Apurv Danke

A lot of people will be repulsed to this movie simply because of its running time, 3:24. However there have been innumerable movies going beyond 3 hours. Probably the makers wanted to drive home their message, hence decided not to take shortcuts. It is a ruthless, compelling and daring depiction of key events during 1946-47 undivided Bengal, focusing on Direct Action Day and Noakhali. The interaction between Gandhi and Jinnah is an eye-opener. Also Gandhi's reaction to Noakhali is shocking to say the least. For me following were the key takeaways. 1. Demographic change is real and has been taking place in Bharat for more than a millennia. 2. A single person cannot fight a mob. If you want to make a positive change first you have to stay alive. 3. Non-Violence as a philosophy is only good as long as the entire society follows it. 4. Strength only respects strength. 5. One community is divided and confused, while another community is clear in its goals and objectives. 6. A person should not rely on someone else to defend himself. 7. No one is with you and you're all alone but you have your conscience for company. 8. Democracy and judiciary is only good if all communities are treated equally in all aspects. One more thing I want to add is that Israelis and Jews made a number of movies about how Jews were persecuted by Hitler. They made so many movies, wrote so many books and have so much data that the entire world was forced to acknowledge this fact. Compared to what Bharat has suffered, the Jews have suffered not even 1% of it. Bharat also has to show this side of history to the whole world.

The history of Shivaji slaying Afzal Khan which we have been told since childhood by our elders, which was not even mentioned in any of our history books, to see that on screen in such a way that tries to retell the incidents which happened; in a simple yet interesting manner is very much commendable. For far too long Marathi Cinema has not got its due but slowly it is showing signs of recovery with such movies. I watched the movie purely from a historical perspective to get a better idea how this incident happened. Critics will find flaws but one should watch this movie if they are not aware of this piece of history.