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It's an absolutely brilliant political thriller that gives an impartial view of the politics, leadership & circumstances that led to the partition.

The strongest points of the series are its brilliant writing, beautiful production design, cinematography, background score & some strong performances from Asif Zakaria, Rajendra Chawla & Rajesh Kumar.

On the flip side, my issues with the series is the casting of Gandhi & Nehru. Though, the actors have done well to play these parts, they are physically not at all similar to them and are also not able to bring all the facets of their persona properly.

Also, it is puzzling & sad to note the absence of leaders like Ambedkar, Savarkar & Bose in the series since they were also actively involved & were prominent figures in India's independence & partition. The series should have atleast briefly touched upon their roles as well.

Overall, a balanced, well researched & brilliant series in today's world where fake one sided political narratives are created on social media to fool people.

I was waiting for this series release since I saw the trailer. The trailer was enough to create an excitement for the series. The series intro is a masterpiece in its self, the music creates an different environment, it feels patriotic. Over all performance of the actors was remarkable, among them I loved the performance of 'Arif Zakaria' as Mohammad Ail jinnah. He played the role very wisely and precisely which I loved the most. About the story, I loved the story telling is so good. There is so much in the series which tells about the separation history of India. There is so much English used in the series which makes it little difficult to understand for normal audience, but there are subtitles available to understand. The series also does what it says in its tagline, "The history you may not know, The history you should know". And at the last but not the list, the director 'Nikhil Advani' did a great direction overall the series. I would like to thank the team of 'Freedom at Midnight' to give such a treat to us by showing us the history that we all should know as being an Indian.

"Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself."

Freedom at Midnight is a series based on Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's gigantic bestseller of the same name. Given the piercingly researched, strikingly visual source-material, it was always meant to be. Collins and Lapierre finished the book in 1975, just 25 years after India gained independence.

Starting in the early 1970s, the authors had unprecedented personal access to Lord Mountbatten, who was a fan of their book "Is Paris Burning?". They also accessed Jinnah's X-ray, which proved that so-called Quaid-e-Azam knew he suffered from advanced stage tuberculosis and that he wouldn't survive long - maximum a year or so!! Mountbatten told Lapierre-Collins that if he knew this, he would have delayed the decision on partition, which would have then changed the course of sub-continent's history.

Nikhil Advani, the creator of the series, says he chose to focus on events leading up to India's independence. However, Freedom at Midnight is a difficult show to make, as it is about history and politics and relies heavily on verbose conversations, meetings, debates, speeches, decisions, exposition, heavy dialogues and individual's perception.

The series features impressive performances, particularly from Chirag Vohra as Gandhi and Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Vohra delivers a physically canny rendition of Gandhi, while Chawla nails the Gujarati twang and injects Patel's shrewdness with pangs of paternal sincerity.

It's worth noting that the book "Freedom at Midnight" has been adapted into various forms, including a TV series in 1988 and a movie Gandhi with Ben Kingsley directed by Richard Attenborough. While the movie focuses primarily on Gandhi's life and role in India's struggle for independence, this TV series takes a broader approach, covering the final years of British rule in India and the events leading up to independence. This series is more of a historic epic with more emphasis on political and social upheavals of the time. It manages to capture the essence of the time period.

I have a personal connection with this book having read it during my college days. It was one of the first books (first book being The Good Earth) in English literature that I read and it left an everlasting impression on me. Even today, it gives me goosebumps to think about the horrifying incidents written by the authors, particularly the riots that started in Punjab.

After reading "Freedom at Midnight", I became a huge fan of the author duo and went on to read their other books in a marathon session. I devoured "Is Paris Burning?", "O Jerusalem", "City of Joy" and "Fall from Grace", among others. I owe a debt of gratitude to my dear friend Chetan Desai who introduced me not only to Collins and Lapierre but also to other renowned authors like Leon Uris, Somerset Maugham, Ayn Rand, Hermann Hesse and more. He also sparked my interest in English literature that has been a lifelong passion since then.

