One of the highly anticipated movies of the year directed by Ashtosh Gowariker now hits theaters. The movie, which has been conceptualized on the book of Manini Chatterjee “Do and Die: The Chittagong Uprising (1930-1934)” has some of the high profile stars like Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Sikandar Kher. Though the film has a great plot, profusely talented director, and popular actors, the first week book office record was a bit pale.
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The Plot
The film, which represents the story of a rebellious group of Chittagong in East Bengal, now Bangladesh, has a skillful narrative scheme to attract the attention of the viewers. Though the film narrates the struggles of some of the unsung heroes of the country, it throws special light on the character of Surjya Sen enacted by Abhishek Bachchan.
The film brings Indian audiences close to the life of Surjya Sen, the real life hero of Bengal. It emphasizes on the revolutionary movements that the school teacher and his village mates tried to introduce to the British ruled Chittagong. The brave hearts revolted fearlessly against the British Raj, and for four years they attacked the establishment of the then rulers. Though they were brought up like any other common men, their sense of patriotism made them fight for their rights. They knitted some extraordinary plans to attack the British clubs, telegraph offices, cantonment, and even the armory. Led by Abhishek Bachchan, the young revolutionaries of Bengal, mostly teenagers, tried to raise their voice against the rulers. Though these fighters were no less courageous than many other freedom fighters, they remain less known to the people of the country.
Instead of focusing on the well-known freedom fighters of the country, the director has his focus on the lives, and the works of forgotten heroes of the country. He has not only chosen the perfect plot and the best characters for portraying the Chittagong uprising of the 1930s, but also has skillfully drafted the book into a film. It is his refined art that has taken the story to a new height altogether.
Though the film mostly focuses on the revolution led by Surjya Sen and Nirmal Sen [played by Sikandar Kher], it also showcases the acting skills of Deepika Padukone as Kalpana Dutta. Another actress, Vishakha Singh who played the role of Pritilata Waddedar also deserves a special mention. Where there is Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan, audiences will expect some well synchronized romantic scenes. Well, the director has not let them down. Yet, there is no place for prolong romantic scenes between the reel couples as the movie moves on with revolt plots.
Critical Acclaim
The movie has received mixed response but it has successfully garnered applauses from many critics. Ashutosh Gowariker, who is always keen to make his future projects shine through the roof, has accepted all logical criticisms with a smile. The film which focuses on a period of India’s history is a good treat for someone who wouldn’t mind going back in time when the country was trying to unshackle British rule. It is also good for the school goers, who are less familiar with patches of Indian history.
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Audience Response
Audiences have high expectation from Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of some highly acclaimed patriotic movies like Lagaan and Swades. Actors, directors and other technicians behind the camera had a marvelous job done to stand up to audiences’ expectations. The costume design, and the make –up of the actors received praises from the audiences. The film, which has been set in Goa, has tried to count on the perfect ambience for presenting the story, yet it lacked some detailing. The Bengali accent of the actors was not impressive- it was not a big flaw though. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se is meant for masses, and not restricted to Bengal. So, accent did not become a cause of concern among the audiences. Thus far, the film has received lukewarm response from the audience.
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