The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye (2020)

The Forgotten Army Introduction

PlayThe Forgotten Army is an Indian web series released on Amazon Prime Video in 2020. The show follows the journey of the Indian National Army (INA), a group of Indian soldiers who fought alongside the Japanese against the British during World War II. The INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a charismatic and controversial figure who advocated for Indian independence from British rule. 

The show explores the motivations of the soldiers who joined the INA, including their patriotism, disillusionment with British rule, and desire for a better life. It also highlights the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it, including the physical and emotional scars that endure long after the conflict is over.

One of the key themes of the series is the tension between Bose and the Japanese, who used the INA for their own purposes even as they promised to support Indian independence. Bose himself is depicted as a complex figure, both revered and reviled by those around him. He is shown as a charismatic leader who inspires great loyalty and devotion but also as a ruthless opportunist who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

The series also touches on the role of women in the INA, including Maya, who plays a key role in the story. The show explores the ways in which women challenged gender norms and expectations to take part in the struggle for independence and the sacrifices they made in doing so.

As the INA prepares to launch an assault on India, they are faced with opposition from the British and the Indian National Congress, who view them as traitors. The series builds to a climax as the INA engages in a brutal battle for control of the country, and the fate of the forgotten army hangs in the balance.

The Forgotten Army is a powerful and poignant tribute to the sacrifices and struggles of a generation of Indians who fought for their country's independence. Through its compelling characters and epic story, the series sheds light on a little-known chapter in Indian history and underscores the human toll of war and the enduring impact of the struggle for freedom.

Table of Contents

• The Forgotten Army Introduction

• The Forgotten Army Table

• The Forgotten Army Plot

• The Forgotten Army Release

• The Forgotten Army Reviews

• The Forgotten Army Casting

• The Forgotten Army Crew

• The Forgotten Army Character Analysis

• The Forgotten Army Songs

• The Forgotten Army Behind the Scenes

• The Forgotten Army Awards

• The Forgotten Army Interesting Facts

The Forgotten Army Table

The Forgotten Army Plot

The series follows the journey of Captain Sodhi (Sunny Kaushal), who is the leader of the INA. The INA was formed by Indian soldiers who were captured by the Japanese army and given a choice to either join the Japanese army or form their own army. Captain Sodhi and his team of soldiers decide to form the INA and fight for India's independence as the INA prepares to launch a massive attack on the British forces in Burma. The INA soldiers are determined to free their country from British rule, but they are also facing challenges from within their own ranks. Some of the soldiers are divided over the cause they are fighting for, and this causes tension within the group.

As the INA prepares for the attack, Captain Sodhi meets Maya (Sharvari Wagh), a young photographer who has joined the INA. Maya is a strong-willed and determined woman who is committed to the cause of independence. She is also a breath of fresh air for Captain Sodhi, who has been struggling to keep his soldiers motivated.

The attack on the British forces in Burma is a turning point for the INA. The attack is a success, and the INA gained control of the city. However, the victory is short-lived, as the British army quickly regroups and launches a counter-attack. The INA is forced to retreat, and Captain Sodhi is injured in the battle.

Maya takes care of Captain Sodhi, and the two of them become close. They both share a common goal, and their relationship helps to strengthen their resolve. Captain Sodhi is soon back on his feet, and the INA continues their fight for independence.

The Forgotten Army Release

The Forgotten Army, a web series created by Kabir Khan, was released on Amazon Prime Video. The show received immense praise and criticism from audiences and critics alike.

The Forgotten Army Reviews

The Forgotten Army is a five-part Indian historical fiction drama. The series has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike, with some praising the performances and cinematography, while others criticize the slow pace and lack of character development.

One of the most common praises for The Forgotten Army is the cinematography. The series has been shot in a visually stunning manner, with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. The cinematographer, Aseem Mishra, has done an exceptional job of capturing the beauty of India, especially the lush green jungles of Burma, where much of the action takes place. The visual effects are also commendable, and they help bring the story to life.

Another aspect of the series that has been widely praised is the performances of the cast. The lead actor, Sunny Kaushal, has been praised for his portrayal of Captain Sodhi, the protagonist. Kaushal has been able to convey the character’s emotion and turmoil effectively, making audiences feel invested in his journey.