While the series may be challenging to follow at times due to its focus on politics and history, it is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone interested in last days of British Raj and dawn of India's freedom. The ability of this series to balance individual perspectives with historical events makes it a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Overall, Freedom at Midnight is a gripping and informative series that sheds light on a pivotal moment in Indian history. I do however recommend reading the book.

I had read this book almost 45 years ago when I was in my twenties. So I was not sure whether the makers of the web series would be truthful to the book or would put their bias in. I was delighted to see that they were truthful to the book. For those who criticize the decisions made in 1946-1947, should realize that their arguments are based on the luxury of their knowledge of what happened between 1946 and 2024. The series shows the struggles all the leaders were having in deciding about partition. Everyone should watch this series with an open mind. Even Jinnah saw an opportunity to be the leader of a brand new country and took it. After all, he was a politician. Great series, production design, background score.

The Freedom at Midnight series on SonyLIV is one of the best historical dramas I've watched to date. Its gripping portrayal of India's independence and the Partition is both emotionally resonant and historically rich. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the series features brilliant performances by the cast, who breathe life into iconic figures like Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, and Mountbatten.

The storytelling is immersive, enhanced by authentic set designs and a hauntingly powerful soundtrack. While the pace is slow in the initial episodes, it builds up to an emotionally charged climax. The depiction of communal tensions and political negotiations is both vivid and thought-provoking.

The actors' nuanced portrayals and the show's attention to detail make it a standout. It's a deeply impactful series that leaves a lasting impression. A must-watch for history enthusiasts!

An absolute masterpiece, portraying the true architects of our freedom struggle. As the film-makers have told us in the tagline, this is the history that we should know. I would go one step further and say that this is the history that we, as a nation, NEED to know, especially in today's times when the true Fathers of our nation are being ridiculed, vilified, blamed, and stripped of all the credit they deserve.

The series portrays the struggles behind Partition, how the Congress, as a whole, tried their utmost to stop it, how the Mahatma did not compromise with his ideals till the very end, how the League tried (and ultimately succeeded) to extort a Nation merely based on the inferiority complex of their leader, and how selfish the British truly were.

My salute to the Director, Mr. Nikhil Advani, and to Sony LIVV for bringing this important piece of history to our screens. My salute to the casting director for being so spot on with his/her casting choices!

Overall, one of the best and most important web series that I have watched. The ending, as well, makes me think that there could be another season of this showing the horrors of the actual partition and the aftermath, especially the contribution of Sardar Patel in the accession of princely states and the vision of Dr. Nehru during his tenure as Prime Minister.

"Freedom at Midnight" deserves a solid 10/10 for its compelling portrayal of the events surrounding India's independence and partition. The documentary takes an unflinchingly honest approach, covering sensitive topics like the Bengal massacres, showing the horrors faced by hindus by communal violence. It manages to present these events without leaning into any biased narrative, allowing the raw reality of the partition's aftermath to speak for itself.

The creators have done exceptional work in balancing perspectives from all sides, bringing a level of depth and integrity to the narrative. The archival footage, firsthand accounts, and detailed explorations of the political tensions between the British, Hindus, and Muslims make the film not only historically accurate but deeply engaging. It brings to light the complexities of freedom and the tragic consequences of division, leaving viewers with a better understanding of a crucial period in history.

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in unbiased historical documentaries. It goes beyond just recounting facts; it brings history to life, allowing us to reflect on the price of freedom.

This Era Youth Needs to Understand the Real History and I will give freedom at midnight 10/10 as this is eye-opener for the youth. INDIA National Congress Have always thought of both Hindu Muslim in india The kind of radical thinking going in country needed this eye-opener The Bond of Jawahar Lal Nehru Andd Sadar Vallabh Bhai Patel Is So Beautiful Brotherly friend

The Way Sadar Vallabh Bhai Patel Respected Gandhi Ji

Jinnah's Thought and The Direct Action Day Plan the brutality happened in india and how Only congress party stood for them shows the unity thought of INDIAN NATION CONGRESS......

