The Waking of a Nation creator Ram Madhvani on 106 years of Jallianwala Bagh massacre: 'This is my Shraddhanjali'

With his most recent work, The Waking of a Nation, acclaimed director Ram Madhvani—known for his emotionally powerful narratives in films like Neerja and the riveting web series Aarya—honours one of the worst periods in Indian history. The six-part series on Sony LIV (OTTplay Premium) respectfully and sensitively examined the atrocities of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that occurred on April 13, 1919.

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Remembering the Jallianwala Bagh massacre

The 106th anniversary of the terrible event is upon us, and Madhvani's work is a moving and intimate homage to the hundreds of unarmed demonstrators who were murdered by British forces who fired without provocation or warning. By avoiding sensationalism and focusing on remembering rather than spectacle, "The Waking of a Nation" aims to portray the melancholy truth of that day.

Madhvani describes Jallianwala Bagh as a tragedy, but it also demonstrates the true cost of colonial power. The people there gathered in peace and their encounter altered the trajectory of events.

Story of remembrance

The filmmaker emphasises that the massacre marked a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence, as people started to question the façade of benign colonialism. He hopes future generations will remember the sacrifices of those who died, as his involvement in the project is deeply personal.

“This is my 'shraddhanjali' – not just in words, but through storytelling,” he explains, while adding that people must keep this memory alive for the sake of future generations.

Honouring unsung heroes

One of Madhvani's goals in writing The Waking of a Nation was to bring attention to the unsung heroes who were there at Jallianwala Bagh: regular people who didn't want recognition for their bravery but whose actions still managed to bring about change.

Madhvani asserts that the massacre "marked a turning point in India's history," and he feels a duty to preserve these accounts. They pay tribute to the voiceless by relaying their stories.

The series carries on Madhvani's tradition of storytelling that delves into the human spirit, with its foundation in honesty and respect. In addition to recounting historical events, The Waking of a Nation offers a moving meditation on perseverance and communal memory, serving as a sobering reminder of the personal sacrifices that led to the liberties we cherish in the present day.