The film Azad Bharath, released on 2 January 2026, attempts to bring to light a significant but lesser-known chapter of India's freedom struggle. Directed by and starring Roopa Iyer, the Hindi drama runs for 1 hour and 58 minutes and has received a modest rating of 1.5 from both critics and users. The movie aims to narrate the inspiring tale of Neera Arya, hailed as India's first woman spy from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA) Rani Jhansi Regiment.
A Story of Valour and Sacrifice
The plot of Azad Bharath is rooted in historical events. It follows Neera Arya (played by Roopa Iyer), a freedom fighter who made the ultimate sacrifice by murdering her own husband, a British Army officer and CID inspector named Shrikant Ranjan Das (Priyanshu Chatterjee), to save Netaji's life. After her capture and torture by the British, she eventually faded into obscurity. The film uses a dual timeline, opening in a present-day London fashion house where a modern-day Neera discovers the legacy of the freedom struggle, prompting her to research Netaji and the Rani Jhansi Regiment's contributions.
The narrative delves into Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's (Shreyas Talpade) revolutionary belief in women as front-line fighters and the immense challenges of recruiting women in a conservative society. It portrays the resistance from families and the internal conflicts within the Jhansi Regiment as they endured harsh conditions in the forest.
Where the Film Falls Short
Despite its powerful subject matter, the film's execution has been widely criticized. The review points out that the story rushes through Neera's background, failing to explore what ignited her spark to join the freedom fight. Her complex relationship with her husband, whose loyalties lay with the British, is acknowledged but not explored in meaningful depth.
The film's treatment is described as underwhelming. Rousing speeches fail to inspire, and scenes depicting torture in prison come across as distasteful rather than impactful. The parallel track of the contemporary Neera visiting the historical Neera's village feels ineffective, and the latter's descent into obscurity and death is handled in a rushed manner.
Performances and Final Verdict
Roopa Iyer delivers a passable performance as the protagonist but tends to become over-the-top in several moments. Shreyas Talpade gives an earnest portrayal of Netaji, though patchy makeup is often distracting. Priyanshu Chatterjee performs sincerely within the limitations of his role. The film also features Suresh Oberoi and Indira Tiwari in its cast.
In conclusion, Azad Bharath takes on an important and powerful chapter of Indian history that deserved a far more compelling narrative and polished execution. The result is an underwhelming cinematic outing that fails to do justice to the legacy of its unsung heroes. The film serves as a reminder that a great story requires equally great storytelling.
