Guddu Dhanoa’s take on Bhagat Singh presents a unique intensity, diverging from the style of Raj Kumar Santoshi’s ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh,’ yet retaining its own impactful essence. The film’s narrative is charged with an organic intensity, though it sometimes overuses dramatic elements, a common trait in patriotic Hindi cinema.
The courtroom and jail scenes, while possibly exaggerated, are secondary to the film’s focus on the emotional core of the freedom struggle. This film is a vibrant, loud celebration of patriotism, bringing the era alive through visuals and the atmosphere of Punjab. The casting of Aishwarya Rai, somewhat out of place, paradoxically underlines Dhanoa’s patriotic vision.
The film’s visual storytelling is noteworthy, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to the execution of Bhagat Singh, amplified by Thiru’s exceptional cinematography. While the music may not match up to A.R. Rahman’s, the soundtrack conveys a heartfelt emotion.
The film delves into the emotional bonds between Bhagat Singh and key figures like Lala Lajpat Rai and his mother. However, the portrayal of Sukhdev and Rajguru is less developed. Bobby Deol delivers a surprising performance as Bhagat Singh, embodying the character’s vitality. Unlike some biopics, this film steers clear of including Gandhi or Nehru, opting instead to focus on Bhagat Singh’s prominence.
Comparing this film to others, it can be seen as the ‘Gadar’ of 2002. Sunny Deol has shared that he was unhappy about Raj Kumar Santoshi working on his own Bhagat Singh biopic. Deol was confident in the project from its beginning and believed in the increased public awareness of Bhagat Singh, particularly after seeing the trailers and stills, when people felt that Bobby and the film were closer to history. He also stated how it was his dream to make a film about Bhagat Singh at a time when nobody else was considering it.
Sunny Deol played Chandrashekhar Azad in the film. He highlighted the detailed focus on Bhagat Singh’s life and the originality of the film. He also discussed a fire incident that destroyed the film’s sets, and the team’s ability to overcome challenges.