quit India Movement and the struggles of freedom fighters.
Ae Watan Mere Watan sheds light on Usha Mehta, played by Sara Ali Khan, who, along with her companions Fahad and Kaushik, starts an underground radio station called Congress Radio to spread the message of unity against British rule. The story unfolds with encounters with freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia, played by Emraan Hashmi, leading to a gripping chase with British authorities.
Directed by Kannan Iyer, Ae Watan Mere Watan tries to retain the old-world charm of the era with attention to detail in architecture, costumes, and dialect. While Sara Ali Khan’s performance is deemed lackluster by critics, Emraan Hashmi shines in his portrayal of Lohia, delivering powerful lines that resonate with the era’s spirit.
One of the film’s highlights is the strategic planning involved in setting up the radio station, from fundraising challenges to creating the signature tune reminiscent of All India Radio. The narrative is rich in Hindi terminology that immerses viewers in the language of the time.
Despite its attempts to simplify complex themes, Sara Ali Khan’s dialogue delivery stands out as a sore point in an otherwise earnest portrayal of a lesser-known hero of India’s freedom struggle. Ae Watan Mere Watan offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history through the lens of courageous individuals fighting for independence.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines