Azad Bharath

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Azad Bharath
Azad Bharath.jpeg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Roopa Iyer
Written byRoopa Iyer
M. Rajendra Rajan
Screenplay byRoopa Iyer
Produced by
  • Roopa Iyer
  • Jaya Gopal AB
  • Rajendra Rajan
Starring
Cinematography
  • Hari Vedant
  • Shrinivas Ramaiah
Edited byCrazy Mindz Sri
Music byGautham Srivatsa
Production
companies
  • India Classic Arts
  • Transindia Media
Distributed by Zee Studios
Release date
  • 2 January 2026 (2026-01-02)
Running time
120 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Azad Bharath is a 2026 Indian Hindi-language historical film starring Shreyas Talpade, Suresh Oberoi, Roopa Iyer, and Indira Tiwari. [1] Directed by Roopa Iyer [2] , the film is set against the backdrop of the Indian National Army, with a focus on its women's unit, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment (also known as the Rani Laxmibai Regiment). [3] The film is produced by Zee Studios and India Classic Arts and it had its worldwide theatrical release on 2 January 2026. [4] [5]

Contents

Synopsis

The film depicts the role of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, a women's combat unit associated with the Indian National Army during India's independence movement. The narrative examines the experiences, training, and participation of women soldiers within the regiment. [6]

The storyline highlights the life of Neera Arya, presented as one of the regiment's members, using her experiences to represent the broader participation of women in the armed resistance movement of the period. [7] [8]

Cast

Production

The film is produced by Roopa Iyer, Jayagopal A.B., and M. Rajendra Rajan. It is jointly backed by India Classic Arts and Zee Studios. [11] The film's music and background score are composed by Gautham Srivatsa, with lyrics written by Sameer Anjaan. [12] Amruta Fadnavis has sungs vocals for the film's anthem. [13] The official trailer of Azad Bharath was launched in Mumbai by Amruta Fadnavis. [14]

Reception

Dhaval Roy of The Times of India rated it 1.5/5 stars and said that "Although the film takes up an important and powerful chapter of history, its treatment and execution make it an underwhelming outing." [15] Vinamra Mathur of Firstpost gave 3 stars out of 5 and said that "Azad Bharath is a reminder that freedom movements are not only led by famous voices, but also by fearless footsteps that history sometimes fails to record. The film honors those footsteps — loud enough for the present to hear." [16] Deccan Chronicle rated it 3/5 stars and said that "If you're looking for a movie that'll leave you feeling inspired and proud, this should be the one." [17]

ABP News awarded 3.5 stars out of 5 and stated that "Azad Bharath stands out as a powerful patriotic film that restores the legacy of a forgotten heroine. With research-driven direction, strong performances, and emotional resonance, the film emerges as one of the most impactful entries in the genre this year. More than a cinematic experience, it serves as a tribute to courage and remembrance." [18]

Bhawna Arya of Times Now gave 3 stars out of 5 and writes her review that "Azad Bharath is a powerful, moving tribute to the unsung women of India’s freedom struggle. With strong direction, gripping performances, and an emotional core, it’s more than a historical drama; it’s a reminder that history is made not just by famous names, but by fearless footsteps that demand to be remembered." [19]

References

  1. "Shreyas Talpade to essay the role of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 'Azad Bharath'".
  2. "Roopa revives cinema".
  3. "'आज़ाद भारत' फिल्म का नया सफर ; रानी झाँसी रेजिमेंट की कहानी बड़े पर्दे पर | A new journey for the film 'Azad Bharat'; the story of the Rani Jhansi Regiment on the big screen".
  4. "Roopa Iyer's Hindi film Azaad Bharat locks release date". 2 December 2025.
  5. "This is not just cinema, it's a reminder of sacrifice, shares Roopa Iyer on Azad Bharath". The Times of India. 1 January 2026. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  6. त्रिपाठी, सुभाषिनी (23 December 2025). "न कोई हीरो, न हीरोइन... फिल्म 'आजाद भारत' में दिखेगा महिला रेजिमेंट का वो रूप जो पहले कभी नहीं देखा". NDTV India (in Hindi). Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  7. "Neera Arya: वो वीरांगना.. जो कहलाई पहली महिला जासूस, देशभक्ति के लिए पति का किया कत्ल". Zee-Hindi.
  8. "Roopa Iyer's Azad Bharath Brings INA's Women Fighters Back in Focus". deccanchronicle.com. 23 December 2025.
  9. Entertainment, ABP Live (2 January 2026). "Azad Bharath Review: Roopa Iyer Brings Forgotten Freedom Fighter Neera Arya's Story To Life". ABP Live. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  10. Varma, Lipika (28 December 2025). "Today, Actors Come With Entourages: Suresh Oberoi". deccanchronicle.com.
  11. Bharat, E. T. V. (29 December 2025). "Exclusive Interview: रूपा अय्यर - मी महाविद्यालयीन विद्यार्थी, बालसुधारगृहातील मुले आणि कारागृहातील कैद्यांना भगवद्गीतेद्वारे जीवन कसे जगावे हे शिकवते!". ETV Bharat News.
  12. "Lyricist Sameer Anjaan Unveils Title Song of Azad Bharath at Mumbai Event". firstindia.co.in.
  13. "Lucky to Contribute to Netaji's Legacy" Amruta Fadnavis on Her Special Association with Azad Bharath".
  14. "Amruta Fadnavis: The most inspiring part of Netaji's legacy is how he uplifted women".
  15. Roy, Dhaval (3 January 2026). "Azad Bharath Movie Review: This powerful story deserved better narrative and execution". The Times of India.
  16. Mathur, Vinamra (1 January 2026). "'Azad Bharath' Movie Review: Shreyas Talpade shines as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in an intricate and intriguing historical". Firstpost.
  17. "Azad Bharath Review: An Earnest Movie That Needed Better Promotion". Deccan Chronicle. 2 January 2026.
  18. "Azad Bharath Review: Roopa Iyer Brings Forgotten Freedom Fighter Neera Arya's Story To Life". ABP News. 2 January 2026.
  19. Arya, Bhawna (2 January 2026). "Azad Bharath Review: Shreyas Talpade Delivers Powerful Performance In Moving Tribute To INA's Unsung Heroes". Times Now.