PremiumStream The Legend of Bhagat Singh! Reflecting on 22 years of Ajay Devgn's iconic role
22 years later, let's revisit Ajay Devgn's National Award-winning performance in The Legend of Bhagat Singh.
Last Updated: 11.35 AM, Jun 07, 2024
The Legend of Bhagat Singh made its big screen debut 22 years ago. In the Best Actor category, the film won Ajay Devgn his second National Film Award. It's time to revisit Rajkumar Santoshi's film, which explores the life and times of Bhagat Singh. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video, ShemarooMe, and Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).
Plot overview of Bhagat Singh's biographical journey
The film's hero, Bhagat Singh, was a revolutionary who, along with his fellow Hindustan Socialist Republican Association members, fought for India's independence. Notable actors Sushant Singh, Akhilendra Mishra, and D. Santosh co-star with Ajay Devgan, who plays the title role. In supporting parts, you can see Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal, and Amrita Rao.
The film chronicles Singh's life from his formative years, when he was a witness to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, all the way up to his hanging on March 24, 1931, prior to his formal trial. While a boy living in British India, Bhagat Singh witnessed many atrocities; as an adult, he became one of India's most courageous liberation fighters. Rajkumar Santoshi wrote The Legend of Bhagat Singh, a biographical drama. It is based on Bhagat Singh's life as a radical Indian freedom fighter. Starting with the British plot to covertly dispose of Singh's corpse so he doesn't become a martyr, the film follows Singh as he comes to terms with the Raj and his steadfast struggle for India's independence.
A. R. Rahman composed both the film's music and the soundtrack. The songs Mera Rang De Basanti and Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna were highly acclaimed.
Critical reception and awards
The film's director, plot, screenplay, technical elements, and acting of Devgn and Sushant were the most praised when The Legend of Bhagat Singh premiered on June 7, 2002, to mostly positive reviews. Despite this, the film's box office performance was lacklustre, earning only ₹129 million. Two National Film Awards followed: one for Best Hindi Feature Film, and another for Best Actor for Devgn.