The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) saw a significant moment as the biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was showcased as the beginning part of the Indian Panorama section. The film’s team, including lead actor and director Randeep Hooda, engaged with the media to discuss the creative journey behind the film and its historical importance.
Randeep Hooda, who performed the supposed role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and also directed the film, drew similarities between the production challenges and Savarkar’s efforts during India’s freedom movement. "I felt the duty to bring the real story of this unacknowledged hero to the head,” Hooda shared. Highlighting the revolutionary’s vision, he added, "Savarkar always believed in a militarily strong India. Today, as our global position strengthens, this film clears light on an armed struggle that motivated numerous revolutionaries."
Actress Anjali Hooda, who plays the role of freedom fighter Bhikaji Cama, defined how the film heightened her knowledge of Savarkar's life. "This movie was an eye-opener for me," she said. "I hope more such films are made to highlight our forgotten heroes."
Cast members Jay Patel, Mrinal Dutt, and Amit Sial also shared their experiences during the press conference, highlighting the importance of bringing untold stories from India's freedom struggle to the big screen.
The film delves into the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a revolutionary thinker, poet, and determined champion for armed opposition against British rule. It narrates his change into a key figure in India’s independence movement, his ideological battles, and his years of hard time in the Cellular Jail. Through personal sacrifices and strategic leadership, Savarkar appears as a complex figure whose vision for a strong, self-reliant India restarts to motivate.
Cast and Crew
Director: Randeep Hooda
Producers: Anand Pandit, Sam Khan, Sandeep Singh, Yogesh Rahar
Screenplay: Randeep Hooda
Cast:
- Randeep Hooda
- Ankita Lokhande
- Amit Sial
- Mrinal Dutt
- Jay Patel
- Anjali Hooda
The film is balanced to spark conversations about lesser-known points of India's independence movement and celebrate the strength of unacknowledged heroes like Veer Savarkar.