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‘Freedom at Midnight’ Season 2 series review: Nikkhil Advani hits the sweet spot between text and context
‘Freedom at Midnight’ Season 2 series review: Nikkhil Advani hits the sweet spot between text and context
History lovers often crave the human drama behind epochal events. They pine for the backroom intrigue, the clash of egos, the creases in the starched characters that decorate our history books, not to forget the impact of their moral stand on the man on the street. These days, ancient and medieval history offers plenty of elbow room to play with the past, but when it comes to modern Indian history, filmmakers tend to draw back, as the wounds are still fresh and memories of Partition linger.
Riding on the gripping, novelistic reconstruction of the end of the British Raj by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, director Nikkhil Advani takes us to the communal origins of the Radcliffe Line and charms with a dynamic interplay of religion and politics and a fading light of morality in between.
A still from the show | Photo Credit: Sony LIV
Compared with the first season, the gaze is sharper and more intense as Advani treads the fine line between objective and subjective history. If the first season was told through Viceroy Mountbatten, this one depicts the period when he is the Governor General of India, and hence not privy to political intrigue brewing in the corridors of power in India and Pakistan. The series doesn't always follow the voice of the source material, but for a large part, Advani's balanced approach lets viewers judge the events and feel for the men who fought for freedom but bickered over political control. Avoiding propaganda and preaching while remaining patriotic, his team of writers keep it pacy, profound, and poignant, and even find space for some wry humour.
The second season focuses on the chaotic lead-up to and immediate aftermath of Partition. It explores the complex process of drawing new borders, the sudden announcement of the Partition date, the division of assets, the human toll of mass migration and communal violence, and, of course, the political manoeuvring. Between the events, it pauses to reflect on the division of friendships and loyalties, notes Radcliffe's moral dilemma, and documents the crucial diplomatic role Mountbatten played in convincing kings and princes, or, for that matter, the workforce behind the icons: V.P. Menon, H.V.R. Iyengar, and Pyarelal.
A still from the show | Photo Credit: Sony LIV
The show deftly portrays the complex relationship between Patel and Nehru, marked by deep mutual respect and camaraderie alongside significant differences in approach and ideology, that shaped the new India. At the same time, it also captures the lesser-discussed bond between Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan. The latter, however, is reduced to almost a caricature towards the end. Shaped by ego, intellect, and insecurity, Jinnah emerges as a tangible bundle of contradictions when, in his opening speech, he speaks of a tolerant Pakistan, shocking even his trusted aides. On the other hand, Gandhi steadfastly holds on to his principles of non-violence and peace till his last breath, making you wonder, like Einstein predicted, whether ‘such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.'
Without making it patently evident, the series provides a context to some of the major conflicts of the period that we either forget or try to push under the carpet. For instance, the story of Kashmir's accession can't be fully understood without telling the story of Junagarh's merger with India. Advani conveys the crux of the conflict—the question of the plebiscite, the vacillation of Maharaja Hari Singh, and the support of Nehru's friend Sheikh Abdullah—without ruffling feathers. The accession of the princely states is the most entertaining chapter of the series.
However, as in the first season, Advani avoids discussing the roles of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Hindu Mahasabha in the run-up to Partition. Nehru spars with Patel for not silencing the voices against Gandhi's efforts for communal harmony amidst the Hindu fold, but Advani glosses over the pages of source material when it comes to giving a face to the alleged conspirators behind the assassination.
He masterfully captures the grudge that Jinnah holds against Gandhi but steers clear of Vinayak Savarkar's vehement opposition to Gandhi and his ideals. The series neither identifies Gandhi's assassin nor delves into his ideological moorings. However, it does provide screen time to Madanlal Pahwa, the refugee from Punjab who threw a bomb at Gandhi's prayer meeting ten days before he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. Again, there is a context, as the personal pain of Pahwa is weaponised by a section of ‘nationalists' when Gandhi urged the Indian government to release the remaining portion of Pakistan's agreed share of undivided India's cash balances, even as Pakistan supported tribal raiders invading Kashmir.
A still from the show | Photo Credit: Sony LIV
The production design grounds the story in its era, and the cast serves the script. English characters are often reduced to caricature, but Luke McGibney as Lord Mountbatten brings depth and sophistication to the political drama. Chirag Vohra authentically embodies Gandhi's essence and the moral weight he carried in his lean figure. However, Sidhant Gupta's Nehru lacks the firm charisma expected, and his performance remains a work in progress. Although Gupta's efforts are evident, they do not fully resonate—especially compared to Rajendra Chawla and Arif Zakaria, who portray Patel and Jinnah with remarkable skill. Overall, Freedom at Midnight is a compelling watch for its narrative ambition and nuanced treatment of history.
Freedom at Midnight, Season 2 is currently streaming on SonyLIV.
Published - January 09, 2026 04:18 pm IST
entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / Indian cinema / Hindi cinema / streaming
Source: TheHindu
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