How Freedom at Midnight breaks the ‘us-against-them’ narrative in Indian historical dramas; Nikkhil Advani speaks

Freedom at Midnight Season 2 streams on SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium). In a new interview, director Nikkhil Advani discussed telling the Partition history without villainizing anyone.

Freedom at Midnight Season 2

Freedom at Midnight Season 2 delves into the brutal aftermath of India's independence, focusing on the chaos of Partition. The series, directed by Nikkhil Advani, is now streaming on SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium). In a new interview, the director opened up about whether it was difficult to make the show without villainising ‘the others' and also reacted to the show's comparisons with Netflix's popular show, The Crown.

How Freedom at Midnight avoids the usual ‘us vs them’ narrative?

What sets Freedom at Midnight apart is its patriotism without leaning on the usual ‘us-against-them’ narrative popular in India today. In an interview with Hindustan Times, director Nikkhil Advani was asked about the challenge of portraying history without villainising ‘the others.’

Nikkhil said, “I think I would possibly be more popular if I did, because that seems to be the norm today. But I think that it is important to present all points of view, all sides, all facets, and allow you to take that judgment. Some people turn around and say, ‘I was too soft on this, or I was too hard on this, etc.’ But those are calls that I have taken.”

Also Read: Freedom at Midnight Season 2 review: Slow-burn masterpiece that explores the raw, internal cracks of a divided nation

Did Nikkhil Advani accept Freedom at Midnight comparisons with The Crown?

The Crown is a Netflix historical drama depicting the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her 1947 wedding through the early 2000s, exploring the political events and personal challenges that shaped the modern monarchy, with the main actors changing every two seasons to reflect their age. Now, Nikkhil Advani's Freedom at Midnight has been compared with The Crown.

Welcoming the comparisons, Nikkhil said, “We got 100th the budget (as compared to The Crown). So, if that comparison is there, I'm very proud of it. I'm very grateful to my cinematographer, production designer, editor and producers. I wear it (the comparison) as a badge of honour.”

What's the story of Fredom at Midnight 2?

Freedom at Midnight Season 2 picks up where the first season concluded, shifting attention from the politics of independence to the chaos of Partition and its aftermath. The narrative delves deeply into several important historical circles. It explores the turbulent aftermath of India's 1947 independence and Partition.

Season 2 focuses on the process of the Boundary Commission, led by Sir Cyril Radcliffe (Richard Teverson), which arbitrarily divided Punjab and Bengal, leading to immense suffering and migration. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's efforts to integrate over 500 princely states into the Indian Union, specifically focusing on the contentious issues surrounding Junagadh and Hyderabad is shown.

There are rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the accession of Kashmir, and Maharaja Hari Singh's initial decision to align with neither nation, along with the widespread communal riots and violence in Punjab and Kolkata (Calcutta), and Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to restore peace amidst the growing disillusionment.

Freedom at Midnight 2 FAQs:

Q: When is Freedom at Midnight Season 2 coming out?

A: Freedom at Midnight Season 2 is now streaming on SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium).

Q: Is Freedom at Midnight based on a true story?

A: Freedom at Midnight adapted from Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins’ 1975 non-fiction book, faithfully portrays the historical events surrounding India’s independence and the 1947 Partition.

Q: Who plays what in Freedom at Midnight Season 2?

A: Freedom at Midnight Season 2 stars Sidhant Gupta as Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra as Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Arif Zakaria as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Ira Dubey as Fatima Jinnah.

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