A Patriotic Ode: Analyzing the Bhagat Singh Biopic Featuring Bobby Deol

Guddu Dhanoa’s film presents a unique take on the familiar story of Bhagat Singh, radiating a different intensity compared to Raj Kumar Santoshi’s rendition. The film’s second half gets carried away with rhetoric, as often seen in patriotic Hindi cinema. The trial scenes are somewhat farcical, yet the film’s overt drama serves its purpose, celebrating patriotism through vibrant visuals and a focus on Bhagat Singh’s relationships. Aishwarya Rai’s casting is at odds with the film’s tone, indirectly underscoring its patriotic zeal. The crowd scenes are staged more effectively than in Santoshi’s film. The visuals, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to the final execution, are authentic. Though the songs don’t match A.R. Rahman’s, they offer a raw emotional depth. The narrative emphasizes Bhagat Singh’s bonds with Lala Lajpat Rai and his mother. While Sukhdev and Rajguru are less developed, Bobby Deol’s portrayal of Bhagat Singh is a revelation. The film avoids portraying Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, concentrating on Bhagat Singh’s popularity. Sunny Deol said that “After seeing the trailers and stills, everyone felt Bobby and our film are closer to history than the other products claiming to be authentic depictions of Bhagat Singh’s life.” He also talked about the set catching fire, but the film was completed quickly despite these challenges.