Azad Bharath Review: An Earnest Movie That Needed Better Promotion
Actor-director Roopa Iyer, who has made her mark in South Indian movies, has done her best in this directorial debut in Bollywood
Azad Bharath tells the inspiring story of Neera Arya, a soldier in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose-led Indian National Congress’ women's army. Actor-director Roopa Iyer, who has made her mark in South Indian movies, has done her best in this directorial debut in Bollywood.
The protagonist’s dedication to the cause and bravery in the face of British brutality make for a gripping narrative. The climax is particularly impactful, showcasing Neera's defining moment and leaving audiences to witness her fate on screen.
While Iyer as a director is meticulous, her performance as Neera Arya shines through, showcasing her strength and vulnerability. She puts up a very elegant performance, self-assured in putting forth the layered and inspiring story.
The rest of the cast also delivers outstanding performances. Shreyas Talpade is phenomenal as Netaji, bringing authenticity and conviction to the role. Indira Tiwari and Dr. Subhash Chandra also impress, adding depth to the narrative. The supporting cast, including Suresh Oberoi and Priyanshu Chatterjee, contributes to the film's emotional impact.
The film's screenplay and dialogues strike a perfect balance, conveying patriotism through emotions rather than loud slogans. The background score and compositions are subtle yet impactful, enhancing key moments without overpowering the narrative.
Minus points: In today’s competitive filmmaking market, publicity plays a vital role. What Azad Bharath achieves through its merits is bogged down by an overlooking in publicity. Shreyas Talpade being a big name in Bollywood should have added value to the star power, but his absence during the promotion events due to shooting of his upcoming films has affected the film badly.
But all in all, it is a sincere move that deserves to be watched on the big screen. If you're looking for a movie that'll leave you feeling inspired and proud, this should be the one.
Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Suresh Oberoi, Roopa Iyer, Indira Tiwari, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Suchendra Prasad
Director: Roopa Iyer
Producer: Roopa Iyer, Jaya Gopal AB, Rajendra Rajan
Banner: India Classic Arts
Genre: Patriotic
Duration: 2 Hour
Censor: U/A
Release Date: 2nd January 2026
Rating: 3/5
