Ae Watan Mere Watan is a 2024 Hindi-language historical biographical film chronicling India’s struggle for freedom in 1942, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 21st. Directed by Kannan Iyer and produced by Karan Johar, the film centres on the courageous journey of Usha Mehta, a young girl who initiated an underground radio station to propagate the message of unity during the Quit India movement. However, despite its poignant subject matter, the film has garnered mixed reactions from viewers, particularly regarding the portrayal of its lead character, played by Sara Ali Khan.
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On Twitter, opinions have been divided. While some expressed anticipation for the film, citing excitement mainly for Emraan Hashmi’s role, others were less impressed. One user criticized the film’s execution, labeling it as a failed attempt to portray the story of an unsung hero. They criticized the set design, cinematography, and music, highlighting a major drawback: Sara Ali Khan’s purported lack of expression, suggesting that another actor might have been better suited for the role.
Another user lamented the missed opportunity of narrating an important historical narrative, attributing the disappointment to the inadequate performance of the lead performer. They emphasized the necessity of competent actors to bring powerful stories to life, rather than promoting nepo kids.
Furthermore, specific scenes and dialogues were scrutinized, with some viewers finding certain moments cringe-worthy. A particular dialogue, Karo Ya Maro, was unfavorably compared to her previous movie Love Aaj Kal.
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Criticism also targeted Sara Ali Khan’s performance directly, with one user suggesting that it might be time for her to consider retiring from acting. They accused her of overacting and opined that she lacked the finesse exhibited by her illustrious family members, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The user further noted that the absence of positive reviews for Khan’s performance, coupled with her appearance being unfavorably compared to older actresses, signaled a need for fresh talent in the industry.
As Ae Watan Mere Watan continues to elicit diverse reactions on social media, it is evident that Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal has become a focal point of discussion among viewers, overshadowing the film’s narrative and production elements.