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A resurgence of patriotism
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As many as five films on Bhagat Singh bring alive the heroic struggle and martyrdom of the Sikh revolutionary.
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SHAHEED-E-Azam heralds a spate of films on Bhagat Singh. Bollywood seems to be struck by this wave as there are five versions on the revolutionary. The young lad, whose martyrdom became a legend, has suddenly found favour among filmmakers who are vying in a way to recreate his life visually on screen. Bhagat Singh's memories are being evoked on celluloid almost 71 years after his death.
Years ago Manoj Kumar essayed the role of the revolutionary in the film Shaheed, the first one, which looked at the Sikh revolutionary. Today with as many as five films, the authenticity of narration, portrayals and depiction can be gauged only after release. One thing is certain. Much research and work has gone in to all.
Although three versions are ready it seems to be a `battle' between the Devgans and Deols. While there is enough hype about the Devgans' The Legend of Bhagat Singh directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi and the Deols' 23 March 1931 Shaheed, Shaheed-e-Azam, got off to a quiet release. The other two versions, one by the Sagars, the only one titled Bhagat Singh (Ramanand Sagar - popular for his mythological serials on screen) and another one Shaheed Bhagat Singh directed by Tarun Wadhwaa with newcomers portraying roles are still under production.
Shaheed-e-Azam, scripted by Jagmohan Singh, a nephew of the revolutionary, has a `different' flavour - is shot on location with songs by Pakistani lyricists. It does not have the famous Rang de basanti chola - , which seems to be the trademark of Bhagat Singh films.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh with Ajay Devgan in the main role, perhaps his role of a lifetime, directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi is already in the news for the visit of the late revolutionary's brother on the sets. Another USP is the music by none other than A.R. Rahman who has been able to capture the patriotic fervour in his songs. 23 March 1931 Shaheed with Bobby Deol in the lead role directed by Guddu Dhanoa (his first period film) has music by Anand Raaj Anand. A common element in both are the songs Rang de basanti chola, Sarfaroshi ki tamanna, pagdi sambhal jatta tuned differently of course.
Bollywood of, late, seems to be going through period films - Gadar, Lagaan, Asoka or to a certain extent Zubeida. The energy and excitement of creating a period film is enormous as the producers and directors would endorse and yet it requires guts, determination and dedication to bring history alive on screen, which is certainly no easy task.
Bhagat Singh was such a powerful and fearless character that inspired many with his heroic deeds. As Raj Kumar Santoshi says: "When you try and create history, what you get is thousands of images. The very name Bhagat Singh evokes emotions that inspire myriad images, acts of bravery and self-sacrifice being ones that come to the mind atonce. While making The Legend of Bhagat Singh, what we got was more than ten thousand images. Images that spoke of extreme youth, intense patriotism, and ultimate sacrifice. I hope these images bring alive for you the life and time of an extraordinary 23-year-old whose victory lay in his death." And perhaps as Dharmendra says, "It is not the first time in the history of Indian cinema that a film has been inspired by India's favourite revolutionary. And quite honestly it might not even be the last. This Sikh youth represents the meaning of true patriotism and fearlessness to one and all. It can be assured that every time a movie is made on Bhagat Singh not one person leaves the cinema hall carrying the same heart with which he arrives. It is not just his sacrifice that moves you, his biggest revolutionary thought and his smallest patriotic action, stir your blood inside."
The release of the movie at a time when patriotic fervour is running high is bound to be lapped up by the masses.A backdrop of glorious history laced with inspiring histrionics and beautiful lyrics is the right masala for a memorable box-office hit.
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