Ae Watan Mere Watan Review: Historical biopics have been made aplenty in Bollywood but very few have managed to strike a chord with the audience. Ae Watan Mere Watan is a biographical drama that chronicles the courageous story of Usha Mehta’s fight for India’s freedom in 1942 and it’s safe to say that director and co-writer Kannan Iyer has been successful in weaving a thrilling story of patriotism without going overboard.
Usha (Sara Ali Khan) and her close associates set up the Secret Congress Radio, a clandestine radio station, in a bid to convey “desh ki awaaz” to every nook and corner of the nation. Her friends Kaushik, Fahad Ahmed, and Firdaus Engineer help her with equipment, technicians, and moral support. The radio airs recorded messages from Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders across India. As the British put together a piece of sophisticated technology to pinpoint their location and put an end to the rising nationalism, Usha and her team constantly moved the station’s location to evade an imminent track-down.
Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance. She shines in most of the film, particularly in scenes with her father (Sachin Khedekar) and her bua. She singlehandedly holds the viewer’s attention in a long sequence where Usha does everything in her power to safeguard a transmitter from the police. While Sara’s performance is convincing overall, she occasionally lacks the required intensity in scenes demanding fiery passion. Dialogue delivery could use a bit more gravitas here and there, and there are moments where her emotive range could also have been stronger. But, what works for the film is a fantastic supporting cast – each giving their very best.
Abhay Verma impresses as Kaushik, torn between his love for Usha, his dedication to India’s independence, and his battle for survival. The heartbreak he goes through during a pivotal scene is one of the highlights of the first half. However, it’s Sparsh Shrivastav who steals the show as Fahad Ahmed, displaying unwavering patriotism despite physical limitations. His portrayal of a character with a limp, with the zeal to fight till the very end, is sure to move the audience to tears. From the OTT series Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega To Laapataa Ladies and now Ae Watan Mere Watan, he is one actor to watch out for.
Emraan Hashmi stars in a powerful cameo as Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and does justice to the character. His voice modulation and body language lend the character the required realism. The delightful Anand Tiwari as Firdaus Engineer is also a perfect addition to the cast.
The film excels in its screenplay and crisp editing, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The narrative unfolds like a thrilling chase, from the clandestine setup of the radio to evading British detection. The cinematography and production design capture the essence of old India. With its fast-paced plot and compelling performances, Ae Watan Mere Watan is a good watch if you want to experience the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for India’s independence.
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