Ae Watan Mere Watan review: In the annals of our history lie numerous unsung heroes, their stories often obscured by time. Cinema, however, serves as a conduit to acquaint us with many such individuals, and one such figure is Usha Mehta, whose narrative remains largely unknown to many, especially the current generation. Sara Ali Khan steps into the shoes of this enigmatic character in the film ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, which is streaming on Prime Video.
Plot
Usha (Sara Ali Khan) dreams of an independent India since her childhood, as she grows older, she actively engages in the struggle for freedom. Her encounter with Mahatma Gandhi shapes her ideals. She initiates a clandestine radio station with her friend Fahad (Sparsh Srivastava). As the flames of revolution ignite, the British authorities intensify their hunt for Usha. What unfolds next in her journey is something you must witness by watching the film.
How is the film
The narrative of this film is one that deserves wider dissemination. However, it starts off slowly, taking its time to unfold the issues, which might test your patience initially. The film gains momentum when the radio station comes into play, becoming the focal point of intrigue. While the story is engaging, the emotional connection expected from the characters is somewhat lacking. The characters fail to resonate with the audience as deeply as one would hope, given the gravity of the tale. Overall, the film serves its purpose of acquainting viewers with Usha Mehta's story, albeit with some shortcomings.
Direction
Directed by Kannan Iyer, known for 'Ek Thi Daayan' (2013), the film falls short of delivering the narrative with the expected finesse. While the story is compelling, it fails to be presented in the manner anticipated. Somewhere, the shortcomings might also be attributed to the performances of the cast.
Acting
Sara Ali Khan struggles to encapsulate the essence of this challenging character. While her efforts are evident, they don't quite hit the mark, leaving a sense of incompleteness. She appears to be trying too hard to embody the revolutionary figure, which doesn't entirely translate on screen. Post ‘Lapata Ladies,' Sparsh Srivastava delivers a decent performance. Imran Hashmi's cameo fails to make a significant impression.
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ offers a glimpse into an important chapter of history but falls short of delivering a fully immersive experience. It's worth a watch only if you're keen on learning about Usha Mehta's story.