Film: Ae Watan Mere Watan

Cast: Sara Ali Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Anand Tiwari

Director: Kannan Iyer

OTT: Amazon Prime Video

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Sara Ali Khan, one of the most popular female faces in the film fraternity in present times, has experimented with various genres over the past few years. Now, the young starlet acts in a period drama based on a chapter in the life of Usha Mehta who used underground radio to spread the word of 'Azaad Bharat' (Independent India). In Ae Watan Mere Watan, the story begins with Usha's childhood and travels through her adulthood when she boldly faces odds to make her voice heard.

Ae Watan Mere Watan might not touch every aspect of Usha's journey to India's freedom but it substantially highlights the key events. The period drama opens with Usha (Sara Ali Khan) attempting to escape the premises of the radio station amid a police raid. She comes face to face with a cop. The narrative then moves to her childhood. Patriot Usha is the daughter of a lawyer loyal to the British Government. She dreams of soaring high in the skies of independence and freedom.

Director Kannan Iyer presents an important story entertainingly. Every sequence in the film is well-researched and nuanced. Kannan and his team of writers understand the world of Usha and her struggle. While there is drama, there's a strong sentiment of patriotism, pride and freedom. However, none of these cloud the basic crux of the film. The director focuses on telling a balanced narrative rather than leaning on one side of the tale. 

Ae Watan Mere Watan has intense moments that hold your attention. The story of Usha is beyond her quest for patriotism. She's a headstrong woman with her vision and voice in the right direction. Fighting odds, the film doesn't just inspire but also fills you with hope. Despite being a period drama, Ae Watan Mere Watan doesn't have heavy or melodramatic dialogues. The romantic angle is kept subtle to not steal the limelight from the key purpose. 

Sara Ali Khan delivers a lovable performance as Usha. She looks the part and understands the character's emotions correctly. Over the years, she has improved her craft and Ae Watan Mere Watan shall make her fans proud of the performer she has become. Emraan Hashmi shines in a brief yet poignant character. The actor supports the screenplay and adds his stardust to it. Abhay Verma and Sparsh Shrivastav stand out. They are incredible actors and Ae Watan Mere Watan is a testament. Sachin Khedekar does a good job as Usha's father.

The film is a pure, clean and good-intentioned period drama. A refreshing change from action, Sara Ali Khan's drama sets the bar high for other releases.