Talented veteran filmmaker Nikhil Advani has re-entered the OTT arena with Freedom at Midnight which is based on Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre’s 1975 book with the same name on the last leg of India’s freedom fight. This series is now streaming on Sony Liv and here is a look at what it has to offer the viewers.
What Is the Series About?
Freedom At Midnight, as the story suggests, is a show based on the detailed account of the last year of the British Raj – the reactions of the Indian states towards independence, including descriptions of the colorful and extravagant lifestyles of the Indian princes, the partition of British India (into India and Pakistan) on religious grounds, and the bloodshed that followed. It also covers the struggle put forth by the likes of Gandhi, Nehru, and others.
How Did the Actors Perform?
This show has Chirag Vohra, Rajendra Chawla, Arif Zakaria, Sidhant Gupta, and a host of English actors in the lead roles. Considering that this is an enacting drama, the performances are largely within the tropes of the characters and are of standard quality.
What about the off screen talents?
Nikhil Advani is one of the elite filmmakers in Bollywood as he made films like Kal Ho Na Ho, Batla House, Vedaa, Chandini Chowk To China, and others. He is back at it with Freedom At Night based on the book with the same title.
This show essentially covers the two important years pertaining to India’s freedom struggle and covers the all-important Gandhi-Jinnah talks which form the drama factor.
This show is not a biopic either as it touches on the lives of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Gandhi, Nehru, and others who were instrumental and decisive in the freedom struggle and also fundamental in shaping up the country after independence.
The opening – midst – ending of the show are cleverly orchestrated by Nikhil as he touches on the internal feuds pertaining to the struggle, the oppressive politics of the Englishmen, and more importantly, the emotions of the nation at large in a largely volatile setting.
This show also delves into the power struggle that went on internally between the main men of the freedom movement shortly after the D-day. It doesn’t accredit anyone’s efforts positively nor does it show anyone in bad light. It shows the hard facts as is.
What’s Good?
- Clear presentation of facts
- Skilful writing for most part
- Fine performances
What’s Not?
- The middle portion has a fair bit of lag
- Conveniently ends with Gandhi’s assassination without closure
Verdict:
Freedom At Midnight is a reasonably well written show on India’s freedom struggle and it packs a punch for most part. The middle portion is a bit tough to sit through due to slow pace and the ending could have been more bold. Nevertheless, it makes for a decent watch.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 3/5