On the solemn occasion of Veer Savarkar’s death anniversary, Bollywood and regional cinema have paid tribute to this towering freedom fighter through powerful portrayals of his life and sacrifices. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a name synonymous with unyielding patriotism, inspired several films that capture his revolutionary spirit, from his daring escapes to his endurance in the infamous Cellular Jail.
Leading the pack is Randeep Hooda’s ambitious ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,’ where the actor not only starred as the iconic figure but also directed and produced it, even selling his home to fund the project. Released amid controversy and protests, the film delves deep into Savarkar’s ideological battles, his poetry penned in prison, and his vision for a united India. Despite modest box office returns, it has garnered praise for its raw authenticity and Hooda’s transformative performance.
Earlier, Priyadarshan’s 1996 Malayalam masterpiece ‘Kala Pani’ brought Savarkar’s harrowing Cellular Jail experiences to life, with Annu Kapoor delivering a nuanced portrayal. This classic, set against the backdrop of Andaman’s brutal penal colony, highlights the tortures inflicted on freedom fighters by British colonizers. Its gripping narrative and stellar ensemble cast, including Mohanlal and Tabu, cemented its status as a cinematic gem.
In 2001, ‘Veer Savarkar,’ produced under the Savarkar Darshan Pratisthan by music maestro Sudhir Phadke, offered a biographical lens on his life. Shailendra Gaur embodied the revolutionary, under Ved Rahi’s direction. Crowdfunded through public contributions, the film doubled as an awareness campaign, later releasing in Gujarati to wider audiences.
Rounding out the list is the 2015 Marathi film ‘What About Savarkar?,’ which indirectly celebrates his legacy through the story of Abhiman Marathe, a young man challenging a corrupt minister’s insults against Savarkar. Amidst temple protests from friends, it underscores the ongoing fight for his honor in modern India. These films collectively immortalize Savarkar’s legacy, reminding us of the cost of freedom.