The Waking of a Nation review: Series that probes the events leading up to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre lacks punch
The Waking of a Nation review: The Ram Madhvani-directed middling historical drama based on the events leading to Jallianwala Bagh massacre is too verbose and lacks dramatic tensionFrom the very beginning, the viewers are made aware that The Waking of a Nation is a historical drama “inspired by true events”. The six-part series, created and directed by Ram Madhvani, tries to expose the conspiracies that resulted in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919 — the day of Baisakhi celebrations. That day, during a public gathering at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the draconian Rowlatt Act, under which Indians could be detained without a trial, British army officer Reginald Dyer ordered firing at the crowd, after blocking all exits.
Mar 12, 2025, 06:48 IST
The Waking of a Nation is an attempt to acquaint the audience with the events which are considered to be turning points in Indian independence struggle. The series arouses interest and curiosity since the events leading up to the massacre, which was premeditated, and the inquiry that followed are not widely known facts.
The Waking of a Nation, directed by Ram Madhvani, is a historical drama series that delves into the events leading up to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. The narrative centers on Kantilal Sahni (portrayed by Taaruk Raina), a lawyer who uncovers a colonial conspiracy while seeking justice in the aftermath of the tragedy.
While the series aims to shed light on this pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence, critics have noted that it falls short in execution. The Indian Express observes that despite its ambitious premise, the series lacks the necessary impact to fully engage viewers. Similarly, Rediff describes the series as "all over the place and also boring to watch," indicating a lack of cohesion and engagement.
The series employs a courtroom drama framework to explore the complexities surrounding the massacre. However, Scroll.in points out that the narrative "works overtime to prove a conspiracy angle," suggesting an overemphasis that detracts from the storytelling. Additionally, the Times of India mentions that while the series is visually compelling, its "uneven pacing, lacklustre dialogue, and absence of emotional depth" prevent it from realizing its full potential.
In summary, The Waking of a Nation aspires to provide a fresh perspective on a significant historical event but struggles with inconsistent storytelling and character development, resulting in a series that lacks the intended punch.