Guddu Dhanoa’s film presents a distinctive portrayal of Bhagat Singh, separate from the recent wave of biopics. While the director isn’t known for making particularly classy films, this version has its own burning energy. Its vitality, though different from Raj Kumar Santoshi’s version, is still quite significant. The narrative’s intense and emotional nature is sometimes overshadowed by dramatic elements, often seen in patriotic Hindi cinema.
The courtroom and jail scenes are arguably exaggerated, but the film’s emphasis is on showcasing the struggles of the freedom movement. The film is a vibrant and loud tribute to patriotism, and it successfully portrays the era through its visuals and the spirit of Punjab. Aishwarya Rai’s presence, though slightly out of sync with the movie’s theme, paradoxically demonstrates Dhanoa’s dedication to patriotism.
The film’s visuals are skillfully executed, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to Bhagat Singh’s execution, with exceptional cinematography. While the music is different from Rahman’s, it provides an honest emotional core.
The emotional depth of the film is revealed through the depiction of relationships, specifically Bhagat Singh’s bond with Lala Lajpat Rai and his mother. Sukhdev and Rajguru’s characters could have been developed further. Bobby Deol delivers a surprising performance as Bhagat Singh. The film intentionally omits the figures of Gandhi and Nehru, choosing instead to center on Bhagat Singh’s impact.
Sunny Deol expressed his discontent with Raj Kumar Santoshi producing his own Bhagat Singh biopic. Sunny Deol stated that he believed that Bobby and their film were a more realistic portrayal compared to others, and he also stated that it had always been his dream to make a film about Bhagat Singh.
Sunny Deol portrayed Chandrashekhar Azad in the film, and he focused on the detailed focus on Bhagat Singh’s life, emphasizing the originality of the film. He also mentioned how the team encountered a fire during filming, but they persisted to finish the project.