Plot:
“Ae Watan Mere Watan” delves into the remarkable life of Usha Mehta (portrayed by Sara Ali Khan), an often overlooked figure in India’s fight for independence, whose courage and determination led her to confront the British regime through Congress Radio, an underground broadcasting station. Central to the narrative is Mehta’s pivotal role in the Quit India Movement, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the Gandhian ideals of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
While the film’s middle segments offer compelling insights into Mehta’s struggle and the establishment of Congress Radio, its opening and closing sequences falter in execution. Initially, the narrative unfolds sluggishly as Indians are compelled to vacate a premises suspected by British authorities to house an illicit radio station. Despite this sluggish start, the film gains momentum with gripping depictions of Mehta’s efforts, but is momentarily marred by mundane flashback sequences before regaining its stride with the establishment of the clandestine radio station, marking a turning point in both the film’s pacing and thematic depth.
Review:
The film serves as a tribute to an often overlooked hero and offers insight into a lesser-explored era of the independence movement. Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance in the lead role, embodying Usha Mehta’s courage with grace and conviction. Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal is pivotal and skillfully executed, providing ample support to Khan’s character. Additionally, Sachin Khedkear, Alexx O’Nell, and Sparsh Shrivastav deliver solid performances, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the inclusion of a love song fails to enhance the emotional resonance of the film and feels out of place within the overarching plot. This weakens the impact of the storyline, which ultimately becomes predictable towards the climax. The final act lacks the necessary tension and fails to deliver a compelling resolution, detracting from the overall impact of the film.
Despite these shortcomings, the production design by Amrita Mahal Nakai and Sabrina Singh effectively captures the essence of the pre-Independence era, complemented by meticulously crafted costumes. The musical score, though passable, adds to the film’s atmosphere, while Amalendu Chaudhary’s cinematography skillfully captures poignant moments throughout.
Rating: 2.5/5
While the production values shine, the editing falls short in this film. Kannan Iyer’s direction is adequate, offering glimpses of brilliance amidst missed opportunities. Despite sporadic strong moments, the overall experience lacks depth and fails to leave a lasting impact. Though punctuated with moments of suspense, the writing could have been more compelling. Sara Ali Khan delivers a convincing portrayal of Usha Mehta, supported by Emraan Hashmi’s commendable performance. “Ae Watan Mere Watan” remains a passable watch for history enthusiasts, earning a modest rating of 2.5 stars out of 5.
