Inqilaaaab Jindabad. Review on The Legend Of Bhagat Singh

The film begins with three bodies - those of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru -- being surreptitiously smuggled out of a jail during the British Raj.

They are taken to an unknown destination, chopped up into pieces and burnt. When the public chance upon the dastardly act, all hell breaks loose.

Flashback to a young Bhagat Singh who is distressed at incidents such as the Jalianwala Baug massacre and other atrocities committed by the British. As he grows up, he vows to take revenge. He joins the revolutionaries and works in tandem with Chandrashekhar Azad. When the Simon Commission arrives to decide on the degree of autonomy to be given to the Indian states, it is boycotted with the now famous lines `Simon go back.` When the commission reaches Lahore, it is faced by a large gathering of non-violent freedom fighters (including Bhagat Singh) which is led by Lala Lajpatrai. Inspite of the non-voilent protest, Scott, the chief of police, orders a lathi charge against the protestors. Lala Lajpatrai who is grievously injured in the chaos, dies to his injuries.

Now completely disillusioned by Gandhi`s philosophy of non-violence, Bhagat Singh swears revenge and plots to kill Scott. However, their daring plan fails when they are unable to recognize Scott and kill Sanders, a junior officer instead.

Meanwhile, with both Gandhi and Nehru denouncing them as extremists who are hindering the freedom struggle, Bhagat Singh now realizes that unless the revolutionaries` point of view is publicized, they will never succeed in awakening the masses or driving their point home with the British. He comes up with the ingenious plan of lobbing a hand grenade in the Assembly Hall, taking care not to hurt anyone - the resulting publicity in the press would be sure to drive their point home - not only in British India, but in Britain as well.

Also, he decides that whoever carries out this mission must give themselves up and continue to voice their opinions during the ensuing court case. Everything goes according to plan. The trio of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru court arrest and immediately become national heroes - even rivaling the popularity of Gandhi at one point.

Unfortunately, the British come down hard on the revolutionaries and arrest the entire group. When Chandrashekhar Azad is cornered, he shoots himself rather than fall into their hands. Disturbed by Bhagat Singh`s popularity, the British then secretly execute the three revolutionaries.

Rajkumar Santoshi is back in his element after the not-so-happening `China Gate` and `Lajja.` The film`s pace surely keeps you rooted to your seats - barring the odd song and dance number, which could easily have been avoided. However, A R Rahman`s, patriotic numbers are sure to scale up the charts. Sound and editing are certainly up to the mark. Ajay comes off with flying colours, as does the rest of the cast - especially Raj Babbar, Akhilendra and Sushant Singh.

The Film probably suffers due to the absence of a well known face among the revolutionaries, besides Ajay, especially considering that a major part of the film revolves around this group. Coming at a time when tension between India and Pakistan is at an all time high, this historical is sure to whip up patriotic fervor among the audiences. The revolutionaries` derogatory dialogues towards the British are sure to appeal to the front benchers. Now it remains to be seen whether the film can sustain its appeal when pitted against the other biggie - the Deols` `Shaheed.`