The year 2020 marked the 74th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule. As the nation celebrated this milestone, a lesser-known chapter in the country's freedom struggle came to light, thanks to the Amazon Prime Video series "The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye" (Season 1). The show, based on a true story, shed light on the courageous men and women who fought against the British in the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj.
The series follows the journey of soldiers who transitioned from the British Indian Army to the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose .
Some reviewers felt the storytelling at times felt staged or, in some moments, overly "Bollywood-like" or formulaic compared to its potential. However, the five-episode structure keeps the pacing brisk. 5. Why You Should Watch It
The show breathes life into a military force that marched from Singapore toward Delhi. Despite their sacrifices, they were largely dismissed as traitors by the British and marginalized by post-independence historians. 🎬 Series Overview & Production Context The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye -2020- S01 ...
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The seeds of "The Forgotten Army" were planted long before the OTT boom. In 1999, a young Kabir Khan made his directorial debut with a documentary of the same name for Doordarshan. This documentary chronicled the journey of the Azad Hind Fauj by retracing the 3,884 km route from Singapore to Delhi that the INA had marched. The story, however, never left him. He spent the next two decades researching, interviewing surviving veterans like Captain Lakshmi Sahgal and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and dreaming of giving their stories the grand, cinematic scale they deserved.
Kabir Khan, known for Kabul Express and New York , brings a grand, cinematic scale to the project. The year 2020 marked the 74th anniversary of
The INA's mission was to infiltrate India, spread the message of freedom, and galvanize support for the independence movement. These brave men and women, largely forgotten by history, risked everything to challenge the British Empire. Their stories, though largely untold, are a testament to their patriotism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to India's freedom.
One of the most striking aspects of The Forgotten Army is its portrayal of the diverse group of individuals who joined the INA. From young men seeking adventure to seasoned soldiers motivated by patriotism, the series showcases the human side of the struggle for independence. The inclusion of women in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment further highlights the inclusive nature of the INA and the vital role played by women in the freedom movement.
The series begins in 1942, as the Japanese army captures Singapore and thousands of Indian soldiers find themselves as prisoners of war. Encouraged by Bose, many of these soldiers choose to join the INA, driven by a desire to liberate their homeland. The narrative weaves between the past and the present, as a veteran of the INA, Sodhi, recounts his experiences to his grandson, providing a personal perspective on the historical events. The series follows the journey of soldiers who
They had crossed the river. India was within reach.
Sunny Kaushal shines as the passionate Sodhi, while Sharvari Wagh makes a confident debut as Maya, a photographer-cum-soldier.