Review: ‘Azad Bharat’ Honours the Trials and Tribulations Faced by Unknown Freedom Fighters!

India’s freedom struggle was a long and courageous journey marked by sacrifice, unity, and an unbreakable desire for independence. While well-known leaders guided the movement, countless unknown freedom fighters strengthened it from the ground up. Their contributions kept the spirit of resistance alive in villages and small towns. These unsung heroes spread awareness, organized movements, and silently supported national leaders.

Subhash Chandra Bose was a fearless leader who believed in achieving India’s freedom through armed struggle. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British with the powerful call, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.” He also formed a women’s wing, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, and Neera Arya was the first woman spy in that unit. Azad Bharat underlines the sacrifices and torture endured by women freedom fighters through the perspective of Neera Arya.

The film opens in London, where Neera (Roopa Iyer), a young journalist, receives an award. Her boss urges her to explore the real stories of unsung warriors from India’s freedom struggle, which brings her back to India. The narrative then travels back to the era of Subhash Chandra Bose (played by Shreyas Talpade) and depicts the functioning of the Indian National Army, especially its women’s wing, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Neera Arya (Roopa Iyer). A fearless woman, Neera’s resolve is tested by both ideology and emotion. The story explores courage, devotion to the nation, and human relationships during wartime. The film effectively weaves intense political conflict with deeply personal struggles, particularly Neera’s strained relationship with her husband, Shrikant (Priyanshu Chatterjee).

Written and directed by Roopa Iyer, the film attempts to highlight the struggles of Neera Arya and succeeds in parts. Some of the dialogues are impactful and memorable. The interweaving of two timelines is handled with clarity, and the crisp editing ensures the film never drags. The music complements the mood of the narrative well.

Roopa Iyer portrays the protagonist with ease, clearly and effectively distinguishing between her two characters. Shreyas Talpade brings clarity and dignity to the role of Subhash Chandra Bose, and even his silence speaks volumes. Supporting actors including Indira Tiwari, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Suresh Oberoi, and others offer solid performances.

‘Azad Bharat’ respectfully honours the trials and tribulations faced by unknown freedom fighters in India’s journey to independence.

Rating: ***