~~~Martyrs never die~~~. Review on Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

First thing first. The corrupt politicians of today, one and all, should be arrested and put into a jail and let them watch movies like ' KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY' to realise that the crores they earn doesn't worth a single drop of blood spilled to get the freedom. Brain covered financial experts may take a break and watch films like this to hear the stories of suffering the soil have to say. Courageous freedom struggle stories from India can only give martyrs but it is to those martyrs we owe our present and future.

Based on the book 'Do And Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34' by Manini Chatterjee, KHJJS is an inspiring account of freedom struggle. Surjya Sen (Abhishekh Bachchan) is a respected school master who believes that the time of asking freedom in peace way is finished. When a group of youngsters lost their favorite football ground to British Police, they had no option but to approach the master for help. An army of revolutionaries are in the making with teenagers. With a great plan they moved forward to attack 5 destinations in Chittagong simultaneously and..............

KHJJS is a period film which transports us to a bygone era and the director, Ashutosh Gowariker succeeds in representing the period with great conviction. First half hour of the film is used for introduction of characters and situations which lead to the formation of revolutionary group, next hour engages us with great preparation for the attack. The attack was about 45 minutes in length and was engaging. The director however failed to trim the prolonged after loges before the end. It is a typical case of extra length diluting the impact like extra water reduces that of acids. Screen play slipped from cinematic to the one of documentary in the final half an hour. This is a film which a good dialogue writer would have celebrated but the dialogue writer fails to create any powerful dialogues, whatsoever. What saves the show is the characterisation and success in connecting them emotionally to the audience. More than anything, it is the spirit of fight for freedom holds the film together.

Abhishekh Bachchan did a good job as the revolutionary. It is not extra ordinary, but the actor comfortably handled the role with lot of maturity. Deepika Padukone impresses in a non glamorous role but her character was side lined when it mattered best. Sikandar Kher impresses, so is Vishaka Singh. Like in Lagaan, this film too has a good number of supporting actors where each one of them gets important roles and almost every one make their presence felt with brilliant acting. Great effort by the director in bringing out raw talent!

Cinematography is very good. There are certain scenes which will be remembered for cinematographic excellence but overall effect is limited to very good. Excess of light prevents shades and shadows, the much required cover to protect the baby of revolution which differentiates the freedom struggle from a sport.

Songs of the film are very good. Choreography however had little scope where the narration took care of it in most part. The romantic song didn't impress and it only succeeds in breaking the flow of story telling. Background scores are of superior quality. Excellent! Sound recorders did a fantastic job.

The film is a very good watch for the excellent performance by the cast, the patriotism the film has to offer, engaging nature of the content and above all, it is a well intended movie.

The movie's major problem is length, i.e. 3 hours and it could have been trimmed for 20 to 30 minutes without losing much of content to create a good impact. The screen play could have better close knitted. The screen play writer took a lot of cinematic liberties which is not good for a period like this. The film lacks punch of powerful dialogues, especially in the climax.

Overall, KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY is a very good attempt to recreate an era gone by to rekindle the lamp of patriotism so that we know the price our forefathers paid to get the freedom we enjoy today. The film fall short of excellent tag, but it is a good movie with a very good intention.

PS: Why o why there are back to back movies where teenagers had to make the big fight?

My rating: 3.75 stars