Review of the film “August 16, 1947”: A dull script ruins a compelling tale of the independence fight.
In Short
- August 16, 1947 is directed by NS Ponkumar.
- The film features Gautham Karthik, Richard Ashton and Revathy Sharma.
- The film graced the screens on April 7.
An excellent plot is ruined by poor execution, and you wish someone had told the director that he didn’t have to film or keep what he wrote.
In August 16, 1947, NS Ponkumar, a first-time filmmaker, wants you to think deeply and emotionally. The outstanding baseline he has gives him confidence in how his screenplay’s emotional beats captivate you and move you. The news of India’s independence from the colonial government may have taken some time to get to every nook and cranny of such a large country in 1947, when communication wasn’t as advanced and you couldn’t make movies on TikTok. This is what happened on August 14 to Sengadu, a village in Southern Tamil Nadu sandwiched between powerful mountains and snarling woods.
The peasants, who are kept like slaves by British General Robert Clive (Richard Ashton), are renowned for their production of fine cotton, which is hand-made. This enormous creature is reportedly one of the commanders who suggested to General Dyre that he slaughter hundreds of people in Jallianwala Bagh. As a result, he was sent to Sengadu as a punishment. Essentially, Sengadu is his realm of slaves, and he is a beast who thrives on terror and flesh.
August 16, 1947 has a high production value, thanks to producer AR Murugadoss. The setworks and the costumes transport us to the 40s and make you curious to learn about life back then. Cinematographer SK Selvakumar’s work is impeccable, and so is Sean Roldan’s music.
August 16, 1947 is a film that has a promising idea, which is plagued by an unimpressive screenplay.