Freedom at Midnight is a stellar series that brings the pivotal moments of India's independence to life. The acting, cast, and plot are all top class, making it a gripping watch. The performances, particularly the portrayal of iconic leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, are nothing short of brilliant. The story is well-paced and effectively portrays the tension and challenges of the time.

However, one major flaw that stood out for me was the absence of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Bacha Khan or the Frontier Gandhi. His contribution to the independence movement, especially his advocacy for non-violence and his leadership in the Khilafat Movement, was immense. He was just as influential as Gandhi in his region, and his story deserved representation in this series. His absence detracted from an otherwise excellent portrayal of the independence struggle, which is why I am lowering my rating.

Overall, Freedom at Midnight is an exceptional series, but the omission of such an important historical figure like Bacha Khan left a gap in an otherwise perfect narrative.

At the stroke of midnight on August 14, 1947, India gained freedom from over 200 years of British colonial rule. While the birth of a free India should have been a moment of celebration, it was overshadowed by the darkness of Partition. Nikkhil Advani's Freedom At Midnight, a latest web series on SonyLIV, which takes its title and story from Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's seminal book, offers a powerful glimpse into the trials, tragedies, and turmoil of that fateful period.

The series begins in 1946 with a persistent Mahatma Gandhi declaring, "Hindustan ka batwara hone se pehle, mere shareer ka batwara hoga (Before the Partition of India, my body will be divided)." It soon moves over to offer a painful account of India's Partition and the violent birth of Independent India. Religious conflicts, border wars, and political sacrifices unfold with each episode, like dramatic scenes in a grand pageant.

The dialogues and performances strike emotional chords quite effectively. Take, for example, lines like "Aam aadmi vo badlaav laa sakta hai jo sarkaar saalon mein nahi laa sakti" (The common man can bring about change that the government couldn't in years) or "Ye log Hindu hone se pehle bhi Punjabi ya Bengali hain" (These people are Punjabi or Bengali before they are Hindu).

The central characters in the show include Lord Mountbatten, the great-grandson of Queen Victoria, who constantly haggles with Jawaharlal Nehru, the leader of the Congress party, torn between his principles and his party's ideals; Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the fanatical leader of the Muslim League, who sees only two options: "Ya toh Hindustan batega ya barbaad hoga" (Either Hindustan will be divided, or it will be destroyed); and MK Gandhi, who ultimately gives up his dream of a united India, over the terms of how an independent India will move forward.

Siddhant Gupta, who was well admired in Prime Video's Jubilee, once again proves his acting prowess as he steps into the role of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. But the standout performance comes from Arif Zakaria as Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He is utterly convincing as the resolute leader of the Muslim League, whose singular vision was the creation of Pakistan. Chirag Vohra as Gandhi and Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also deliver strong performances. The supporting cast further elevates the series, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Nikkhil Advani closes the show just before the horrors of the Partition unfold on India's land, accompanied by the song "Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je, peer paraayi jaani re" (A good human being is the one who knows the pain of others). It's a haunting note that leaves you wishing political leaders, from any period - past or present - could truly feel the pain of the people they serve.

Not only is it competently crafted and acted, it also tells a story replete with known and unknown nuggets of information that are processed with skill and sensitivity. It has no grandstanding, and no hectoring and hollering of the sort that mainstream Bollywood is prone to.

The show gives history its due, meticulously piecing together the fragments that went into the making of an essential and wondrous, if inevitably imperfect, whole.

To the whole series they blame to muslim for the partition but INC?

They even don't want to accept Gandhi decision.

Obviously Jinna is a cheap minded cow!

Only 7 lac muslim lives in Bengal and reason behind they divided the bengal but.1.2m lives in UP,Raj, Delhi then why they don't divide these states?

All the politicians of INC want the power and the result now we are living in the borderline!

Most of the greatest monument in India made by Muslim and muslim run the country over the years, if they wanted to divide, they could do but didn't!

The story telling is so so impressive love the screenplay.

