Reviewed by Brian M Downing
Director: Shoojit Sarcar
10/10
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10280296/
This expertly crafted and visually impressive film centers on the 1919 Amritsar Massacre by British forces in India and the assassination 21 years later of the man who ordered it, Michael O’Dwyer. The title comes from one of the names used by the Indian nationalist who killed him.
The story is told in non-linear fashion, moving from Udham’s prison release in the twenties to various associations with nationalist and other anti-British groups, the assassination in London, and a harrowing (30 minute?) presentation of the 1919 massacre.
The historical context is ably presented. The Soviet Union is eager to help weaken Britain on the subcontinent. British anti-imperialist groups, including the Irish Republican Army, try to help. And Indian ex-pats yearn for independence. But owing to ineptitude and changing political positions as WW2 nears, they are of no use. Udham must act alone.
Udham finds work as an assistant to O’Dwyer who has returned from India to London. He has ample opportunities to kill the official, but Udham doesn’t want his action trivialized as the act of an angry domestic worker or disaffected immigrant. He bides his time and acts as a servant. This convinces O’Dwyer that he’s a “good Indian” who appreciates British rule. Udham converses with O’Dwyer about colonialism and even the events of 1919.
When the official is scheduled to speak at an event supportive of colonial rule, Udham hopes that killing him there will make clear his revolutionary, anti-imperialist motives. However, the British government, then under Winston Churchill, wants a peaceful subcontinent and loyal Indian troops for the war and suppresses information about the assassin’s motives.
Only after after the interrogations, torture, trial, and sentencing do we see the shocking depiction of the Massacre and Udham’s noble efforts to help survivors. Shortly before his hanging, Udham tells the official who interrogated him and came to respect him that only he and his God know what he witnessed that day in 1919.
©2022 Brian M Downing
Brian M Downing is a national security analyst who’s written for outlets across the political spectrum. He studied at Georgetown University and the University of Chicago, and did post-graduate work at Harvard’s Center for International Affairs. Thanks as ever to fellow Hoya Susan Ganosellis.
One man is hanged for killing another man, one whose career was advanced by killing thousands.