The Legend of Bhagat Singh is one of several new movies about the famous Indian revolutionary to come out of India this year. The movie is fascinating for its portrayal not only of an important historical figure and period, but of a man who possessed exemplary revolutionary traits of courage, discipline, and sacrifice.
Bhagat Singh (born Ajay Devgan) grew up in a very politicized family, and by the age of twelve had become very active in Gandhi's non-cooperation movement. He later joined the Hindustan Republican Association , later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He was instrumental in bringing about tactics that drew the masses of the Indian People to their cause. When he and his comrades were put on trial, they used the British court to get their message to millions. On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were executed by the imperialist British government. Their final words were "Inquilab Zindabad," or "long live the revolution!"
One thing that sets The Legend of Bhagat Singh apart from some of the other movies about his life is its attention to historical accuracy. Director Rajkumar Santoshi worked with Bhagat's younger brother Kartar Singh to ensure an accurate depiction not only of Bhagat Singh's life, but also of his motivation.
A Communist, Bhagat Singh strove for a freedom greater than that which would merely turn power over from the hands of the British imperialists to an exploiting class of Indians. He envisioned a secular state free from religious discrimination, which guaranteed equal rights for all, and did not tolerate the exploitation of man by man. His goal was a socialist India.
In the movie, Bhagat Singh and the HSRA provided a radical alternative to the Hindu-centric policies of the Indian National Congress, led by Gandhi. They also advocated self-defense as an alternative to Gandhi's adherence to nonviolence as a permanent tactic.
In the film's fiery opening shot, angry supporters of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru confront Gandhi for not doing more to save the three young martyrs, to which Gandhi replies that he abhors violence, and that "they [Baghat and the other martyrs] themselves didn't want to live." He signed a pact with the British Viceroy despite the British refusal to commute their death sentences. But by the end of their brief lives, the work of the HSRA forced the Congress to declare the aim of full independence, despite Gandhi's initial objections.
Like most "Bollywood" films, or movies produced in Bombay, The Legend of Bhagat Singh is a musical. Fortunately the songs are impressive, and each stands out as a revolutionary anthem and music video. Unlike many Bollywood movies, the songs of The Legend of Bhagat Singh fit the flow of the movie perfectly and serve to advance the plot, instead of distracting you from it.
The first number, "Pagdi Sambhal" marks the first meeting between Bhagat and the other young revolutionaries at the National College. This group, led by Sukhdev, has taken upon itself the task of educating the other students about India's revolutionary history. When a meek and somewhat conservative student mentions that he can't meet them after class because he is attending a show for the Lieutenant Governor, Sukhdev is enraged. He and the other revolutionaries arrive at the show armed with eggs and tomatoes. However, they are pleasantly surprised as the star of the show, Bhagat Singh, urges the Indians to "Change your destiny, break the shackles of slavery," and to "Come, make a resolve, let's throw out the oppressor." By the end of the song, Bhagat has met the other revolutionaries, and the British members of the audience are fleeing.
In the poignant and tragic final number, "Mera Rang De," Bhagat, Sukhdev, and Rajguru sing as they bravely march off to meet their deaths.
Many parts of the film are extremely humorous. The people of India far outnumbered their imperialist oppressors, and united they were many times stronger. The British realized this, and the fear that they exhibit in many scenes makes for some gratifying laughter.
The movie ends with a caption that drives home the political message of the film. It states: "Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were just 23 years old when they were hanged. They gave up their lives for their dream of a free, democratic and secular India. And yet, today Indian society is ravaged by the poison of fundamentalism, communal hatred, injustice and corruption. Have we betrayed their sacrifice?" The Legend of Bhagat Singh is an entertaining movie and history lesson, but more importantly an essential tool for understanding how to organize a revolutionary party to mobilize the masses.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh is available from Tips Films on DVD and videotape, and is playing in selected theaters across the US.
www.legendofbhagatsingh.com
Bio: Brandon is Chair of the Pratt Institute YCL Club and is a member of the YCL National Council
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