Marita Marita Mareto Zunjen (I welcome death, but fight I will) : goosebumps guaranteed !

Movie review of Swatantryaveer Savarkar

Veer Savarkar Movie (Credits : New Indian)

Freedom does not come easily, it has to be snatched. When unjust powers prevail, they have to be fought and defeated. ‘Swatantryaveer Savarkar’ starring ace actor Randeep Hooda blows apart the ahimsa myth that non-violence gave us freedom. This film will leave you wondering, was freedom possible without a struggle?

Acting that embodies the spirit of Swatantryaveer Savarkar

Randeep Hooda’s acting is outstanding. An artist’s performance is successful, when the audience experiences the character and not the artist. It is not possible to successfully essay the role of Savarkar without experiencing the pain faced by him. Hooda’s study and hard work are reflected in his portrayal. You will feel that you are seeing Savarkar in the flesh.

Emphasis on filming reality

A strong point of the film is that neither Randeep Hooda nor the other actors have overacted, so they are believable and resonate with you. The film makes a successful attempt to portray contemporary India, and the modernity of England. There have been numerous reports on Hooda’s massive transformation to look lean like Swatantryaveer Savarkar and this shows on screen. The performance of all the actors is excellent.

A flowing and well woven plot

The film starts with a young Savarkar taking an oath ‘Marita Marita Mareto Zunjen’ (I welcome death, but fight I will) in front of Shri Ashtabhujadevi to free India. Notable events from his life including organizing a bonfire of foreign clothes to revolutionary work in India House as a student, being sentenced to life in Andaman to the partition of India and the arrest in connection to Gandhi’s assassination have been covered in the film. Swatantryaveer Savarkar’s patriotism, Hindutva ideology, politics, social service and contribution to literature have been presented brilliantly.

Horrific reality of life imprisonment in Andaman

Swatantryaveer Savarkar has been the subject of movies and serials. But this film draws its inspiration from Savarkar’s autobiography ‘Maazhi Janmathep’ (My Transportation for Life) and lays bare the horror of Kaala Pani in the Andamans. The desperation of the revolutionaries forced into terrible conditions, their loss of hope, the tortures they faced, Savarkar’s revolution within the bleak walls – each scene will give you goosebumps.

Savarkar – Gandhi confrontation

The film’s trailer showing an intense confrontation between Gandhi and Savarkar was the talk of the town. The movie shows 4 meetings in all with the ideological differences between the two on how to win freedom, the khilafat movement, religious conversion picturised well. The movie is about Savarkar, so it is natural that his thoughts are given prominence, but that does not mean that the movie seeks to diminish importance of these discussions by trivialising the contrary views. In fact, they give you a glimpse of Gandhi that you have never been exposed to.

I left the theatre with a profound sense of gratitude for all those who fought for our independence. You will too!

– Pritam Nachankar, Special Correspondent, Sanatan Prabhat, Mumbai