Swatantra Veer Savarkar Movie Review: Randeep Hooda delivers a compelling and powerful performance.

Swatantra Veer Savarkar Ratings: 3.5/5

Swatantra Veer Savarkar Story: Was Savarkar a fervent patriot or a bomb-maker who instigated violence? Accused and later acquitted of numerous conspiracy theories, including involvement in Gandhi’s assassination, the biopic offers an in-depth exploration of the passionate freedom fighter and the turbulent trajectory of his life.

Swatantra Veer Savarkar Movie Review: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Swatantra Veer Savarkar, remains a contentious figure in India's struggle for independence, owing to his unwavering advocacy for armed revolution despite the repercussions it entailed. The revolutionary endured years of brutal torture in the cellular jail, paying a heavy price for his ideological convictions, which thrust him into the vortex of political controversy.

Regarded by some for his courage and derided by others for his appeals to the British for mercy, the biopic seeks to give voice and visibility to his narrative. His espousal of 'Hindutva' prioritized national allegiance over religious affiliations, condemning casteism, social hierarchy, superstition, and inequality. The film confronts the dichotomy of perceptions surrounding him, recognizing the adage that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, and one man's hero is another man's villain. It endeavors to restore the dignity and respect that Savarkar was deprived of over the years.

Spanning decades from pre- to post-independence, the film meticulously navigates the pivotal events of Savarkar's life, from his family's contribution to the freedom struggle to the formation of the secret society Abhinav Bharat, his activities at India House, his alignment with the principles of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, his ideological differences with Gandhi, and his staunch opposition to slavery, injustice, and oppression. Directed by first-timer Randeep Hooda, who also assumes the titular role, the film emerges as a compelling narrative, tackling the complexities of Savarkar's persona.

Taut, immersive, and thought-provoking, the film transcends mere historical exposition, delving into the moral and psychological ramifications of its subject matter. Each frame resonates with narrative significance, eschewing gratuitous musical interludes in favor of stirring dialogues that ignite patriotic fervor. Technically adept and immersive, the film refrains from exploiting or glorifying Savarkar's sufferings during his solitary confinement but rather leverages them as a potent narrative device. Notably, the interactions between Gandhi and Savarkar are rendered with due respect, showcasing the clash of ideologies without descending into disrespect.

However, amidst its commendable storytelling, the film falters in its overt vilification of the Indian National Congress and Gandhi, portraying them as minority and British sympathizers, respectively. Nevertheless, it does not endorse violence but seeks to underscore the sacrifices of armed revolutionaries often overshadowed by the nonviolent methods advocated by Gandhi.

Of particular note is Hooda's remarkable physical transformation, which merely scratches the surface of his nuanced portrayal of Savarkar as a figure both heroic and vulnerable, resolute yet embattled. While Gandhi was revered as a Mahatma, Savarkar grappled with the implications of the violence he espoused for justice and freedom, pondering whether it ultimately led to destruction instead. A polarizing yet potent biopic, it endeavors to vindicate Savarkar, offering his perspective on the tumultuous era.