More than a century later, the memories of the Jalianwala Bagh massacre continue to haunt us.
In Shoojit Sircar's 2021 biographical historical drama 'Sardar Udham', the protagonist, played by Vicky Kaushal, recites a few haunting lines from a poem: “उस रात मैंने मौत देखी, एक बस वही अपनी थी, फिर सब अपने हो गए।” Translated, it means: “That night, I saw death. Only she felt like my own. And then, everyone became mine.” These words capture the depth of a tragedy that tore through hearts on April 13, 1919 — the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Thousands had gathered there in a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of pro-independence activists Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satya Pal. But then, temporary brigadier general R. E. H. Dyer sealed off the area and ordered his troops to shoot at the crowd. It continued until their ammunition ran off, claiming hundreds of lives. Even more than a century later, the pain still echoes through history. However, the massacre was not just a loss but was also a turning point in India's freedom movement. It ignited a storm across the nation — Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood, freedom fighters rallied in protests, and even those previously uninvolved in the movement were compelled to join the fight.
When Bollywood takes on the task of portraying this, it often focuses on just one side of the story, overlooking the true depth of the pain and aftermath. Only a handful of films have managed to do justice, capturing not just the sheer brutality of that fateful day, but also what followed. Today, commemorating 106 years of the Jalianwala Bagh massacre, let's have a look at some of those exceptional films.
In 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh', directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre plays a pivotal role in shaping Bhagat Singh’s journey. As a child, Singh (played by Ajay Devgn) witnesses the brutality of the massacre, which fuels his transformation from a boy to a revolutionary. This traumatic event ignites his fierce desire to fight for India’s freedom.
(Credit: Prime Video India)
The film does a remarkable job of showing how the massacre became a catalyst for Singh’s path to radicalization. The visceral portrayal of the bloodshed, combined with powerful performance, makes it impossible to look away. As Bhagat Singh watches innocent lives being lost, we are reminded of the deep scars that the massacre left on the minds of countless young freedom fighters.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Rang De Basanti' takes a contemporary approach, blending India’s past with its present. The film follows a group of college students who, inspired by the freedom fighters of the past, take a stand against corruption. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is briefly depicted but leaves a significant impact. The character of General Dyer is used as a metaphor for today’s corrupt politicians, with the massacre becoming a symbol of resistance.
(Credit: UTV Motion Pictures)
Although brief, the portrayal here is incredibly powerful. The intense imagery and symbolic choreography leave a lasting impression on our minds. Through this, Mehra draws a chilling parallel between past and present, urging viewers to reflect on how far India has come and how much further it still has to go in its fight against injustice.
'Phillauri' is an unlikely film to feature the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, yet it does so in a poignant and emotional way. The film, a fantasy-romantic comedy starring Anushka Sharma and Diljit Dosanjh, tells the story of a ghost who is unable to find peace after losing her fiancé in the massacre. The flashback sequence showing the tragic event is one of the most emotional parts of the film.
(Credit: Star Studios)
What makes 'Phillauri' unique is its ability to mix the pain of the massacre with fantasy while never undermining the tragedy. It beautifully portrays the loss and pain felt by families who lost their loved ones, making it one of the most emotionally charged representations of the event. Through Sharma's character, we feel the heartbreak of those who were left behind.
Perhaps the most gripping and intense portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre comes in 'Sardar Udham', directed by Shoojit Sircar. This biographical drama chronicles the life of Sardar Udham Singh, who avenged the massacre by assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The film takes the audience through the massacre in a raw and heart-wrenching sequence where a young Udham, played by Vicky Kaushal, witnesses the bloodshed.
Sircar’s direction is masterful. The cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay, with its haunting shots, enhances the brutality of the event. And more than the gunfire sounds, the silence that follows haunts your heart. The music by Shantanu Moitra, with its mournful tones, adds to the emotional weight of the scene. And definitely, Kaushal’s performance is extraordinary, portraying the anguish, rage, and heartbreak of a man who lost everything.
(Credit: Prime Video India)
'Sardar Udham' stands out because it doesn’t just show the massacre, but also makes you experience it. The long, unflinching takes create an intense atmosphere, which leaves you emotionally drained.
“It’s a wound that never heals. It’s a fight that never ends.” And these films ensure that we never forget.
