The magnum opus, starring Aamir Khan as Mangal Pandey, captures one
man's revolt against the British empire.
The rating stars are for the goose bumps one gets — for the man who
sparked the very first fire of India’s struggle for Independence as
also for the director who brings alive a saga that remains confined
to a paragraph in school textbooks otherwise Mangal Pandey — The
Rising is an epic.
You enter the movie hall with the baggage of massive pre-release
hype, but when the story starts to unfold, you realize that Aamir
Khan is not actually a star but Mangal Pandey, the sepoy who
revolted against the English in 1857.
You also realize that Ketan Mehta is not just a big name but a good
storyteller who simplifies a few historical nuances making the movie
an easy experience and not just a documentary that we have to bear
with.
The story is of an indomitable spirit called Mangal Pandey,
a sepoy in the army of the East India Company. He is close to an
English Captain William Gordon (Toby Stephens), whose life Mangal
has saved during a battle in Afghanistan.
Pandey is also a loyal soldier — when new bullets are introduced
with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat (blasphemous for both
Hindu and Muslim soldiers) he is the first to come forward to use it
when Gordon denies the rumor in public.
The English had, of course, told a lie.
When Pandey sees the grease being manufactured through his own eyes,
the simmering flame in him rises.
Mangal and his entire regiment revolt against the new cartridges on religious
grounds.
What begins as a mere rebellion against artillery eventually
translates into a nationwide movement. Mangal Pandey is punished for
his actions and subsequently hanged but he succeeds in laying down
the foundation for an upcoming freedom struggle.
The historical fact, dismissed as a Sepoy Mutiny by the English, is
of utmost importance for India’s eventual independence, and that’s
where Mehta succeeds — in presenting the movie as such, though a few
other historical details might be debatable.
The movie is tight, moving from one scene to the other effortlessly
and keeping the viewer interested.
Mehta succeeds to
a great extent in establishing the friendship between Pandey and
Gordon, which is the primary element in the first half of the film.
The subtle usage of humor is also refreshing.
Scenes like Gordon and Pandey pulling off pranks after getting blown
over bhang; the camaraderie between Mangal and a low-caste sweeper;
the director’s narrative on the opium trading by the Company.
The second half is when the action begins, leading to a rousing
climax, which is the best part of the film.
Mangal Pandey’s unmitigated defiance at Behrampore is soul stirring,
as is the scene where Pandey’s regiment surrounds the British force
with lanterns. The last scene of the film that shows Pandey’s public
hanging has a lingering impact.
Aamir Khan establishes his position as one of India’s finest actors
yet again — such fine blend of brooding intensity coupled with a
restrained display of frustration and vulnerability is rare. Aamir
Khan is a delight, especially when he is all fired up. His flowing
locks and impressive moustache add to the look.
His impassioned plea to his fellow soldiers in the climax is a treat
to watch. Toby Stephens matches him at every step and performs with
equal finesse, despite the language barrier.
Rani
Mukherjee, as a nautch girl, has not much to do. Amisha Patel as a
rescued sati disappoints.
Music by AR Rahman is not much to write about. In fact, the Holi
track could have been avoided as it retards the movie unnecessarily.
And yes, please don’t compare the movie with Lagaan, it’s a
different film.
Rating: *** Mangal Pandey - The Rising
Cast: Aamir Khan, Toby Stephens, Rani Mukherjee
Direction: Ketan Mehta
Rating
Index: * * * * * Just brilliant
* * * * A cut above
* * * Enjoyable
* * Average
* Bomb
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When Pandey sees the grease being manufactured through his own eyes,
the simmering flame in him rises.
