Ae Watan Mere Watan Movie Review: Sara Ali Khan Shines in a Tale of Unsung Heroes

Star Cast: Sara Ali Khan, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastava, Emraan Hashmi, Alexx O’Nell, Sachin Khedekar, Anand Tiwari & others

Director: Kannan Iyer

What’s Good: An unheard tale from the pages of history that needs your acknowledgment, love, and applause.

What’s Bad: Nothing in particular, but the fact that the film doesn’t leave an impact as strong as it should have is underwhelming.

Loo Break: Anytime you want. Your screen, your Amazon Prime Video account, your rules.

Watch or Not?: Definitely Yes.

Language: Hindi with English subtitles.

Available On: Amazon Prime Video

Runtime: 2 hours 13 minutes

“Ae Watan Mere Watan” brings forth the tale of unsung heroes from India’s fight for independence, focusing on Usha Mehta’s courageous journey. Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal of Usha Mehta is commendable, marking a significant milestone in her career. Directed by Kannan Iyer and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, the film offers a glimpse into the lesser-known facets of the Independence Movement.

Script Analysis:

The script, inspired by the play “Kharr Kharr” by Amatya Goradia and Pritesh Sodhia, eloquently captures the essence of Usha Mehta’s struggle. Darab Farooqui and Kannan Iyer’s narrative beautifully portrays the determination of youths in establishing a radio station amidst British oppression. The dialogues, though not overly patriotic, effectively convey the story’s emotional depth.

Star Performances:

Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal of Usha Mehta is laudable, showcasing her sincerity and commitment to the character. Emraan Hashmi‘s portrayal of Ram Manohar Lohia provides a strong anchor to the film, allowing Khan to shine. Supporting actors Sparsh Shrivastava and Abhay Verma deliver compelling performances, adding depth to the narrative.

Direction and Music:

Director Kannan Iyer succeeds in capturing the complexities of Usha Mehta’s journey, balancing her Gandhian ideals with the necessity for action. However, the music by Akashdeep Sengupta, Shashi Suman, and Mukund Suryavanshi fails to leave a lasting impact, including the title track.

What Works and What Doesn’t:

The film’s tone is established effectively within the first few minutes, setting the stage for Usha Mehta’s story. Sara Ali Khan‘s effortless portrayal and Emraan Hashmi’s strong presence elevate the film. However, certain narrative elements, such as Usha Mehta and Kaushik’s relationship, feel forced and underdeveloped, detracting from the overall impact.

The Last Word:

While “Ae Watan Mere Watan” offers a poignant glimpse into the life of an unsung hero, it falls short of becoming an iconic tale. Despite its flaws, Sara Ali Khan’s performance and the film’s narrative sincerity make it a noteworthy addition to the genre of patriotic cinema.