The Forgotten Army - Azaadi ke liye (TV Mini Series 2020) Poster

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8/10
Appreciate the effort !!
debjyoti198124 January 2020
Whenever the topic raises on Netaji, somehow our so-called intellectuals get cold feet. Regrettably, the current generation are fully unaware of what happened to the man who truly turned out to be the foremost catalyst to India's independence. Simply forget about what you are being taught at school, I remember a small paragraph dedicated to Netaji SCB & his INA. Books like 'India's Biggest Cover-up' by Anuj Dhar, 'Women at War - Subhas Chandra Bose & Rani of Jhansi Regiment' by Vera Hildebrand are just some of the examples on the epitome of sacrifice endured by these men & women during the Battle of Kohima & Imphal.

It has been 73 years & still our government did nothing, of-course nothing to expect when treachery is the bread & butter of the system & society. Something for which the Japanese loathes us because we truly don't understand the meaning of honor or sacrifice leaving aside the Indian Armed Forces.

As a start this is the first time where we get to see on the silver screen the exploits of INA at the far east & its ultimate fate. Back in 2005 it was Shyam Benegal's Bose which gave us a little glimpse of our nation's legend. Being a war movie aficionado, I should praise the effort put up by Kabir Khan, who has earnestly tried to put forth the story of the forgotten army. We should never forget the sacrifice made by Netaji & his INA, this the least that can be expected from we worthless souls.

I would highly recommend this mini-series to anyone who has an interest to know about the true story behind our nation's freedom. Anyone who believes that the so-called non-violence truly brought India her freedom, really needs to keep tap on the events which led to sensational trial of INA officers at Red Fort back in February 1946, which raved the country like wild fire. When Subhas Bose took over the INA at Singapore, there was a sizeable amount of 60,000 enlisted men & women out of which 26,000 died during the end of Second World War. It was during the eve of INA trial when around 20,000 Royal Indian Navy mutinied against the Union Jack which lead to a panic across the Raj, which forced them to take a hasty decision for approving the transfer of power as a face saving grace event, so much for so-called ahimsa (non-violence) doctrine.

Note: I'm adding some additional foot-notes after seeing so many negative reviews; Kabir Khan has clearly mentioned in one of his interview, the story is seen from the perspective of one army officer who actively took part in the Battle of Mount Popa & Irrawaddy River operations, as for the love story it was inspired from the personal story of Captain Lakshmi Sahgal & Col. Prem Kumar Sahgal with some alteration, which is quite logical; the intent of the show was to bring forth the untold story of the decisive battle which forged our nation's future. Trust me, I've seen more war movies than many of you can ever fathom, my personal favorites are Saving Private Ryan, Thin Red Line, Come & See, Stalingrad - German Edition, Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Hacksaw Ridge etc. I applaud the effort put up by Kabir Khan; its coming from some one who rarely sees Hindi movies in general.
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9/10
Sappy, but well-made!
spakearney21 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Some historical inaccuracies--like claiming that the Rani Jhansi regiment was the "First Female Combat Unit in the World"(the Russian Women's Battalions of Death would like a word, just to name one), and they omit any mention of the INA's Communist Sympathies, which heavily coloured its character throughout the conflict, but the actual series is extremely well-done and very emotionally moving. Other than the two I named, there aren't any other really glaring or major inaccuracies, and the material side of things--uniforms, equipment, etc.--is well done. The action scenes are authentic and don't feel like usual Hollywood fare(or Bollywood, for that matter), with firefights being relatively short and frenetic instead of long protracted affairs, and they don't make their enemies--the Japanese or later the British--incompetents or morons, which makes their victories(and even their defeats) much more powerful and meaningful. They seem to be slightly obsessed with removing extras' limbs whenever an explosive is even remotely involved, which is the sort of thing that borders on becoming distracting once you notice it, but that's more an aside than a complaint. Perhaps most importantly as a history buff who doesn't watch these for the romances that everyone seems to be hell-bent on shoehorning in, the one explicit romance in the story--Sodhi and Maya--isn't the main focus of the series and is mostly just an additional B-plot, while the main focus is on the INA's founding and struggle for independence, which I very much appreciate.

