Review: 'The Waking of a Nation' is a bold yet inconsistent retelling of a tragic chapter in history

A Period Drama with a Different Perspective

Set against the backdrop of colonial India, The Waking of a Nation captures the turmoil surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of April 13, 1919. Instead of focusing solely on the event, the series delves into the political climate that led up to it, particularly the controversial Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to imprison individuals without trial. A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to the aftermath, exploring the Hunter Commission inquiry that sought to investigate the massacre. This courtroom drama element sets the series apart from previous depictions of the tragedy, offering a new lens through which to examine its historical significance.

The show follows Kantilal Sahni (Taaruk Raina), a young lawyer freshly returned from London, whose Western education makes him an outsider among his peers. His character is inspired by Sir Chimanlal Harilal Setalvad, the man who famously cross-examined General Dyer during the Hunter Commission inquiry. Through Kantilal’s journey, the series portrays the ideological struggles of the time between reform and revolution, loyalty and resistance, justice and power. His close-knit friends, Hari Singh Aulakh (Bhawsheel Singh Sahni), Poonam Aulakh (Nikita Dutta), and Ali Allahbaksh (Sahil Mehta) represent different perspectives within the freedom struggle, embodying the religious and ideological diversity of India.

Ram Madhvani’s Direction: Authenticity Meets Restraint

Ram Madhvani is known for his meticulous attention to detail, and that commitment to authenticity shines through in The Waking of a Nation. The socio-political landscape, language, and period-specific nuances are recreated with impressive accuracy, lending a sense of realism to the story. The production design and cinematography effectively transport viewers to 1919 India, with beautifully crafted sets and immersive visuals that capture the era’s essence.

One of Madhvani’s most striking choices is how he depicts the massacre itself. Rather than showing explicit bloodshed, he relies on sound design and reactions to convey the horror. The relentless gunfire, the panic-stricken faces, and the unseen carnage make for a haunting sequence that stays with the viewer. By allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps, he creates a moment that is arguably more powerful than a graphic portrayal would have been.

The Performances

Taaruk Raina delivers a sincere performance as Kantilal Sahni, effectively capturing his internal conflict and moral dilemmas. However at points, his courtroom monologues often feel overly theatrical rather than deeply stirring. Nikita Dutta, Bhawsheel Singh Sahni, and Sahil Mehta do justice to their roles, embodying the spirit of the era with conviction, but their characters suffer from underdeveloped arcs. Their friendship, which forms the emotional core of the series, is engaging but lacks the depth needed to make their ideological differences truly compelling.

Alex Reece, playing Colonel Reginald Dyer, delivers a chilling portrayal of the man responsible for the massacre, though his screen time is limited. The supporting cast, while adding to the authenticity of the setting, does not leave a lasting impact due to a lack of well-fleshed-out character development.

The Missed Goals

However, Madhvani’s direction also has its shortcomings. The pacing of the series is inconsistent, with courtroom scenes that should have been gripping instead dragging on without enough emotional intensity. The use of multiple timelines, while initially intriguing, becomes repetitive, particularly in the later episodes where flashbacks are overused. The slow-burn approach works well in building tension but occasionally loses momentum, making some sections feel drawn-out and less impactful.

The Verdict

The Waking of a Nation is an ambitious historical drama that dares to approach a well-documented event from a fresh perspective. Ram Madhvani’s attention to historical detail and his restrained storytelling style make for a compelling watch, but the series ultimately struggles with pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and an inconsistent emotional arc. While the performances are earnest and the production values top-notch, the narrative lacks the gripping intensity needed to make a lasting impact.

For history enthusiasts, the show offers an interesting look into the lesser-known aspects of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, particularly the Hunter Commission inquiry. However, for general audiences, the slow pace and occasional lack of engagement might make it a challenging watch. While it has moments of brilliance, The Waking of a Nation falls short of being a truly powerful historical drama.

Rating

3/5 stars