All the actor and actress demonstrated them very well.

Freedom at midnight is about the tussle between INC and ML. It shows the unfair non democratic decisions of Mr. Gandhi and then tries to justify it by illogical means, like the scene where he forces Patel to withdraw his nomination from party president election against the majority vote (still happens in congress). The portrayal of Patel is so unauthentic. The man who's known as the Iron Man is projected as some kind of bafoon who makes jokes and struggles to find the exit from viceroy's house. Most of the time the maker seems like he's trying to justify the fact that M. K. Gandhi's ideology was more important to Indian politicians than the freedom of India and lives of its people. Overall it's a show that might please pre conceived notions about some historical personalities and neglect all the other efforts made by krantikaris like HRA, Anushilan Samiti, Ghadar party, AITUC, Azad hind fauz, Rash Behari Bose's Indian Independence league. Anyways, it has always been a trend in Hindi cinema to project "secular" nature of Pandit Ji at the cost of thousands of nationalist revolutionaries who actually sacrificed their lives to preserve this great civilisation.

Technical aspects of the show and performances are great. It could've been more quiet though. Not all scenes require background score, especially when dialogue is being compromised. Overall, it's a pretty good opinion piece, but when it comes to history, I'd stick with the books.

If we look at the story without the history of India, then it is a very good picturization.

But while watching the series historically, it feels as if we have become witnesses of that time and moment.

Life seems to think, flow and move in that direction.

To be honest, it is more important to live the series while watching it, rather than making excuses and looking for mistakes in the story.

I have given 10/10 marks because in all the series I have seen till date, I have seen meaningless stories and endings. After a long time, I have got to watch a heart touching movie / series / drama / story.

Many thanks to the entire production unit 🔥🔥🔥

Freedom At Midnight on SonyLiv.

I was waiting for this series since I show the first teaser and the cast.

What a acting by Chirag vohra as Gandhiji.

And of course Shidhaant gupta as Panditji The way series is directed with the political drama and the frames of camera it's very interesting to watch.

The way series handles the serious subject of Bengal and Punjab it's very much appreciated.

Director successfully show the all side of POV and give depth in the character's story and actions.

Use of music and soundtracks it's also appreciated. Socially when you see Gandhiji on screen they way music is is very good choice.

Series is recommended for the all types of audience specially who have intrest in political and history of india.

Appreciat and round applause for the acting of Chirag vohra and other actors.

This series has been made with excellence. Every aspect is outstanding, cast, dialogues, screenplay, direction and everything. Nehru ji, Gandhi ji, those roles seems very ground level. Earlier we had misconceptions like they had not done anything good or for India. But this series is successfully able to convince the positive efforts of Gandhi ji Nehru Ji and Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel. Preferably every Indian should watch this series, specially new generations those doesn't have any idea how we achieved the Freedom, which is taken as granted now a days.

Overall, excellent and must watch. Appreciated the writer of book and creator of series.

"Freedom at Midnight" is a thought-provoking series that boldly tackles the complexities of India's struggle for independence, sans the usual patriotic fervour . Director Nikkhil Advani masterfully weaves a narrative that encourages self-introspection, prompting viewers to reevaluate their understanding of historical figures like Nehru and Gandhi.

The cast, delivers powerful performances that bring depth and nuance to the story. The series' greatest strength lies in its ability to present multiple perspectives, eschewing bias and propaganda. Instead, it offers a wholesome, insightful exploration of the dilemmas and decisions that shaped the course of India's history.

Usually, historical dramas in India succumb to patriotic tropes or perpetuate biased narratives. However, "Freedom at Midnight" breaks this mold, presenting a balanced and thoughtful portrayal of the country's past. The series is not about jingoistic flag-waving but about the difficult choices made by leaders and the far-reaching consequences of those decisions.

With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and nuanced direction, "Freedom at Midnight" is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian history. Be prepared to have your perspectives challenged and your understanding of the past expanded. This series is a triumph in storytelling and a testament to the power of historical narratives to inspire self-reflection and growth.

