Roopa Iyer’s Azad Bharath Brings INA’s Women Fighters Back in Focus

Azad Bharath is an ambitious Hindi-language period drama directed and produced by Roopa Iyer, and is based on the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj), with a special focus on its women’s wing—the Rani of Jhansi Regiment (also known as the Rani Laxmibai Regiment).

Director/Actor Roopa Iyer, who plays the lead role of Neera Arya and Indira Tiwari, who dons the character of a spy in the movie, sit down for an exclusive chat with DC. Excerpts:

Roopa and Indira — these names sound deeply symbolic. What do they signify?

Roopa Iyer: Indira represents Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, while Roopa means aakar or roop—form or embodiment. Together, they symbolise balance…. In Azad Bharath, Saraswati Rajamani’s character reflects that very philosophy. The union of Saraswati and Roopa forms the spirit of Azad Bharath.

You are debuting as a Hindi film director/actor with Azad Bharath. Why did you choose Hindi cinema for this story?

Roopa Iyer: I am an Indian. Whether I work in the South, North, or anywhere else, this entire country is mine. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was larger than life, and geographically restricting him would be unjust. Hindi allowed me to reach every Indian, which is why I chose this language to tell his story.

The film highlights women freedom fighters like Neera Arya and Saraswati Rajamani. What drew you to these characters?

Roopa: In Azad Bharath, the Azad Hind Fauj had three powerful women warriors—Neera Arya, Saraswati Rajamani, and Durga. When I was writing Neera Arya’s story, I wanted to play her myself. For Saraswati Rajamani, I wanted a natural South Indian face, someone authentic and unfiltered. After watching Gangubai Kathiawadi, I knew Indira was perfect. Despite many recommendations and influences, I stayed firm. I wanted truth on screen, not glamour.

How do you see your journey from commercial cinema to such a serious, historical film?

Roopa Iyer: This film is essential, especially for the youth. Many don’t know how Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA were sidelined by pseudo-aristocratic narratives. For me, Netaji has never disappeared. He lives in our energy, our conscience. His presence pushed me forward when I faced immense struggles while making this film.

You’ve spoken about spiritual energy guiding this project. Can you elaborate?

Roopa: I truly believe Netaji’s soul energy was guiding me. Out of 140 crore Indians, why did this responsibility fall upon me? Despite obstacles, pain, and resistance—often from our own people—I couldn’t stop. Some unseen force kept pushing me forward.

Are you receiving government support or tax exemption for Azad Bharath?

Roopa: We have shot across Maharashtra and Karnataka and have applied for tax exemption in various states. But I’m not waiting for it. We are already offering student discounts, and our aim is to screen the film even in Parliament. This film belongs to the nation.

The film strongly focuses on women empowerment. How do you see its relevance today?

Roopa: Women empowerment is not new; it existed even during Netaji’s time. The difference today is that we are talking about it more. Empowerment does not mean misuse of power. True empowerment comes with responsibility, dignity, and self-respect.

What is your view on the misuse of legal empowerment in relationships today?

Roopa: Law is for protection, not revenge. Whether man or woman, everyone must follow karma and accountability. When empowerment turns into exploitation, society suffers. Equal rights must come with equal responsibility.

Are we truly “Azad” today, as your film questions?

Roopa: We got freedom, but we are still fighting—against each other, against systems, against our own people. Even today, many women, artists, and truth-seekers struggle in an Azad Bharath. Freedom is not just political—it is emotional, social, and moral. And that struggle continues.

Indira, you’ve worked with big filmmakers like Prakash Jha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Did you hesitate to work with a first-time Hindi director?

Indira: Not at all. The first thing I look for is the story. This was not just a film; it was a responsibility. Language is never a barrier. What mattered was her clarity, conviction, and the honesty with which she was telling this story. Every artist deserves space, just as someone once gave me mine.

Indira, what do you feel is missing in today’s relationships?

Indira: We need safe space. Warmth. Compassion. Men are taught to be practical, women are emotional—but both need to balance. We seek the same warmth we once received from our parents. When that is missing, misunderstandings grow. Sharing and caring must co-exist, and both boys and girls must be taught values—not just independence.

What message does Azad Bharath ultimately leave with the audience?

Indira: This is not just cinema. It is a reminder of sacrifice, courage, and self-respect. The women of INA suffered unimaginable torture, yet lived with dignity. If they could stand strong in those times, we owe it to them to live responsibly today.

What would you like people to understand about Azad Bharath?

This film is not against anyone. It is for the country, for history, and for the countless freedom fighters whose sacrifices were forgotten. Supporting such stories is also a form of patriotism.

Set for a worldwide theatrical release on 2 January 2026, the birth anniversary month of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the movie features an ensemble cast including Shreyas Talpade, Suresh Oberoi, Roopa Iyer, Indira Tiwari, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Priyanshu Chatterjee, and Suchendra Prasad. The music is composed by Gautham Srivatsaa. The film is produced under the banner India Classic Arts.