Released this week in Gujarat (Ahmedabad) and U.P. (Agra), Bloomfair Production and Lalmani Films’ Hero Of Nation Chandra Shekhar Azad (UA) is, as the title suggests, the story of freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Dhiraj Mishra and Yashomati Devi have written a story which hardly holds the interest of the viewers. Their screenplay is also very dull. The saddest part about the screenplay is that it doesn’t quite fill the audience with the feeling of patriotism. The duo’s dialogues are so-so.
Ahmad Kabir Shadan is ordinary in the title role. He hardly looks like a hero. What’s more, his voice is a major minus point. Raza Murad is fair as Azad’s father, Sitaram Tiwari. Zarina Wahab acts ably in the role of Azad’s mother, Jagrani Devi. Ritu Sood is alright as Durga Bhabhi. Puneet Agarwal is so-so. Vivek Anand Mishra (as Bhagat Singh), Vivek Tripathi (as Rajguru), Prashant Rai (as Sukhdev), Anuj Mishra (as Yashpal), Navneet Singh (as Bhagwandas Mahaur), Pradeep Kabra, Manjesh Pandey (as Manmath Nath Gupta), Tarakesh Chauhan, Prachi Bohra, Kavita Thakur, Navee Rautela and Gaurav Roopdas lend routine support.
Raja Randeep Giri and Dhiraj Mishra’s direction is below average. The duo has not been able to make a film which inspires patriotic feelings or excitement among the viewers. Arun Dev Yadav’s music and Shekhar Astitwa’s lyrics are functional. Background music (by Dharmendra H. Javda) is not up to the mark. Eugene D’Souza’s camerawork is ordinary. Sets (Rabiul Sarkar) are okay. Manoj Sankla’s editing leaves something to be desired.
On the whole, Hero Of Nation Chandra Shekhar Azad is a poor fare.