Freedom at Midnight on Sony Liv reinvigorates the story of India's Independence and partition with fresh energy. Anchored by stellar performances-Mountbatten, Edwina, Attlee, and Jinnah-it balances historical depth with sharp, modern storytelling. Gandhi and Nehru may seem miscast initially but evolve into compelling portrayals.

Focusing on key events like the Muslim League's Direct Action Plan, Congress-Muslim League tussles, 1937 provincial elections, the series skips exhaustive timelines in favor of precision. Highlights include Gandhi's Indigo Satyagraha, where his quiet resolve awes a young Nehru, the layered tension between Jinnah and Nehru, the contrasts between Nehru and Vallabhbhai among others.

With top-tier production-authentic sets, flawless costumes, and pitch-perfect casting-the series sets a new standard for period dramas. Understated performances by Edwina Mountbatten and VP Menon leave a mark, while Louis Mountbatten brings charisma and sophistication. Tight screenplay and sharp dialogues create a thriller-like momentum moving towards partition.

Director Nikhil Advani expertly handles sensitive themes with nuance and objectivity, avoiding glorification or clichés. Freedom at Midnight is a must-watch for its balanced narrative, stunning execution, and fresh take on history.

Enactment of any historic character is always a challenging task and if that character is Mahatma Gandhi; the most Iconic and unique personality of the last century, it is tougher. The new Hindi Web Series Freedom at Midnight is not about Gandhiji. Its central theme is India's Freedom Movement and the Partition of India. But how can Gandhiji be done without Gandhiji?

The Web Series presents Gandhiji more as the way of life than an individual. Chirag Vohra has played the role of Bapu Gandhiji here. The Web Series narrates hectic activities on the eve India's Independence. Gandhiji appears only in a few scenes as per demands of the Web Series. But as he appears, he steals the show. In tone and trajectory as well as typical attributes of Gandhiji, Chirag Vohra has performed with exceptional talent. The scenes depicting Gandhiji's visit to Noakhali amidst violence is worth mentioning. Gandhiji tries to reach to those who were trying to kill Bapu and the determination expressed by Bapu holding the stick is really amazing. The celluloid portrayal his facial expression reflecting commitment to Truth and non-violence is simply matchless. In Noakhali Gandhiji passes a night under a tree amidst rain and thunderstrom after being denied of hospitality is obviously one of the best scenes and performance Vohra is brilliant. Another one is his meeting with Mountbatten. The way Vohra speaks about the lost watch unveils many things. One is bound to be spellbound watching Vohra's performance here.

But the more surprising one is Vohra's tone, dialogue delivery and facial expression. Really matchless. Vohra makes Gandhiji alive. This is obviously the best portrayal of Gandhiji's character in recent years. Vohra has proved his genius and deserves credit for this. This makes the Web Series more appealing.

This was a bad series, deeply disappointed. In many ways it was an Apologist's account of India's freedom struggle and partition through a limited looking glass of some Elitist political leaders of India.

There was more to Indian freedom struggle, than Jinnah vs Nehru/Gandhi. A World War was going on, India was revolting to the British Rules, the killings undertaken by people who were demanding Pakistan and everything that ensued during and after it had an impact including international pressures on Britain as well as British's deep desire to leave matters in shambles.

It ignores multiple other players and equations that contributed to the struggle and the independence.

Not a single mention of Bose, the revolt in the Navy Ranks that shook up the Empire during the same time as this story or Chandrasekhar Azad or Bhagat Singh's martyrdom and its impact on India.

In fact, some key characters of 1940s India like C Rajagopalachari, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata were strangely missing with focus only on a few characters.

These were key players in Indian independence, even though, they were not directly connected to the parley of Anglicised-Indian Elites who are presented as the sole designers of modern India.

To summarise, there is hardly anything in this series, that must have been advertised as the truth we did not know.

Multi-dimensional truth that is dismissed as WhasApp forward and Youtuber Propaganda by prejudiced and narrow-minded Elitists, is the flaw of this series.

