The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005)

1857, India. The country is ruled by the British East India Company. While fighting in Afghanistan, Indian soldier Mangal Pandey saves the life of a British officer, William Gordon. They immediately become inseparable friends not allowing status or race interfering with their loyalty for each other. The introduction of the Enfield riffle musket in the British Army provokes many tensions and conflicts. Some spread rumors about the using of animal fat especially from the cow and pig to grease its cartridges creates indignation and shock among Hindus and Muslims.

In this 2005 movie Toby Stephens plays the Scottish William Gordon, a British Officer of the Company on the eve of the 1857 uprising that is known to the Indians as the first War of Independence and that led to the end of the British East India Company ruling the country. Questionable as the portrayal of the historical facts may be, the movie excels at explaining what were the conditions of life in India, what were the economical and political preoccupations of the time and how, in the long run, things could never have stayed as they were. Mangal Pandey, an Indian sepoy whose death was the trigger for the revolt, is something of a national hero in India.

Aamir Khan is perfect as Mangal Pandey. He lives the character and the history and you actually become to believe he is Pandey.  He is honorable, loyal and fights for what he believes. Even when that means risking his life to save a young prostitute, Heera (Rani Mukerji), with whom he will have a relationship.  Khan is one of the most talented Indian actors (he is also a successful producer) and you can easily see why in this movie.

 Toby Stephens gives a great performance here playing William Gordon, the officer trying to bring sense and justice to a lost cause, he even speaks Urdu and falls in love for a young Indian widow, Jwala, who he saves from committing sati. Even if we know already how talented he is, Stephens manages once again to amaze us. He is at ease in this role and it’s obvious he enjoyed every moment of it. The man can play anything, anywhere and still be perfect.

The chemistry between Stephens and Khan is one of the highlights of the movie. These two were in perfect harmony and in every scene they are together, they always create the most powerful moments of the movie. If both characters are honest and strong men, they are not less without faults and it’s also what makes them so attractive. Each one comes from different worlds but that didn’t stop them from becoming friends.

The director Ketan Mehta brings to discussion many controversial subjects as the destiny of Indian widows, the culture of opium, the castes, religious differences, corruption,… and while interesting, we felt it was sometimes a bit forced, like they were the extra ingredients that didn’t go well with the original recipe. It seems the Indian version has extra 20 minutes that might explain some questions left unanswered.

Despite some historical inaccuracies and sometimes simplistic characterization, the movie is still extraordinary piece of entertainment. Beautifully filmed, the colors and the music only enhance the message and keep us glued to the screen to see what is going to happen next.

Those who liked this movie will probably also enjoy another Indian production with Aamir Khan in the male leading role, Lagaan (another of Alex’s favorite Indian movies).

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346457/

Official site: http://mangal-pandey.com/

Images: Mangal Pandey and IMP Awards