This historic epic takes us back to 1857 when India was governed by the British East India Company. It's now a decade since they have been ruling the country. So resentment is widespread. The introduction of cartridges reportedly coated with animal fat makes matters worse to say the least. This is the time when Mangal Pandey enters the scene. The film focuses on the strong friendship between Mangal (Aamir Khan) and William Gordon (Toby Stephens), a British officer. Apparently Mangal had saved Gordon's life during a war in Afghanistan which errupted due to a stoppage in the opium trade Meanwhile, the cartridge issue causes a rift between Mangal and William. Mangal discovers that the rumours are true - according to the film at least - blaming Gordon for lying. So from a small incident, a major rebellion takes place headed by Mangal Pandey. The main storyline is also interlaced with two sub-plots which no Bollywood film would be without. A great excuse for some song and dance sequences, although these are limited to background scores. We see Gordon falling in love with Jwala (Amisha Patel), a local girl prepared to burn alive with her dead husband (sati) while Mangal takes fancy to Heera (Rani Mukerjee), a court dancer. As the events unfold, we are kept on edge as to what happens next. And that's an art which director Ketan Mehta has mastered. Having said this, we can perhaps overlook the minor flaws like the scene where Gordon as an Englishman falls in love with a sati. This scenario appears far-fetched. And to put Mr Mehta right, Mangal was not hanged in public as depicted in his film. It was more of a private affair. Aamir Khan and Toby Stevens share a great on-screen rapport. Rani Mukerji as Heera looks ravishing. She makes her presence felt in the film. Kirron Kher makes an impact in her very miniscule role as Lol Bibi. The rest of the cast provides able support. Ketan Mehta has portrayed a slice of history in true Bollywood fashion. It is two and half hours hours of pure, engrossing entertainment. Worth a watch.
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Shropshire Bollywood | 