All in all, a solid 9/10.
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7/10
A country is but a sum total of the citizens, thus a nation and nationality
ridi-arahan8 August 2020
Why worked:
  • the production team; the series is beautifully shot, edited, sound and video mixing is fine. What stays out is the action team, the stunts, visual effects and overall war sequences. It's commendable and astonishing. The team were able to build a huge set design because of the adequate budget making the viewer experience more realistic.The series is based on a real story which makes it an especial series. Overall, it is an enjoyable watch especially the action scenes.
What did not work:
  • love story; the love story somehow distracted the series instead of enhancing it. The movie which should have been focused on the agenda of the movie seem busy in trying to build a story out of the context, which would have been better if not highly valued in the narrative overall. Also, the love story failed to create the intimacy and relatability.
  • glorified scenes: some scenes were overly dramatized and gloried for the sake of making it colorful. Many scenes with the themes of nationality and valor could have been cut down to get a crisp narrative.
  • plot holes and flaws; what failed miserably is the screenplay of the series. Although they had a huge budget and great team, the screenplay somehow failed to connect with the viewers making it a mundane and cliche war movie with added flavor of romance and predictability. I think many would have not wanted the over glamorous present story, the chase scenes or the love story or the ending of the main character. I would say it's a weak writing and the narrative could have been made better with giving attention to the flow, the intend and the overall message of the movie, rather than gloried love story added on the real story. It's a missed opportunity, which could have been better.
Final verdict: not recommended if you have something better to do. Watch it for set design and action sequences, it's a treat.
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10/10
An unknown side of history for today's generation.
sayantansayantan-7993525 January 2020
None of us are going to find this in our school history books. It happened the exact way shown here even more. But unfortunately the credit for fight for freedom is limited to couple of people in India. They are the true unsung heroes of the free India we breath in now.
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10/10
Massive dramatisation
cxenonultra24 January 2020
The content of the mini series could be more focused on fact rather than the dramatisation. With the factual history available in the public domain, the legacy of INA can be made into seasons together, let aside a 5 episode mini series. The storyline and cinematography could be better, even as compared to current Indian productions. Overall, 7 starts would do good. However, 10 stars is for the effort for bringing out such a sensitive and important part of the forgotten history.
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10/10
I never wrote a review before ,
zigzalibaba16 March 2020
I don't know much about Indian history , and I wasn't really going to watch this show I put it on to just sleep infront of it as I normally do , but OMG what did I just watch??? What a masterpiece , the acting , the war Scenes , I'm definitely going to watch more Indian shows and movies now, the drama and the love story and the way they tell the story , the directing and the last 2 episodes are just mind blowing , the girl who does maya , she is just mind blowing ! It's very strange they don't even have a photo of her on IMDb , she is really good , so is he , but she was phenomenal. Looking forward to see more of their work ! I'm very picky when I watch shows and movies , If you read this review , watch it !
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9/10
Outstanding Web Series
pragnyaprasadmaharana24 January 2020
Dear KABIR KHAN Sir From #EkThaTiger #BajrangiBhaijaan #Tubelight to #TheForgottenArmy you made so many movies and now a Web series. From an Independent film maker (Documentary Maker) to a Bollywood director. The Journey is unbelievable. But I just wana tell you guys once in your life watch the amazing Web series "THE FORGETTEN ARMY". Just completed the series #TheForgottenArmy which is live on #AmazonPrimeVideo. I know that some people will like it and some people do not each and every people have their own views. But It has been transformed into a series from some unintentional pages of India. Each character has given the best from their side and Kabir Khan handled all those characters well. You are outstanding #KabirKhan 😍 #India need more #movie and #series like this.
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7/10
HAD Potential but..
akunalrocks28 January 2020
A story long overdue.. Sacrifices forgotten due to political reasons.. Ones worth remembering.. The true reason why India got Independence (yes, Red Fort trials and the subsequent Naval Mutiny were the reason the British left and the British PM Clement Attlee himself accepted this).. But a mediocre execution on part of the director as usual.. This could have been a muti season series based on all the adventures and battles of the INA spread over 3 years! But a 5 episode series simply fails to capture the entirety of the glory and valour that was the INA.. And I get that a love story isn't unusual given that the soldiers were humans themselves.. But what's with the blue bird nonsense? Is this a fantasy Disney show? And the side story of 90's Burma is absolutely pointless and even demeaning to the main story.. Had high expectations from this but alas, Bollywood.. 2 extra stars only for the sense to do a series on the INA..
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10/10
Extremely necessary for every Indian to watch
jashspp22 February 2020
I just finished watching The Forgotten Army and I'm unable to find words to express how awe-inspiring and beautifully made it is. I think it's extremely important for every Indian to feel the deep-rooted patriotism that watching this show made me feel. Really, thank you so much for giving the country an opportunity to understand and cherish the sacrifices made by those soldiers who gave up their todays for our yesterdays.
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6/10
They just messed it up
magadalwarmayur24 January 2020
It could have been Band of Brothers but these BOLLYWOOD director have to make love story in everything 😠 This was great story to create the web series but this is just mediocre at best . had huge expectations but Kabir Khan failed yet again
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9/10
Truely unforgettable-Insolidarity to whom who fought for nation on frontline
shadababe0418 April 2020
Heared about INA so many times but know them First time.Thanks to all who make us to meet our unsung hero's. The series took us truely the sara of our freedom and once again remember us "Fighting for freedom but to maintain is much more harder"
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7/10
MORE OF LOVE STORY THAN REQUIRED..
maneeshanu25 January 2020
I liked the series in a way that it was really informative and gave us an insight about INA. But the execution was more like a bollywood movie. Kabir Khan should have kept it more grounded. The love story has been given a lot of emphasis, specially in the last episode.
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5/10
From Forgotten Army to Forgotten Love Story
emailmeanujshroff26 January 2020
Feeling sad to give 5. Why would you mess up INA's struggle with unnecessary love and abusing. Very amateurish effort from Kabir Khan. Being a web series it has to be crisp and content driven. Kabir Khan learn from Raj DK how they had made a quality content with The Family Man. Too Bollywoodish.

