"Ae Watan Mere Watan" is a historical drama that delves into the life of Usha Mehta, a lesser-known but significant figure in India's fight for independence. Portrayed by Sara Ali Khan, Usha Mehta played a crucial role in the Quit India Movement, particularly through her establishment of Congress Radio, an underground radio station that disseminated Mahatma Gandhi's messages and kept the spirit of freedom alive during challenging times.

Cast and Crew

The film is produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with music by Akash Deep Sengupta, Shashi Suman, Mukund Suryawansi, and Utkarsh Dhotekar. Amalendu Chaudhary's cinematography beautifully captures the era, while Sangeeth Varghese's editing could have been more crisp and impactful.

Plot Summary

The narrative unfolds with British forces searching for an underground radio station believed to be hidden in a building. The story then transitions to the establishment of Congress Radio by Usha Mehta and her associates, highlighting the challenges they faced in evading British surveillance. The film explores Usha Mehta's commitment to the freedom struggle and her efforts to keep the movement alive through the radio station.

What Worked

1. Historical Significance: "Ae Watan Mere Watan" shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of India's struggle for independence, focusing on the contribution of Usha Mehta and the role of Congress Radio.

2. Performance: Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance as Usha Mehta, portraying her determination and courage effectively. Emraan Hashmi's role, though initially promoted as a cameo, adds depth to the narrative.

3. Engaging Narrative: The film effectively captures the challenges faced by the radio station and the tense moments of evading British authorities, keeping viewers engaged.

What Didn't Work

1. Pacing Issues: The film suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the beginning and end. The narrative takes time to build momentum, and the climax lacks the intensity expected from a historical drama.

2. Weak Romantic Subplot: The romantic subplot feels forced and does not contribute significantly to the main storyline, detracting from the overall impact of the film.

Verdict

"Ae Watan Mere Watan" is a decent attempt at exploring a lesser-known chapter of India's history. While Sara Ali Khan's performance and the portrayal of Usha Mehta's contributions are commendable, the film's pacing and narrative structure prevent it from being a compelling cinematic experience. It may appeal to audiences interested in historical dramas but falls short of delivering a truly immersive and impactful narrative.

Star Rating: 3/5