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This
historic epic takes us back to 1857 when India was governed by the
British East India Company.
It's
now a decade since they have been ruling the country. So resentment
is widespread.
The
introduction of cartridges reportedly coated with animal fat makes
matters worse to say the least. This is the time when Mangal Pandey
enters the scene.
The
film focuses on the strong friendship between Mangal (Aamir Khan)
and William Gordon (Toby Stephens), a British officer.
Apparently
Mangal had saved Gordon's life during a war in Afghanistan which
errupted due to a stoppage in the opium trade
Meanwhile,
the cartridge issue causes a rift between Mangal and William.
Mangal
discovers that the rumours are true - according to the film at least
- blaming Gordon for lying. So from a small incident, a major rebellion
takes place headed by Mangal Pandey.
The
main storyline is also interlaced with two sub-plots which no Bollywood
film would be without.
A great
excuse for some song and dance sequences, although these are limited
to background scores.
We
see Gordon falling in love with Jwala (Amisha Patel), a local girl
prepared to burn alive with her dead husband (sati) while
Mangal takes fancy to Heera (Rani Mukerjee), a court dancer.
As
the events unfold, we are kept on edge as to what happens next.
And that's an art which director Ketan Mehta has mastered.
Having
said this, we can perhaps overlook the minor flaws like the scene
where Gordon as an Englishman falls in love with a sati.
This scenario appears far-fetched.
And
to put Mr Mehta right, Mangal was not hanged in public as depicted
in his film. It was more of a private affair.
Aamir
Khan and Toby Stevens share a great on-screen rapport. Rani Mukerji
as Heera looks ravishing. She makes her presence felt in the film.
Kirron
Kher makes an impact in her very miniscule role as Lol Bibi. The
rest of the cast provides able support.
Ketan
Mehta has portrayed a slice of history in true Bollywood fashion.
It is two and half hours hours of pure, engrossing entertainment.
Worth a watch.
Reviewed
by Manish Gajjar
麻豆官网首页入口 Shropshire Bollywood
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