What Is the Story About?
Set around the days before and after India’s Independence in 1947, the movie revolves around the village Sengadu and its inhabitants.
Sengadu is under the control of ruthless British officer Robert Clive (Richard Ashton). How the village people, led by a youngster Paraman (Gautham Karthik), finally overcome the fear is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances?
Gautham Karthik fits the bill perfectly as a youngster rebelling against the people for love. The role offers him enough scope to show his dramatic side as an actor. He is fine most of the time but really appeals during the second hour during the scenes with the heroine and the pre-climax epilogue inspiring the village people.
Revathy also looks right for the part which stays hidden, literally, in the first half. She shines during the penultimate moments without much dialogue and emotion with her eyes.
Analysis
NS Ponkumar direct August 16 1947. He has picked an interesting subject and set up for the film, which is its biggest USP.
Ponkumar wastes no time and takes us into the world and the story with the opening titles. It is intriguing and hooks the viewer. One is curious to see what the content is going to be, and that’s where disappointment comes into the picture.
August 16, 1947, is simultaneously appealing and disappointing. The research and the setting appeal. The twists in the screenplay come out of them. But, it is the actual story which disappoints. It is a routine one where the oppressed people finally revolt.
The characterisation of the ruthless British officer is very cliched. While it is a truth, the presentation and the caricaturish action look superficial and intended only to trigger specific emotions. Similarly, the love track is very basic and predictable. We know where things are headed from the moment we see the lead pair.
The Zamindar subplot, or the one involving India’s Independence, shows research from the team. However, a lingering feeling remains that they should have been better utilised. Also, the characters need to be more fleshed out. There is content, but it needed better development (character-wise) and integration into the screenplay.
The subplots leading to minor twists in the tale at the right points hold the attention and take us to the end of the predictable tale. The acting also helps the cause despite the aforementioned issues. The ending feels rushed after all that happening.
Overall, August 16 1947, comes with a unique backdrop, and the effort is evident. It leaves one with mixed feelings, though. The predictability bores, but the setting excites. If the latter is enough, give it a try, but have expectations in check.
Other Artists?
Richard Ashton and Jason Shah play the ruthless British official. They are way over the top, but that is mostly to do with the cue given to them. Some parts are alright, but the dubbing and their overaction ruin the overall impact. Madhusudhan and Pugazh have decent roles, and they do the needed satisfactorily. The rest of the cast, too, is good in the minor roles they get.
Music and Other Departments?
Sean Rolden’s music is alright. It has a soothing quality, but the problem is that the songs act as speed-breakers mostly. The background score is neat and helps in building momentum. Selvakumar SK’s cinematography is good. The village has been presented realistically even though the period isn’t that well-reflected. R Sudharsan’s editing is on point. The dialogues are adequate.
Highlights?
Basic Concept
Small Twists And Turns
Drawbacks?
Predictability
Drags At Time
Repetitiveness
Caricaturish Portrayal
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
August 16 1947 Movie Review by Binged Bureau