The Waking of a Nation on OTT: Release date, plot, teaser, cast - everything to know about the historical courtroom drama

Filmmaker Ram Madhvani’s new Hindi web series, The Waking of a Nation, is set to take us back in time to explore a part of history that many people don't know about. It's about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, an immensely tragic event that happened in India during the rule of the British Raj. The series will show us a story of friendship, betrayal, and the struggle to get justice for the inhuman event. You will be able to watch it on SonyLIV in March 2025.

When to watch The Waking of a Nation on SonyLIV?

The historical thriller web series, The Waking of a Nation, will be released on SonyLIV, on March 7, 2025. Interestingly, OTTplay Premium subscribers will also be able to enjoy the drama through their subscriptions.

The Waking of a Nation cast, and more...

The upcoming web series features Taaruk Raina as Kanthilal Sahni, a lawyer who fights against the distortion of history by the Hunter Commission. Nikita Dutta will play Poonam, the wife of Hari Singh Aulakh. Others include Sahil Mehta will be seen as Ali Allahbaksh, Bhawsheel Singh as Hari Singh Aulakh, Carl Wharton as Lord William Hunter, Richard Bhakti Klein as Sidney Rowlatt,  Jamie Alter as Colonel Morgan, Meenakshi Chugh as Hari's mother, Ed Robinson as P. E. Jarman, David Michael Harrison as Major Hutton, Krishnakant Singh Bundela as Dalbir, Tómas Howser as Deputy Commissioner Miles Irving, and Dev Raaz as Heckling Man.

The Waking of a Nation plot overview

The story begins with Taaruk Raina as Kantilal Sahni, a lawyer navigating the deceptions of British colonial rule. As part of the Hunter Commission, the British sought to rewrite history, forcing Kantilal to confront racism and fight for truth. Alongside his childhood friends–Ali Allahbaksh (Sahil Mehta), Hari Singh Aulakh (Bhawsheel Singh), and Poonam (Nikita Dutta), Kantilal uncovers a conspiracy that will forever alter their lives.

However, though they hold different views, their strong connection drives them to reveal the secrets kept hidden by the empire. In a world where justice seems impossible, they face a daunting challenge: can they fight for the truth, or will it ultimately destroy them?

What does the teaser of The Waking of a Nation show?

The latest teaser begins with a haunting look at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, before shifting to a dramatic courtroom scene. Taaruk Raina is seen passionately and with sheer determination arguing against racism and the erasure of truth, accusing the British of a conspiracy. Alongside his childhood friends, Kantilal embarks on a thrilling journey to expose the truth behind this sinister plot.

Filmmaker Ram Madhvani's take on making The Walking of a Nation

Filmmaker Ram Madhvani, who won the prestigious National Awards for the film, Neerja, and received an Emmy nomination for the web series, Arya, once stated in an interview that he has always been very deeply interested in colonialism and the issues of racism and prejudice. Questions surrounding cultural, linguistic, social, and artistic colonization have always troubled him for ages. Hence, as he was contemplating his next project, he knew it had to be rooted in India’s past, from British rule, and our years after years of struggles for freedom.