Swatantra Veer Savarkar: An In-Depth Exploration of VD Savarkar's Journey

Released in theaters on March 22, "Swatantra Veer Savarkar" presents the life story of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. With Randeep Hooda not only portraying Savarkar but also stepping into the director's chair for the first time, the film covers nearly every aspect of Savarkar's life. The narrative begins with a young Savarkar and his family witnessing their father's death, a pivotal moment that ignites his resolve to become a freedom fighter. Determined to strengthen his efforts, he sets his sights on London to study British law. His journey first takes him to Pune, where he enrolls at Fergusson College. Even before starting college, he founds the Abhinav Bharat Society, setting the stage for the freedom movement.

As his friends and fellow freedom fighters spread the Abhinav Bharat Society's message across India, Savarkar focuses on galvanizing his college peers to join the movement. During his time in Pune, he meets Lokmanya Tilak, a radical nationalist leader who mentors him and helps him pursue his dream of studying in London. Once in Britain, Savarkar’s struggle for India's independence takes unexpected turns, including his eventual arrest.

The film covers major milestones in Savarkar’s life, including his interactions with Mahatma Gandhi, his failed escape attempt to France, his life imprisonment in the Andaman Islands (Kaala Paani), his transformation while imprisoned, his transfer to Ratnagiri Jail, and his release. It also sheds light on his life after gaining freedom and his political career.

The film’s extensive scope makes for a comprehensive narrative. By the end of the three-hour runtime, "Swatantra Veer Savarkar" feels like an exhaustive history lesson. The chronological presentation of events aids viewer comprehension but becomes overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information. Transitioning from his release from Ratnagiri Jail to his political career feels particularly heavy. Dividing the film into two parts and releasing it on OTT platforms could have alleviated this, as the film’s length diminishes its impact.

"Swatantra Veer Savarkar" has its strengths and weaknesses. It is engaging for the most part, remaining true to Savarkar's story up to and shortly after the Kaala Paani sentence. However, the portrayal of his political career involves creative liberties that might not align with historical facts. For example, the film depicts a meeting between Bhagat Singh and Savarkar, an event not corroborated by history. It also implies that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought Savarkar's guidance, a claim refuted by Bose's grandnephew, Chandra Kumar Bose. These historical inaccuracies are a letdown in a biopic.

Despite this, Randeep Hooda's performance is noteworthy. He convincingly embodies Savarkar, demonstrating the same commitment seen in his roles in "Sarbjit" and "Highway." His acting is captivating, although his directorial skills require further refinement. In his attempt to cover all aspects of Savarkar’s life, the second half of the film loses focus. Consequently, some scenes, although rich in dialogue and performance, lack depth.

In conclusion, "Swatantra Veer Savarkar" provides a thorough exploration of a complex freedom fighter, highlighting his connections with significant figures like Bhagat Singh and his influence on the Indian Army's revolutionary zeal. While the film has its flaws, it is a commendable effort to highlight a multifaceted and often overlooked hero of India’s independence movement.

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[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

| VEER SAVARKAR | BHAGAT SINGH | INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT | INDIAN ARMY | NETAJI | SAVARKAR | HINDU | SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE | FREEDOM MOVEMENT | GANDHI |

~Mimansa Sharma