Director Abhijit Mohan Warang’s new film ‘Aakhri Sawal’ has hit the theaters. The film is not just entertainment but an ideological and factual debate based around Indian history, politics and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The film starkly highlights the gap between the fake world of social media and the ground reality of the country. The film brings out aspects and contributions of the RSS, an organization that recently completed 100 years, that are unknown to the general public.
What is the story of ‘Aakhri Sawal’?
The story of the film revolves around Vicky Hegde (Namashi Chakraborty), a very promising, intelligent but angry young man. Vicky has written a thesis on RSS, which is rejected by the college. Enraged by this, Vicky accuses his own respected guru Professor Gopal Nadkarni (Sanjay Dutt) of institutional bias.
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The controversy that started at the academic level gradually became a major national issue and eventually took the form of a high-voltage live TV debate. Through this debate, director Abhijit Mohan Warang and writer Utkarsh Naithani touch on many sensitive and historical issues of the country, including:
Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and facts related to it.
The role of RSS in the dark period of Emergency
Events of Babri Masjid demolition.
Organization’s relief work in natural calamities like Tsunami.
The sensitive issue of the tragic death of a Sangh worker in Kerala.
In the film, the narrative is set by Professor Nadkarni that the basic aim of the organization is to unite Hindu society by eliminating caste, race and class discrimination and instilling cultural pride in citizens.
Utkarsh Nathani’s powerful dialogues won
The real soul of this film is its tight script and powerful dialogues. Author Utkarsh Naithani has presented both the concepts of RSS and the ground reality in a very logical and credible manner.
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The film is not limited to political rhetoric but explores the religious and historical facts of both Hinduism and Islam. The audience gets some unique information through the dialogues, such as:
What is the spiritual significance of the child-like idol (Apoplexy Man) buried under the idol of Nataraja?
What are the mandatory conditions prescribed for building a mosque according to Islamic scriptures and Shariah?
Technological masterstroke: A brilliant use of AI to reveal the past
Another biggest USP of the film is its technical aspect. Instead of using any old blurry footage, the makers have resorted to AI-generated visuals to bring historical events of the past and the institution’s 100-year journey to life on screen. This use of technology is so brilliant and precise that the detail and craftsmanship of every scene is clearly visible on the screen, connecting the audience directly to that era.
Acting: Sanju Baba impressed, Namashi Chakraborty surprised
Sanjay Dutt: Sanjay Dutt gives his career best performance as Professor Gopal Nadkarni. Sanju Baba’s composure, composure and composure while speaking dialogues in pure Hindi and difficult Sanskrit verses are noticeable.
Namashi Chakraborty: Mithun Chakraborty’s son Namashi dazzles in the role of ‘Vicky Hegde’, a rebellious and ideologically strong student. Throughout the film, he stands strong and confident in front of a legend like Sanjay Dutt.
Supporting Cast: Amit Sadh impresses as always in a small role as ‘Aditya Rao’. Mrinal Kulkarni has given a brilliant performance as the professor’s wife. However, Sameera Reddy’s (Dr. Pallavi) artificial facial expressions disappoint. Tridha Chaudhary and Neetu Chandra didn’t have much to do in the film, they were reduced to only decorative characters.
Direction and music
Full credit goes to Abhijit Mohan Warang for editing and directing this tough 117 minute film. He doesn’t let the film get cumbersome or boring anywhere, especially the second half and the climax of the film, which is completely based on irrefutable facts, keeps the audience hooked.
Monty Sharma’s background score enhances the tension of the scenes very well. Inderveer’s classic song ‘Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada’ played at the end of the film leaves a distinct feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the audience as they exit the theatre.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (a must see for those who like real cinema and tight political drama).