Raag Desh movie review: Patriotism gone haywire

Directed By: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Produced By: Gurdeep Singh Sappal
Cast: Mohit Marwah, Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 2/5

The heart-wrenching bravery of Paan Singh Tomar, a gasping thriller like ‘Charas’ or even ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’; we can go on glorifying his repertoire. Amid times when sense of a forced patriotism is eating us over, ‘Raag Desh’ could offer us some genuine goosebumps. But, alas!

For anyone who hasn’t thoroughly read about the history of India’s struggle for independence as well as the inception, growth and delay of the Indian National Army, ‘Raag Desh’ is a clueless journey. It attempts to be a diary of events rather than becoming a soul-stirring saga of bravery. It begins with Major General Shah Nawaz Khan (Kunal Kapoor), Lt Col Gurbaksh Singh (Amit Sadh) and Prem Sehgal (Mohit Marwah) being convicted by the British Government.

On the backdrop of the slaughtering colour of World War II, these three young chaps join Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s army with dreams of a free India. At a time when the spirit of India is bought away by the British, the INA soldiers are fighting it out with their own brothers. What divides the country? Interest of the rulers, and interest of the ruled. They’re, however, tagged as traitors, brought back to Delhi from the war in Rangoon and are awaiting justice. ‘Raag Desh’ tells you what and how life unfolds for them.

The film is set at a time when the domestic politics of India was undergoing crucial alterations. On the verge of independence, Congress and Muslim League were on the field, chalking the power games. It is so disappointing how the film devoted no efforts to paint a strong background. The presence of Netaji was the sole factor that added hints of patriotism to the story.

Mohit, Kunal and Amit’s controlled and impactful performances have been wasted, thanks to the extremely loosely knit screenplay. Tigmanshu is an experienced hand at creating periods. But this time, we had many a hiccups.

But here’s what plays the real spoilsport. Terrible editing. Throughout two and a half hours, we sat, trying to make sense out of how events were taking turns. In fact, it is difficult to remember when was the last time that a film was butchered this badly. *Banging head*

Look forward to average production and average music (We do NOT count ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa’ as an original note). Also expect many a facepalm.

Here’s what we loved the most. Mukesh Chhabra did a bang-on casting; probably the best in recent times. All in vain, and we know not whom to blame!

Strict warning. Do not watch unless you’re a history enthusiast!

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