After years of revolution and the sacrifice of countless martyrs, the wound of partition that was inflicted on India's heart in return for independence from British rule in 1947 is felt even today 77 years later. But was this division of the country necessary in the name of religion? Could it have stopped? What was the attitude of politicians like Pandit Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel or Mohammad Ali Jinnah involved in this crucial decision related to the future of the country?
Nikhil Advani's web series 'Freedom at Midnight' turns many such unknown pages on the most tragic part of history. The series is based on the book written by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, which explores the political and social conditions that led to the formation of independent India after the sunset of the British Raj.
The story of 'Freedom at Midnight' The story begins with a meeting in Kolkata in 1946, where Mahatma Gandhi was asked whether India would be partitioned, to which Bapu replied – My body will be partitioned before the partition of India. The series shows how leaders like Nehru and Sardar Patel, who initially followed in Gandhi's footsteps and demanded complete Swaraj, changed their views on partition and under what circumstances? Why did Vallabhbhai, who united more than 500 princely states, think that it is better to give Jinnah Pakistan if his hand can be saved by cutting off his finger.
How does Jawaharlal Nehru, who has long disagreed with Sardar's opinion, go against Bapu? As the story progresses, several such layers unfold. Apart from this, the series also exposes the politics behind Muhammad Ali Jinnah calling himself the Messiah of Muslims. The series does not hesitate to show Jinnah in his arrogance and in his desire to prove himself equal to Gandhi, the way he instigated riots from Bengal to Punjab. A very important character in the story is the last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, who is seen struggling to make the right decision regarding the transfer of power while leaving India. At the same time, the pre-partition riots from Bengal to Noakhali and from Punjab to Bihar are also poignantly portrayed.
'Freedom at Midnight' Review However, adapting a popular book with such a complex subject to the screen is not an easy task, so director Nikhil Advani has assembled a massive series team of six writers like Abhinandan Gupta, Ananya Kareng Das, Gundeep Kaur, Divya. Collected by Nidhi Sharma, Revant Sarabhai and Ethan Taylor. Of course, there have been many films on India-Pakistan partition before, but they were mostly about the atrocities of the British and the Hindu-Muslim conflict, while this series brings to the fore the politics behind it. Seeing this, one feels like turning the pages of history. A fast-paced story keeps the interest alive. However, Nikhil Advani presents the story through meetings and conversations, which also gives the feel of a docu-drama. Also, the dialogue and riot sequences feel repetitive.
The star cast of the series 'Freedom at Midnight' series stars Chirag Vohra as Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Arif Zakaria as Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Ira Dubey as Fatima Jinnah, Malishka Mendonsa as Sarojini Naidu, Rajesh Kumar as Liaquat Ali Khan, KC Shankar VP As Menon. Luke McGibney as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Cordelia Bugeja as Lady Edwina Mountbatten, Alastair Finley as Archibald Wavell, Andrew Cullum as Clement Attlee, Richard Tavares as Cyril Radcliffe.
Siddhant Gupta acting in 'Freedom at Midnight' Talking about the acting, first of all the casting deserves praise. As Jawahar Lal Nehru, Siddhant Gupta of Jubilee fame has completely succeeded in portraying Pandit Nehru in a new colour, who spoke fluent English and wore a starched kurta and stood for his principles. With his tone, dialogue delivery and body language, he has managed to embrace this challenging role.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
