Released this week in U.P. (at Kanpur and Gorakhpur), Sarayu Vision’s 1922 Pratikar Chauri Chaura (UA) is based on a chapter of history from India’s freedom struggle. The Chauri Chaura massacre, which is often referred to as Jallianwala Bagh 2, took place on February 4, 1922, but is lesser known. The British police force dealt with a group of Indian protestors by opening fire, which resulted in the deaths of numerous revolutionaries. As their arms and ammunition depleted, the crowd retaliated by killing and burning 23 policemen right inside the police station.
Abhik Bhanu has written a script which does not have half the impact it ought to have had. The patriotic flavour is far less than what it should have been. Consequently, the interest of the audience just doesn’t rise to the desired level. Rather, the viewers passively watch the drama unfolding. If Abhik Bhanu’s story and screenplay are dull, his dialogues are no better.
Ravi Kishan delivers a fiery performance as Bhagwan Ahir. Anil Nagrath is ordinary. Ashok Banthia (as Ashfaq Hussain) is quite nice. Others pass muster.
Abhik Bhanu’s direction is dull. Music (Shubhansh Tiwari and Sanjeeba) and lyrics (Abhik Bhanu) are functional. Satya Kashyap’s background music is average. Camerawork (by Manoj Gupta) is passable. Shambhu Sharma and Surendra Prajapati’s art direction is so-so. A.D. Shekharan’s editing leaves something to be desired.
On the whole, 1922 Pratikar Chauri Chaura is a weak fare.