Instead watch Bose: Dead/Alive, at least it does justice to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army.

Jai Hind 🇮🇳
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10/10
Want more of them
odedara_pankaj29 March 2020
I am any more episodes than just 5 please. It is beautifully portrayed with hint of love and story going back in past and relate to his memories is amazing.
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10/10
Must Watch
vaibhavslimshady24 January 2020
I gave 10 score so that the series reaches more people and the forgetten army becomes unforgettable!
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10/10
superb
vikas-ray129 March 2020
Storyline: 10 acting: 10 action: 10 reality: 10 cinematography: 10
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10/10
A BIG SALUTE TO INA
suryatejapammi1 February 2020
A Phenomenal movie I have watched in my entire career. A tribute to all soldiers who have given their lifes for freedom of India.Such a great movie with thousands of goose bumps. Handsoff to the director Mr. Kabir khan & lead role sunny kaushal.
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7/10
Huh VFX And
giriudit-6036825 January 2020
Don't know but VFX are getting worst in Indian cinema. When I see the prisoners are coming to Red Fort , I want to kill myself after seeing. Not just there only.
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9/10
I don't know what the rest of reviewers have to say.
ayush-0652119 February 2020
I only judge an art by seeing what was the aim of its makers and did the art achieved that goal. And if the goal was to aware the audience about the INA's effort from singapore. That, indeed is achieved, at least to me. And so, in my opinion, this series is a super success. It not only achieves it's patriotic mission with it's superb title song and steller performances (which made me cry each and every time), but also gives me a very good time. There's honesty in it's humour, necessary passion in patriotism, and purity in love and honour. Nothing felt too fictitious, at the same time, kept everything a little dramatic, to not make it boring. Though some moments may be debatable as to being authentic or not, but the discussion is of no importance to either me or any fine layman. Those discussions are only important to cinephiles, which is a fun thing nonetheless. I have had a very good time watching the whole season, one episode a day. Binging wasn't an option, and thankfully not, otherwise I wouldn't have enough tears for the whole series in one sitting. This series is definitely worth a try to every prime user. It's a good detour from our daily soaps. But remember, do not binge. It's not good for your health. (Are personal disclaimers like this, a no no in a review?) Happy watching!
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7/10
Very disappointed
sheershak8924 January 2020
The dramatization was awful. Giving it 7 only because it was about INA
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9/10
The history we need to learn.
rish200616 February 2020
It's good to see amazon prime teaching us history in form films and TV Shows because using books will not show you the photographical version of history. It's really inspiring to watch these kind of history which every person should be aware off.
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6/10
Not a war movie
anuragbhosale26 January 2020
The only thing I liked about this film was the camera work. The quality of content degrades through each episode. The plots are completely illogical and theirs too much Bollywood in it. Could have been better
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3/10
It had potential but it turned to a love story. Not worth it
Taranarana25 January 2020
Kabir Khan lost some brain cells working with a certain khan for such a long time. This had the potential to be a masterpiece but it was turned to a love story. This is not acceptable. The fight sequence were too good. But the story is not worth it. Give this series a miss.
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10/10
This series is a right step in letting people know that Gandhi ALONE didn't gave us indenpendence
vibs20061 February 2020
Thanks a ton to the director for making this wonderful series. The real history has been whitewashed in form that makes britishers very generous and letting gullible indians believe that Gandhi alone paved the way for the victory of India. What many people don't know that it was INA which triggered a Major revolt inside British Indian Army which let indian solidiers revolted against britishers. Unforunately this tv series only potrays love story of couple and that is why i told that this movie is in the right direction. Hoping for a more dramatic season 2 of the same.
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10/10
Innovative and Creative historical action web series !
divyanshsar10 February 2020
Mind blowing action packed Web series . Not only it brings out interesting historical facts which we have been devoid of in school but also the the unique method of narration and analogy in present time is very Innovative! It covers less of Netaji himself but more about this army had its people . Covers one of the true stories from the historic movement . Must watch for every Indian to know who all sacrificed their cozy life's towards Nations cause . I am shocked on how Such historical facts have been kept away from us and had no mention in our history textbooks at school ! The action sequences are Soo sureal and well directed ! Absolutely International level production ! The song 'Azadi ke liye ' is Soo addictive and inspiring !
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