Sunny Deol’s Defense of Bobby Deol as Bhagat Singh: A Patriotic Film’s Making

While some may view this as another Bhagat Singh biopic amidst a wave of similar films, particularly given director Guddu Dhanoa’s reputation, his version possesses a distinct intensity. It offers a vibrancy that contrasts with Raj Kumar Santoshi’s ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh,’ yet remains impactful. Dhanoa’s narrative is marked by an organic intensity, though it sometimes becomes overly dramatic with patriotic rhetoric. The courtroom scenes, and the jail sequence, while dramatic, are overdone. However, this overt drama isn’t necessarily a flaw in a film about rebellion. The film is a loud celebration of patriotism, using vibrant colors to evoke the era. The film’s visual elements are strong, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to the final execution, all presented with authenticity. Cinematographer Thiru’s work is remarkable. While the songs may not match A.R. Rahman’s, they resonate with a rawer emotional core. Dhanoa highlights the relationship between Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai, and the bond with his mother. Bobby Deol, as Bhagat Singh, is a pleasant surprise, embodying the character’s vitality. Comparisons to the other Bhagat Singh films are inevitable, with this film being a more melodramatic work. Sunny Deol spoke about the project, expressing his belief in the film and his satisfaction with Bobby’s portrayal. He also stated that the film is a fully original work. The sets faced a major setback with a fire but they persevered.