The Waking of a Nation Review: Ram Madhvani’s courtroom drama fails to engage despite Taaruk Raina’s decent performance

In 1919, a dark chapter in Indian history unfolded when the destiny of thousands of of us living in Amritsar used to be written in blood. Screams, wails, curses, and loud thuds—these phrases best describe what took net in Amritsar on April 13, 1919. The date serves as a horrific reminder of those who lost their lives in one in every of the bloodiest massacres in up-to-the-minute history—the Jallianwala Bagh Bloodbath. Right here is precisely what Nationwide Award-a success filmmaker Ram Madhvani’s series, The Waking of a Nation, aims to characterize. Launched on March 7, 2025, on SonyLIV, the six-episode series sheds light on the atrocities faced by the natives of Amritsar and the design in which a gradual negate turned trusty into a bloodbath, claiming the lives of more than a thousand of us.

The living of The Waking of a Nation revolves around the dilemma of justice denied or justice served for the of us of Amritsar. Whereas many movies and series in regards to the Jallianwala Bagh Bloodbath level of curiosity on the tragic occasions of April 13, Ram Madhvani’s series delves deeper, uncovering the advanced conspiracies and incidents that ended in the tragedy. It's far in most cases bright to see filmmakers mission beyond their comfort zones, exploring new genres and discovering reviews that ache and encourage them. Right here is precisely what acclaimed director Ram Madhvani is identified for. Recognised for his compelling storytelling and impactful route, Madhvani has helmed movies, web series, and commercials, earning necessary recognition of his work.

Role and Theme

The pilot episode begins with a line that states, “Independence from Britain is effectively-known somewhere on this planet as soon as every seven days.” These few phrases again as a reminder of how the nation used to be as soon as trapped in the clutches of the British and the sacrifices made to realize freedom.

As the first episode of The Waking of a Nation progresses, we hear a whisper in the background saying, “13 April 1919, Jallianwala Bagh hatyakand ke barey mein sab jante hain. Sabko yeh lagta hai ki uske zimmedar Customary Reginald Dyer hain, lekin kya Customary Dyer akele hi zimmedar the?”

And when the particular person leisurely the whisper comes into level of curiosity, we predict a attorney wearing a coat, adding a contact of Western impact to his attire whereas staying honest to his Hindustani roots by wearing a dhoti underneath. He is Kantilal Sahni (performed by Taaruk Raina).

Over the next six episodes, a racy court drama unfolds as Kantilal meticulously uncovers layer-by-layer of deception and oppression carried out by the British in Amritsar. From the Rowlatt Act to the arrest of Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew, followed by the Civil Lines riots and the gut-wrenching, relentless firing at Jallianwala Bagh that claimed thousands of lives, and indirectly, the hours-long good warfare in the name of the Hunter Rate—the series attempts to quilt it all. On the opposite hand, the inconsistent portrayal of historical timelines makes it irritating to completely clutch the broader context of these occasions.

Performance

Coming to performances, Taaruk Raina delivers a great portrayal of Kantilal Sahni, but his efficiency lacks the emotional depth required for such the biggest feature. His straight-faced expressions for the duration of prolonged speeches sooner than the committee won't be pleased conveyed the disaster and depth anticipated from any individual witnessing such horrific occasions. On different hand, Nikita Dutta, Sahil Mehta, and Bhawsheel Singh attach in trusty efforts to fabricate justice to their characters, managing to shield the fort to some degree. Ram Madhvani’s series may be pleased been more racy with stronger dialogues and a more fixed timeline.

Verdict

The pilot and 2d episodes may feel slack-paced, however the account indirectly picks up. On the opposite hand, despite trying to shield the viewers engaged and suggested about history, The Waking of a Nation struggles with clearer storytelling. Taaruk Raina delivers a compelling efficiency as Kantilal Sahni, however the series falters in balancing historical depth with engagement, on the total changing into entangled in repetitive flashbacks.

Stars: 2.5