Shoojit Sircar’s eagerly anticipated dream directorial film ‘Sardar Udham’ starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role of the Indian revolutionary is all set to start streaming on the Amazon Prime Video platform from 16th October. Before that, we give you five fine films based on the Indian Independence movement which you can watch on various Indian OTT platforms.
Gandhi (Streaming on Mubi)
It’s a highly admired biographical film based on the extraordinary life and struggles of Mahatma Gandhi and includes important events such as the South African train incident and his subsequent role in the Indian independence movement. The 1982 film had eventually won 8 Oscar awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, amongst others. Ben Kingsley had essayed the titular role of Mahatma Gandhi and Richard Attenborough, who had later played the role of theme park owner in Jurassic Park, had directed the film.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh (Streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Jio Cinema)
‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’ chronicles the life of Bhagat Singh – one of the bravest revolutionaries of the Indian Independence Movement who fought against British atrocities. The film portrays various events of Bhagat Singh’s life such as the abominable Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, his joining of the Hindustan Republic Association to his days in the prison, until the legendary hero was hanged at the young age of 23. The film was directed by eminent filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (Streaming on MX Player)
Helmed by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero’ revolves around the story of the legendary Indian leader’s life from the years 1941 to 1945. The principal role was essayed by Sachin Khedekar and the 2005 film went to win two National Film Awards.
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Streaming on Google Play, YouTube)
This underrated film was based on the Chittagong uprising that happened in the year 1930. It follows a schoolmaster and revolutionary (Abhishek Bachchan) and his ambitious attempt to raid an armory with the help of a group of teenagers. Despite being a well-made film by ‘Lagaan’ director Ashutosh Gowariker, it failed to attract audiences to theatres. Nevertheless, a must-watch film.
Mangal Pandey: The Rising (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, MX Player, Lionsgate Play)
‘Mangal Pandey: The Rising’ narrated the real-life story of a sepoy called Mangal Pandey (played by Aamir Khan) in the British East Indian Company who played an important role in the events that eventually led to the 1857 Indian uprising against the tyrannical British rule.
The film’s story featured Mangal Pandey’s friendship with a compassionate British commanding officer Gordon (Toby Stephens). However, the greased cartridge incident creates a rift between the two besides becoming the cause of the mutiny. The period film was helmed by Ketan Mehta, who had previously directed Aamir Khan in the 1985 film ‘Holi’ and has also directed acclaimed films like ‘Mirch Masala’ and ‘Sardar’.
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