Bose - The Forgotten Hero

Article Updated 16 May, 2005 11:38:07 AM IST

Bose - The Forgotten Hero

Walking into a neighborhood multiplex, one is apprehensive about the number of people who would have come to watch 'BOSE - THE FORGOTTEN HERO'. But to a pleasant surprise it had more than 80% occupancy with the audience as distinct as a 10 year old kid sitting next seat, a group of college going guys, a newly married couple and a group of senior citizens. Getting on a high, one ventures into a mind-blowing celluloid experience that has a grandeur look and wide commercial appeal.

A Sahara India Pariwar production, 'Bose' is director Shyam Benegal's most ambitious and prestigious venture that tells the story of the great revolutionary from Calcutta. A subject like this could easily become a documentary if not given the right treatment. But aided by lavish budget, great research and a bunch of brilliant actors, Benegal re-emphasizes the point that a story well told always succeeds, so what if it is a journey back in history!

The cards are drawn on the table in the first sequence of the movie itself where Bose and Mahatma Gandhi are shown having a conversation around their clash of ideologies. From there, begins the journey of one single man, who is ambitious and confident enough to get the independence of India - his way! The 22-reel (3 hours 30 min) movie is divided into three parts, named Itmad, Ittefaq and Qurbani. The parts talk about Bose's escape from Calcutta to Kabul, then his attempt at getting support from countries as unlike as Russia, Germany, Italy and Japan, his formation of Indian National Army, the war with the British, the mysterious plain crash and finally the independence of India.

The beauty of 'Bose' lies in its execution that never once looses paces and comes across as a dramatic portrayal of the actual happenings in Subhash's life. Aided by the excellent musical score by A.R. Rehman, one never gets bogged down by the fact that he is watching a historical film. Instead, the audience gets an impression that they are being entertained through a commercial potboiler. Some of the sequences that are etched in a viewer's mind after walking out of a theatre are:

- Opening conversation between Bose and Gandhiji
- Stomping of a coin bearing Viceroy's image by Bose and the character played by Rajpal Yadav
- Peshawar radio playing the classic 'Abhi To Main Jawaan Hoon'
- Entire outdoor sequences in Kabul (shot actually in Uzbekistan)
- Ila Arun offering Bose gold coins
- The flip-flop game played between Germany and Italy
- Bose's meet with Hitler
- Bose's open challenge to Germans to dare arrest him
- U-Boat journey
- Bose crying out the golden phrase 'Tum Mujhe Khoon Do Main Tumhe Azaadi Doonga'

A point worth mentioning is about his relationship with Gandhiji, which is never projected in negative light. At frequent intervals, it has been made clear that Bose was not against him as a person but only against his ideologies that still had their roots from the olden days.

The major part of the movie is in English (and at places even Pushto and Punjabi) but that shouldn't be a problem for an average cinegoer, as the events unfold at such a rapid pace that it is easy to interpret the proceedings on the screen. In a historical piece like 'Bose', it wasn't expected to have any light moments but with due credit to Benegal; the smiles do come at regular intervals. From the over-the-top Pathan in Peshawar to Bose's fear of cats to Rajat Kapur's 'khichdi' sequence, everything is gelled well in the script.

On the technical front, cinematographer Rajan Kothari does a brilliant job in capturing the 40's well on the lens. The colors are consistent throughout and the movie bears a period look due to the brownish effect. Art director Samir Chanda, costume designer Pia Benegal and make-up man Vikram Gaikwad give an authentic look to the film that matches international standards. The background music is exciting, while music and lyrics by A.R. Rehman and Javed Akhtar Saab go well with the narrative. 'Ekla Chalo Re', 'Hum Dilli Dilli Jaayenge', 'Kadam Kadam Badaye Jaa' and 'Azaadi' stand out. Special effects range from being imaginative (the U-Boat journey, fighter planes scenes) to woefully tacky (the bombings on the airport). Sound design is good. Battle scenes are well drawn out, though they do not make you jump from your seats as they have been seen multiple times in recent war movies.

Now coming to the actors' performances. No doubt, the film belongs to Sachin Khedekar, who is each bit convincing as Netaji. His voice and body language suit the historic figure to the ‘T' (which is a rather difficult task to do). Acting as a veteran, one is amazed as to why this bundle of talent is still getting just bits and pieces roles. Filmmakers are definitely going to notice this performance, while he should already be one of the favorites for the National and all critics' awards. Three other performances that stand out are those of Rajit Kapur, Rajpal Yadav (yet again) and Divya Dutta. In fact Rajpal Yadav gets the maximum cheers when he is introduced. While Rajpal Yadav is already well established in the industry today, audience would also like to see more of Rajat who has made selective appearances in films like 'Ghulam' and 'Zubeida' in recent times. Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Ila Arun are efficient as always, while the lady who plays Emile and the German friend of Bose make their presence felt. Ironically, more known faces like Sonu Sood, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Arif Zakaria and Tom Alter have hardly any scenes, which allow them to display histrionics.

Once in a while, there comes a movie that DESERVES to be seen. Simply put, Shyam Benegal's 'BOSE - THE FORGOTTEN HERO' is one of them that is a MUST for every individual who has a slightest interest in watching quality cinema. This is an ideal flick for a group viewing of school-college students. At the box office, it may not have taken an encouraging start at an All India level, but it is also not one of those flicks that take a 'weekend' start only to be diluted from Monday onwards. The collections should be on the stable side, only to pick up very soon with strong word of mouth as the days progress. A tax-free status should only help the cause.

**** (FOUR STARS)
*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

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