I'll keep it brief: If you're Indian, this is something you should watch.

The story focuses on two key themes: The Partition and the dream of a united India, which sadly remained just a dream.

The cast is impressive, with actors like Chirag, Sidhant, and Rajendra delivering outstanding performances while portraying such complex characters. They've done an excellent job.

One thing I noticed is that the series draws heavily from the book 'Freedom at Midnight' by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. It might have been more balanced if the creators incorporated additional non-fiction works to avoid focusing too much on a single person or identity. This is just a humble suggestion for the creative team for the Season 2.

Thanks!

Actor performances: 10/10 Writing fluency: 10/10.

The series captures your attention right from the first frame where we see our beloved leaders straight from the history books onto the big screens. While we have only seen them as freedom fighters, this series shows them in a totally different light, as politicians & party leaders where they had to make decisions not only for the benefit of the nation but also their own.

The portrayal of Sardar Vallabhai Patel left me in awe & those of Nehru & Gandhi seem true to its essence, the portrayal of British government lacks might. To sum up anyone who's a history buff must see it as a documentary not as a series.

This Series based on Partition struggle of Indian indian Political Party indian national Congres And Muslim league there is most of Story line jiggled arround Nehru and Jinna.

The makers of This Series tone down the Other Freedom fighters, as well as MK Gandhi.

It's a political Drama but there is more to show about how Islamic Ideology is key factor of dividing India Congress party still manage the narrative and hide the truth of mass genocide of Hindus this Series justifying AIC decission for dividing india, there is millions of peoples were killed and responsibility of thair blood still on Congress hands.

The series is very near to the facts that occurred at the time of power transfer from Britishers to Indian Congress. I am very much sure to call the events that was showed as 'True facts' because I have read both the countries historical accounts related to 'Indian Freedom Movement' and the series is very very close in narrating the events.

The personal relationship between Nehru and Sardar Patel has been emphasized and new generation should watch this rather than the current propaganda which being run by the central government. Both leaders shared a mutual respect and understanding with one another.

At last I want to say, this series is UNBIASED and a must Must watch...

Anwar Says: The writer duo Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre came with a series of top seller with Is Paris Burning in 1965, O Jerusalem in 1971 and Freedom at Midnight in 1975. It took Bollywood directors 50 years to finally bring it on OTT. Nikhil Advani dared to portray tumultuous pre-partition era and did it faithfully. I would suggest all people who are influenced by WhatsApp University regarding our heroes of Freedom Movement, please must watch this web-series and know the reality.

Nikhil has shown the character of Sardar Patel as real strong and saviour of all crisis, played par excellence by Rajendra Chawla , whereas Nehru , played by Sidhant Gupta has not been shown as weak but not been able to cut the ice. Zinna , by Arif Jakaria, has shown his anger and radical approach but his other part is not properly reflected. Fascination of Edwina to Nehru could be better told. Chirag Vohra doesn't have the spark of Gandhi in his eyes.

Still it is a brave effort and a true testament of partition, particularly Gandhi and Nehru were not responsible for partition as is being projected today. Make a binge watch.

#sonyliv #anwarsays #partition #freedommovement #gandhi #noncooperationmovement #nikhiladvani #rajendrachawla #arifzakariya.

Never thought such true events can be narrated with such captivating screenplay and performances. The conflict between Panditji, Sardar, and Jinnah, the disagreement between Sardar, Panditji and Gandhiji, and the dilemma of the great indian freedom fighters/politicians and also mounbatten of taking such major decisions which will not only have a huge impact on indian history but also world history is shown so engrossingly on the screen.

The background music just adds so much to the tension scenes. It gives the whole narrative and screenplay a thrilling experience.

The dialogues, and the characters are very well defined for every single actor.

The look and feel of the old times is perfect.

Loved it! Watched many scenes several times over and over again.

My respect for Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, and Panditji has grown many folds after watching this series. Everyone, Indian or not, should watch this series.