Swatantra Veer Savarkar: A Biopic on a Controversial Figure

Randeep Hooda’s Swatantra Veer Savarkar is a biographical film that sheds light on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a polarizing historic figure. Despite some flaws in direction, Hooda’s exceptional acting salvages the overall experience.

Introduction to Swatantra Veer Savarkar: A Biopic on a Controversial Figure

Randeep Hooda’s Swatantra Veer Savarkar is a biographical film that sheds light on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a polarizing historic figure. Spanning over a decade from 1857 to 1966, the movie narrates the story solely from Savarkar’s perspective, offering a one-sided narrative that focuses on his contributions to India’s struggle for freedom.

( Credit to: Hindustantimes )

Savarkar, a politician, activist, and writer, believed in armed revolution to overthrow British rule, in contrast to Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence ideology. However, the film does not endorse or advocate violence, instead shedding light on the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices of armed revolutionaries in India’s fight for independence.

( Credit to: Hindustantimes )

Character Building and Randeep Hooda’s Outstanding Performance

The first half of the film effectively builds up Savarkar’s character, portraying him as a devoted brother, a loyal husband, and a confident law student in England. Randeep Hooda’s outstanding performance in the titular role is undeniable, as he undergoes an unbelievable physical transformation and immerses himself in the character’s body language and dialogue delivery.

( Credit to: Hindustantimes )

However, the second half of the film falters in terms of storyline and direction. It loses track and struggles to piece together the narrative, resulting in a lack of engagement for the audience. The film’s length and editing also contribute to this issue, with a runtime of nearly three hours that meanders more than necessary.

( Credit to: Hindustantimes )

Handling the Scenes Between Savarkar and Gandhi with Maturity

Despite these flaws, Swatantra Veer Savarkar handles the scenes between Savarkar and Gandhi with maturity and dignity. It avoids a clash of ideologies and instead focuses on subtle references that aim to correct Savarkar’s image. Hooda’s portrayal of Savarkar’s conviction and his powerful performances during his imprisonment evoke a sense of empathy and leave a lasting impact.

Conclusion: A Complex and Intriguing Introduction to a Controversial Figure

In conclusion, Swatantra Veer Savarkar is a biopic that attempts to shed light on the life of a controversial figure in India’s history. While the film struggles with its length and direction, Randeep Hooda’s exceptional acting and commitment to the role salvage the overall experience. Perhaps a long-format episodic series would have been a better medium to explore Savarkar’s life in depth. Nonetheless, the film serves as an introduction to a complex and intriguing historical figure.