I watched this movie with an open mind. Honeslty, many people told me that this movie was not worth watching, that it was a headache. But I was mighty impressed. I knew that this movie was part factual and part fictional and I thought it was a brilliant combination of both. It was a movie for both serious cinema-goers and those addicted to Bollywood masala films.
Mangal Pandey is a dedicated sepoy, leading a regimented life under the Bristish Company. He has an in William Gordon, a Britisher, who’s life Mangal had saved. Both became good friends, ever since. Life in the army goes on smoothly, until a time when there was a rumour rife, that the cartridges used to load the guns, was greased with the fat of pigs and cows. This runour also caused the friendship between Gordon and Mangal, to turn sour. Mangal accused Gordon of lying and keeping this fact away from him. Gordon assured Mangal that the cartridges were free of animal fat. Mangal volunteered to use the cartridges, on his assurance. A few days later, the truth was known.
Use of the new cartridges, was an insult to the religious sentiments of the Indian sepoys. In retaliation, the sepoys revolted against the British. Mangal Pandey single-handedly started the Rising of 1857, also know as the First War of Indian Independence. Few others incidents led to the cause of this war. The beating of an Indian soldier by a British officer and Mangal rescuing a prostitute, added fuel to the already brewing fire.
Aamir Khan is a pleasure to watch. The ease with which he has handled this complex historical character is quite applaudable, especially when he is angered. His body language is amazing. His looks only add to the meat of the role. The friendship between Mangal and Gordon is one of the strong points of the movie. Both have portrayed this relationship meticulously. Amisha Patel plays Jwala, a woman forced to burn herself on the funeral pyre of her husband. She is rescued by Gordon, with whom she eventually shares a relationship. Rani Mukherji plays a prostitute, who falls for Mangal. They marry in the jail, a few hours before his hanging.
All in all, the movie is worth a watch. It has all the elements of a Bollywood film – the music, the Holi song, the fight scenes and the relationships. The cinematography, screenplay, and art direction bring this historical character back to life. A good movie to watch, especially when it has been released on the eve of Indian Independence.

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