This is not the first time Randeep Hooda has done a biopic in his career. He has been fabulous as a painter Raja Ravi Varma in Rang Rasiya, as a serial killer Charles Sobhraj in Main Aur Charles and Sarbjit Singh in Sarbjit, but in Savarkar he has pushed himself to the extreme by delivering career best performance. This is Randeep Hooda’s debut film as a director and he fails to impress with his directorial skills, but as an actor he is simply unbeatable. This was a passion project for Randeep and his dedication and uncompromised vision is visible on-screen. Savarkar scores high in accuracy and acting, but fails in many departments.
The film tells the journey of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar aka Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, who was a prominent freedom fighter in India’s struggle for independence against British rule. He founded a secret society called the Abhinav Bharat Society to oppose British rule. He coined the term ‘Hindutva’ and believed in the unity of Hindu society. He was the longest imprisoned freedom fighter having spent 11 years in Cellular Jail Andaman, 3 years in Ratnagiri prison and the next 13 years in house arrest at Ratnagiri thus totaling 27 years in captivity which no other freedom fighter spent. After his release, he continued his efforts for independence through his writings and activism until his passing in 1966.
The film beautifully showcases the life journey of Savarkar, but the effectiveness is missing. The film fails to hold the interest of the viewers and by the time when it comes back to the track, it’s very late as the viewer’s attachment to the subject gets killed.
The biggest problem of this film is its 3 hour long runtime. There are many boring moments which makes the film look so dull. There are countless moments which will force you to look at your watch, because the film completely numbs your mind and you feel like just leaving the film in the middle.
I don’t remember any film which looked this much boring or dull in recent times. Pankaj Tripathi’s Main Atal Hoon was one such film which was a complete bore, but Savarkar surpasses that film by torturing your mind.
Along with Savarkar, it is also the viewers who face the atrocities and the torture. The first half is extremely dull. The second half starts on a sleeping note, but is uplifted by the last 45 minutes. The film literally gives a documentary vibe without any single break except for the interval.
The film has 3 enjoyable moments for the audience, i.e. before the start of the film, interval and at the end of the film. There is a dialogue in the film, where Lord Berry says, welcome to hell and the makers literally meant it by providing us with a hell-like experience.
Talking about Randeep Hooda’s acting, he is unbeatable. Randeep has always looked convincing in biopics and Savarkar is no different. Randeep makes you believe that he himself is Savarkar. His attitude, personality, voice, dialogue delivery and everything else is top notch. Physically Sarbjit was the most challenging film for Randeep, but if we talk about physically as well as mentally Savarkar tops the list. Randeep’s physical transformation will force you to salute him. His hard work is commendable. Ankita Lokhande is just for the namesake and doesn’t get much screen presence. She hardly has 3 to 4 scenes, where she is seen upset, crying or cooking food. Amit Sial is impressive in his role. The remaining cast of actors who have played the role of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Madam Cama, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh and all the freedom fighters are simply amazing.
The film is full of anti-congress and anti-Gandhi scenes, but that was the real thinking of Savarkar, and makers have done no compromise in it. There are many scenes which can create controversy, but that is what Savarkar’s life consisted of, he was called one of the most controversial leaders for a reason and films showcase that. There are some statements which look like propaganda, and it’s upto you how you look at them because that is what works today.
The color grading looks terrible on-screen. Savarkar gets double life imprisonment and so does the audience, as they have to tolerate this show for 3 long hours along with this cheap looking color grading.
Very few filmmakers have been able to give justice to the life of a freedom fighter or a politician. The two most remarkable films based on freedom fighters in Indian Cinema are Ajay Devgn’s The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Mammootty’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The scope for these types of stories is very huge, but it deserves a powerful actor and director who can give justice. Randeep passes in one subject, but fails in another one.
Overall Savarkar should be skipped to get saved from the atrocities and torture. Randeep Hooda’s astonishing act is the only saving grace, and it’s up to you if you can tolerate this film just by looking at his acting. The story of a leader like Savarkar really deserved a movie, but not something like this. This film will be only remembered for Randeep Hooda’s act and nothing else. Skip it.
Rating – 2/5*
