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Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Film)

by Mamta Bhatt | December 06, 2010 14:39 | Edited December 06, 2010 14:40

Despite its compelling subject matter, this is let down by its weak characterisation and poor pacing.

Based on a true story from the 1930s, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a celebration of unsung heroes in the fight against British rule over India. Led by a schoolteacher, Surjya Sen (Bachchan), a group of revolutionaries, comprised mainly of teenage boys, unleashed a powerful raid on British forces in the sleepy province of Chittagong. Armed with self-made bombs, rifles and a strong sense of patriotism, the revolutionaries stormed key areas and heralded an unprecedented act of martyrdom, which galvanised a whole nation to act against their British oppressors. The film exposes and celebrates a forgotten story from the annals of history - a story simultaneously tragic, beautiful and inspirational.

 

Director Gowarikar is a master storyteller of the historical period genre, and particularly patriotic stories, having helmed the 2001 Oscar nominated cricket/emancipation epic Lagaan. However, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey feels like a missed opportunity with weak characterisation and narrative arc, a lethargic first hour and a half, and bad editing.

 

The film attempts to galvanise audiences with intense patriotic fervour, but the story lacks the emotion necessary for the story to succeed. It focuses too heavily on the motley assortment of teenagers and half-baked sketches of the revolutionary leaders in the first hour, but without significantly building an emotional bond with the audience.

 

Despite its flaws, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a thought-provoking film embellished with fantastic performances by all the cast (particularly Bachchan as the charismatic leader), a terrific soundtrack, amazing cinematography and - crucially - a very important and intriguing tale (albeit not handled as well as it could've been). The sacrifice of the heroes lingers long after the last scenes - their forgotten story now an unforgettable chapter of Indian history.