Ae Watan Mere Watan Honest Review: Did Sara Ali Khan Do Justice to Usha Mehta's Legacy?

Throughout the annals of history, there exist countless unsung heroes whose remarkable tales often remain concealed from the limelight. It is through the powerful medium of cinema that we are granted glimpses into the lives of these extraordinary individuals.Among them stands Usha Mehta, a name scarcely recognized by today's generation. However, with the release of a film on Prime Video, led by the acclaimed actress Sara Ali Khan, Usha Mehta's story has been brought to life. Yet, amidst the anticipation, one lingering question remains: Did Sara Ali Khan effectively embody this enigmatic character? 

The film 'Ae Watan Mere Watan' though set in 1942 is still relevant to our current times. We presently have a regime that is as brutal and tyrannical as the British. This film fills us with renewed hope.

Do watch #AeWatanMereWatan pic.twitter.com/kmOLcjduGi

— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) March 21, 2024

 

Plot:

Paused just to say - Go watch Ae Watan Mere Watan on Amazon Prime. Emraan Hashmi in the most unconventional role and undoubtedly the finest performance of Sara Ali Khan. And Sparsh Shrivastav (Had Loved his role in Jamtara) is at his best again. pic.twitter.com/vZOcVbm8oL

— Joy (@Joydas) March 20, 2024

 From her tenderest years, Usha harbored lofty aspirations of witnessing India's liberation. Despite her youthful innocence, her fervent desire to contribute to the cause burned brightly within her. As she matured, she embarked on a journey to ignite a revolution. Her path intertwined with that of the venerable Mahatma Gandhi, leading her to embrace celibacy in solidarity with the freedom struggle. However, as the Congress leaders faced arrest, Usha found herself deserted by erstwhile companions. Undeterred by adversity, she joined forces with her confidant Fahad, portrayed by Sparsh Shrivastav, to establish Congress Radio. Thus, the embers of revolution were kindled, inciting the British authorities to relentlessly pursue Usha. To unravel the intricate tapestry of Usha's life, one must delve into the depths of this captivating film.

Film Review: 

The narrative of the film possesses significant potential to resonate with audiences, offering a poignant exploration of Usha Mehta's extraordinary journey. However, its pacing proves to be a stumbling block, demanding patience as the story gradually unfolds. It is not until the introduction of the radio element that the narrative truly captivates, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the revelation of its intricacies. While undoubtedly informative, the film falls short in fostering a profound emotional connection with its characters, a crucial aspect for a tale of such historical significance. Nonetheless, the primary allure lies in gaining insight into the indomitable spirit of Usha Mehta.

-Ae Watan Mere Watan Review-
**/5
Good: Concept , Theme, Few Scenes & Background

Bad : Lead Performances, Poor Story telling & Emotional Connect.#SaraAliKhan Is not convincing , Totally Miscast #EmraanHashmi is impressive & some supporting cast is also did justice to the… pic.twitter.com/nYoe9wcfZU

— Prashant Pandey (@tweet2prashant) March 21, 2024

Direction:

Helmed by Kannan Iyer, renowned for his work on 'Ek Thi Daayan' in 2013, the film regrettably fails to fully realize its promising narrative. The director's vision appears somewhat disjointed from the story's potential, further exacerbated by shortcomings in performance.

Performances:

Sara Ali Khan, known for her acting prowess, delivers a commendable portrayal of Usha Mehta. However, her interpretation of this challenging role lacks the depth required to truly resonate with the audience. Despite her earnest efforts, there exists a noticeable discord between performer and persona, hindering the immersion into the revolutionary character. In contrast, Sparsh Shrivastav delivers a stellar performance, building upon his previous success in 'Lapata Ladies.' However, Imran Hashmi's cameo fails to leave a lasting impression, contributing little to the overall impact of the film.