Page 44 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
EYE ON BOLLYWOOD AUGUST 22, 2025 44

I N D EP EN D EN C E D A Y 2 0 2 5
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2025

Bollywood actors who have brought

freedom fighters to life on the big screen

Ajay Devgn as Bhagat Singh Aamir Khan as Mangal Pandey Kangana Ranaut as Manikarnika

OUR BUREAU al highlighted how cinema can transform histor- portrayal was lauded for its subtle intensity, cap-
ical figures into living, breathing inspirations for turing the determination and inner conflict of a
Mumbai
audiences today. man driven by patriotism and justice. Critics and
s India celebrated its 79th Independence In the realm of women freedom fighters, Kan- audiences alike praised Kaushal for embodying
Day this year, the nation not only remem- gana Ranaut’s portrayal of Rani Lakshmi Bai in the emotional depth of Udham Singh, reminding
Abered the heroes who sacrificed everything Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi left a lasting viewers of the cost of freedom and the bravery of
for freedom but also revisited their stories through impact. The historical drama delved into the life those who fought for it.
the lens of cinema. Bollywood, over the decades, of Lakshmi Bai, showcasing her fearless person- Sharman Joshi’s role as Shivaram Rajguru
has played a significant role in bringing these sto- ality, unwavering leadership, and extraordinary in Rang De Basanti offered a unique perspective,
ries to life, offering audiences a glimpse into the bravery during the 1857 revolt. Kangana’s perfor- linking India’s past struggles with the contem-
courage, sacrifice, and vision of the country’s free- mance was praised for bringing out both the regal porary youth. The film cleverly connected mod-
dom fighters. From the legendary Bhagat Singh to grace and the warrior spirit of the queen, earning ern-day college students with the revolutionary
Rani Lakshmi Bai, actors have stepped into these her a National Award. Through her performance, spirit of India’s freedom fighters, using flashbacks
historic shoes, channeling both the emotional audiences experienced the extraordinary courage to show how history influences the present. Joshi’s
depth and the heroic spirit of these icons. of a woman who became a symbol of resistance portrayal of Rajguru captured the idealism and
One of the most memorable portrayals in and empowerment. courage of a young revolutionary, inspiring audi-
recent times came from Ajay Devgn, who took Vicky Kaushal’s turn as Sardar Udham Singh ences to reflect on the relevance of patriotism in
on the mantle of Bhagat Singh in The Legend in Sardar Udham is yet another example of Bolly- today’s world. The film, with its mix of past and
of Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh, one of the most wood honoring history. The biographical film ex- present, showed how the sacrifices of freedom
revered revolutionaries of India’s independence plores Udham Singh’s life, particularly his quest fighters continue to resonate with successive gen-
movement, has inspired countless films, but to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre erations.
Devgn’s performance stood out for its intensity by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer. Kaushal’s These performances underline Bollywood’s
and authenticity. He captured not only the audac- power to shape the public imagination about
ity of Singh’s revolutionary spirit but also the pro- As India celebrates another Indepen- history. Through cinematic storytelling, actors
found commitment to justice that defined his life. become conduits for the bravery, resilience, and
His nuanced performance won him the National dence Day, it is not just the historical vision of India’s freedom fighters. Each film not
Film Award for Best Actor, cementing his place figures themselves who are remembered only educates but also evokes a sense of pride, re-
among the actors who have successfully brought minding audiences of the values and sacrifices that
history to the silver screen. but also the actors who have brought laid the foundation for the nation’s independence.
Another stellar performance came from From Ajay Devgn’s intense Bhagat Singh to
Aamir Khan, who portrayed Mangal Pandey in their stories to life. Through dedication, Kangana Ranaut’s indomitable Rani Lakshmi
Mangal Pandey: The Rising. The film, set against skill, and empathy, these performers re- Bai, and from Aamir Khan’s fiery Mangal Pan-
the backdrop of the Revolt of 1857, brought alive mind audiences of the extraordinary jour- dey to Vicky Kaushal’s determined Sardar Ud-
the story of Pandey, a soldier whose defiance ham Singh, Bollywood has repeatedly succeeded
against British oppression ignited the flames of ney that led to India’s freedom—and the in honoring the spirit of India’s freedom strug-
India’s first war of independence. Khan embodied enduring relevance of these stories in gle. Even films like Rang De Basanti creatively
the rebellion, courage, and complexity of Pandey link past and present, showing that the legacy of
with his signature dedication, making viewers feel shaping the country’s identity today. courage, resilience, and patriotism continues to
the intensity of those turbulent times. His portray- inspire generations.

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