Ae Watan Mere Watan

The film presents a commendable narrative that beautifully balances patriotism in a nuanced manner. While the screenplay might not captivate everyone, the effort to steer clear of religious and political bias is praiseworthy, contributing positively to the film's integrity. Sara is mediocre but rest of he cast delivers decent performances with the material they're given. Production aspects, including the choice of locations, sets, and costumes, are satisfactorily executed, enhancing the visual appeal of the movie.

Although the cinematography falls short of expectations, it's evident that there was an ambitious vision behind the camera. The direction, despite showing signs of inexperience, demonstrates a commendable effort and a genuine attempt to realize the film's potential. In essence, this movie, with its heart in the right place, is worth watching for those with a keen interest in the subject matter. It's a film that manages to appreciate its themes and aims to deliver a meaningful experience, albeit with some areas for improvement.

This movie is likely to be enjoyed by cinegoers who have in interest in the politics at that time. I have little knowledge of the subject to so it was hard to resonate with the story. The movie is shot in sepia and was kinda boring tbh, it took me a few times to finish watching it. Sara's gives probably her best performance to date, however there is still something lacking on screen. She doesnt emit the passion for the character/movie. Her acting is relagated to her face and it seems she puts a lot of effort to portray her emotions through. I think if she tries to act with her body then her performance will be much better.

The film starts with anticipation and promises, and halfway through it looks like the plot is building to something good in the middle somewhere it loses its touch and becomes a repeated freedom struggle movie with few good actors and other bad. After all, it is Sara Ali Khan's movie, it revolves around her character Usha, there are parts when her acting looks real but mostly every other co-actor overshadows her work. The movie gets more predictable over time, so much could have been done with this type of plot but it has been wasted with poor writing. The climax is another expected bore and after completing the movie there is nothing much of a takeaway other than knowing these freedom fighters, who deserved a better movie than this.

Biopics or real-life story are always a treat to watch as it narrates the story which are largely unknown to masses. It adds the entertainment value to the story and tells you important events of the individual on whom the movie is made upon which is why it always finds an audience.

This movie is about freedom fighter Usha Mehta, who fought to tooth and nail by starting an underground radio station to keep the Quit India Movement going. When major freedom fighters were getting arrested by British, she kept the fire of freedom awake through the radio station with help of her two friends.

Sara Ali Khan plays the titular character and has been harshly bashed online for her portrayal. She did her best for the role given to her, but it doesn't take away the fact that the movie would have been on other level, if it was done by another strong performer. Sparsh Srivastava is a find of this generation, and he shines as Sara's ally with perfection. Abhay Verma as an innocent lover gives a heartwarming performance and in extended cameo Emraan Hashmi is decent enough.

Few developments look bit too dramatic, and dialogues could have been much better for a story of the period it is being depicted. The songs add value to the movie and BGM is in synch with the whole aura of the movie.

A movie about freedom struggle should instigate patriotism and that is where it faulters. It evokes no sense of pride or any emotional turbulence. There are no high points in the story and the story just goes on one tone making you not root for any character too. The screenplay could have been better.

It is an average affair and could be watched to know the story of our freedom fighters who has given us the Freedom, we are enjoying today. #pranureviews #AeWatanMereWatan #AeWatanMereWatanReview.

The story itself is bold, intriguing, and offers an important glimpse into history. It's a story that should be told and brought to light.

Unfortunately, the writing and way the story was told fell flat for me. Despite the close-ups, deep glimpses into the character's eyes, and creation of atmosphere, there was only one scene that stands out to me. One were Usha hides under a burka when the police search for her and Kaushik shows her his shaking hands when she reappears. The rest of the movie felt like the same message and image on repeat: stand up for revolution and freedom. After a while, the same scene and message on repeat is just flogging a dead horse.

What I found frustrating was the message, despite coming from the right place, did not shed any new ideas or perspectives on the plight against colonialism. Instead, it amplified stereotypes. It was the stereotyping in the film and the characters that unsettled me the most. John Lyre, the British man hunting down the revolutionaries, is portrayed as ruthless, cold-hearted, and intense to the point that he feels more like a cartoon than a human man bred to view himself as superior (pure) and take pride in his country (points that could have been paralleled and contrasted with Usha's purity and pride in country, but were entirely missed). Usha, on the other hand, is portrayed as self-righteous, ego-centric (her ideas being the purest above all others'), naive about the impact she had on relationships with family and friends, and ruthless in her intensity to revolutionize India.

The most unsetting point was the way the movie glossed over radicalization. The ability to influence and spread one's beliefs (such as through a radio) comes with intense responsibility. Usha never questions once the possible myriad of outcomes that could happen... including igniting a rebellion that may fail/may lead to needless loss of lives and bloodshed. Especially since the film stated (but did not show) that she was a Gandhian.

Overall, I look forward to learning more about Usha and appreciate the movie from bringing her plight to light.