Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Teaser Out: Randeep Hooda brings the On-screen Life of the Forgotten Father of Hindutva
The teaser of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biopic on one of India’s most influential and controversial freedom fighters, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has been released today. The film, directed by and starring Randeep Hooda in the titular role, promises to be a gripping and provocative portrayal of a man who inspired many revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Khudiram Bose.
Who was Savarkar?
Savarkar was born in 1883 in Maharashtra, a province under British rule. He was a brilliant student who excelled in law, history, and languages. He was also a fierce nationalist who joined the revolutionary movement against the British at a young age. He founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, a secret organization that aimed to overthrow the British by armed rebellion. He also coined the term “Hindutva”, which means Hindu nationalism.
Savarkar was arrested in 1910 for his involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate a British official. He was sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment and deported to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, where he faced brutal torture and isolation. He wrote several books and poems while in prison, including his famous work “The Indian War of Independence of 1857”, which challenged the British version of history.
Savarkar was released in 1921 on the condition that he renounce violence and stay away from politics. However, he continued to be an influential figure in the Hindu Mahasabha, a political party that advocated for Hindu rights and opposed the Muslim League’s demand for a separate state of Pakistan. He also supported the idea of a united India that included all regions where Hindus were a majority.
Savarkar was accused of being involved in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 but was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. He died in 1966 at the age of 83.
Why is Savarkar controversial?
Savarkar is revered by many as a hero who fought for India’s freedom and defended Hindu culture. He is also seen as a visionary who foresaw the partition of India and warned against appeasing the Muslim minority. His supporters claim that he was misunderstood and maligned by his political opponents and historians who were biased towards Gandhi and Nehru.
However, Savarkar is also criticized by many as a traitor who betrayed the freedom movement by seeking clemency from the British and accepting their conditions. He is also seen as a communalist who propagated hatred and violence against Muslims and other minorities. His critics claim that he was responsible for instigating communal riots and assassinations that marred India’s independence.
What does the teaser show?
The teaser of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar shows glimpses of Randeep Hooda’s transformation into Savarkar, from his youthful days as a revolutionary to his old age as a political leader. The teaser also shows scenes of Savarkar’s imprisonment, torture, escape attempt, trial, and release. The teaser also features Ankit Lokhande as Savarkar’s wife Yamunabai and Amit Sial as Gandhi.
The teaser also challenges the conventional narrative of India’s freedom struggle by questioning Gandhi’s role and highlighting Savarkar’s contribution. The voiceover of Hooda says, “The struggle for freedom went on for 90 years, but only a few fought this war. The rest were hungry for power.” He also says, “Gandhiji was not a bad person, but India would have gotten freedom 35 years earlier had he not insisted on his non-violent policies.” The teaser ends with the hashtag #WhoKilledHisStory.
When will the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar film be Released?
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is produced by Anand Pandit, Randeep Hooda, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan, and Yogesh Rahar. The film is expected to release in cinemas in 2023.
