Aravind SundaramJallianwala Bagh as far as we know is a one off event. Hundreds at the ground were shot on General Dyer’s orders. But did we know the aftermath of the violence? Did we even know what people actually went through that time? Most importantly, did we know General O’Dwyer and the one – Sardar Udham Singh who shot him at London Caxton Hall?
The very fact that we did not know all of this so far is the best example of brushing up our history. Luckily, Shoojit Sircar directed Sardar Udham streaming on Amazon Prime replicates all of this pretty well.
Here are some facts that we did not know about the Jalianwalla Bagh massacre and the tyranny of the British Empire. Also how the movie portrays the empire brutally curtailing the freedom fighting movement taken forward by Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh and others.
Local Population in Amritsar had no access to Essentials during that time
Right before and after the inhuman act, the then imperial government had cut down electricity and water supplies. At one point, it is shown that the protagonist (Vicky Kaushal), is seen carrying the many injured souls to a safe place in the neighbourhood. However, the number kept on increasing and they hardly had enough water to help them. Later on, doctors and a lot of volunteers were attending to them.
British Portray Indians as Savages to Justify their Colonial Tyranny
O’Dwyer is shown saying that ruling India is not only the right of the British Empire, but Duty. Without us, Indians would return to savagery killing and looting each other.
Most importantly, the references of all other bureaucrats in England that time spoke the same thing. We all did read the quotes of Winston Churchill on Indians and specifically on Brahmins. Therefore, they always made an effort to justify to the global fraternity that their tyrannical rule was essential.
British Crown has not Apologized for the Gruesome Act of Savagery till Now
Throughout the movie, one thing was pretty visible. O’Dwyer always had to justify Jallianwala Bagh attack. And, he is the one giving orders to General Dyer to indulge in such an act. At the end, it says that the British Government is yet to apologize for the gruesome act of savagery.
Udham Singh Single-handedly Planned Killing O’Dwyer
Udham Singh is entering London as Sher Singh and in different names. Initially, he seems to work for O’Dwyer and quits. Then, he is working as a salesman selling pens and other things in a flee market. Throughout this time, he is seeking support from Irish revolutionists and Communist workers too.
Truth is coming out
For long, Indian film makers did not bother to give importance to details. Luckily, Shoojit Sircar took the initiative in this movie. Most importantly, the movie deeply showcases the aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Similarly, all such unsung and unknown heroes must be showcased and honoured.
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Aravind Sundaram