However, the series has also received criticism for its slow pace. Some viewers have found the episodes to be lengthy and dragged out, with not enough happening to keep them engaged. The lack of character development is another issue that has been raised. Some viewers feel that the characters are not fleshed out enough, and their motivations are not clear. This, in turn, makes it difficult for audiences to connect with them and become invested in their stories.

Despite the criticisms, The Forgotten Army has still managed to garner a significant following. The series has been widely watched and has been well-received by audiences in India and abroad. The series has also been praised for its ability to bring attention to a lesser-known aspect of Indian history and for shedding light on the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the Second World War. IMDb has given a rating of 7.9/10.

The Forgotten Army Casting 

Sunny Kaushal: Lieutenant and Captain Surinder Sodhi

M. K. Raina: Old Surinder Sodhi

Sharvari Wagh: Maya Shrinivasan

Rohit Choudhary: Arshad

TJ Bhanu: Rasamma

Karanvir Malhotra: Amar

R Badree: Rajan

Paloma Monnappa: Rani

Shruti Seth: Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan

Akhil Iyer: Shridhar

Toshiji Takeshima: Daichi

Amala Akkineni: Maya's Mother

Nizhalgal Ravi: Maya's Father

Kajol Muskan: Woman Soldier

Junichi Kajioka: Lieutenant General Iwaichi Fujiwara

Bijou Thaangjam: Japanese Soldier

Sudhanva Deshpande: Subhash

The Forgotten Army Crew

The Forgotten Army is a critically acclaimed web series directed by Kabir Khan. The music for the series was composed by Julius Packiam and Joel Crasto, adding to the emotional depth of the story. The cinematography was handled by Aseem Mishra, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Indian independence movement. The editing was done by Rameshwar S. Bhagat and Peter Alderliesten, seamlessly weaving together different timelines and perspectives. The series was written by Kabir Khan, along with Heeraz Marfatia and Shubhra Swarup, showcasing the sacrifices and struggles of the Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, in their fight for independence.

The Forgotten Army Character Analysis

The show stars Sunny Kaushal, Sharvari Wagh, Rohit Chaudhary, and TJ Bhanu, among others. The characters in the series are well-written and are based on real-life historical figures. Let's take a look at the main characters of The Forgotten Army and what makes them unique.

One of the key characters in the series is Captain Sodhi, played by Sunny Kaushal. He is the leader of the Indian soldiers and is tasked with the responsibility of keeping them together and motivated. Captain Sodhi is a man of honor and bravery and is dedicated to the cause of Indian independence.

Another important character is Lieutenant Maya, played by Sharvari Wagh. She is a young and fearless officer who joins the Indian National Army and proves to be a valuable asset to Captain Sodhi and the rest of the team. Lieutenant Maya is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to stand up for what is right.

The Forgotten Army also features several other characters, such as Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan, played by Shruti Seth. M. K. Raina plays the role of old Sodhi, who still has nightmares due to his traumatic experience.

The Forgotten Army Songs

The Forgotten Army Behind the Scenes

Kabir Khan, who is known for his successful Bollywood films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Phantom, spent a considerable amount of time researching and consulting with historians to bring authenticity to the story. 

The casting of the series was crucial to its success, and the team behind the show went to great lengths to ensure that the actors playing the roles of the INA soldiers looked and acted the part. The lead role of Captain Sodhi was played by Sunny Kaushal, who underwent rigorous physical training and spent hours studying the mannerisms and accents of soldiers from the 1940s.

The costumes and sets used in the series were also carefully crafted to provide a sense of realism. The sets, including the jungles and trenches, were constructed with great attention to detail to ensure that they looked as accurate as possible.

The Forgotten Army also features a gripping soundtrack, which was created by composer Pritam. The music is a perfect blend of traditional Indian and contemporary sounds, which adds to the emotional impact of the series.

The Forgotten Army Awards

The Forgotten Army Interesting Facts

• The Forgotten Army was directed by Kabir Khan, who is known for his blockbuster films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ek Tha Tiger.

• In 1999, Doordarshan aired a documentary by Kabir Khan titled The Forgotten Army, marking his debut as a director. Based on his debut documentary, Kabir Khan claimed that the current series has been in development for 20 years.

• In the web series, Shah Rukh Khan served as the narrator.

• The series was shot in a number of locations, including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, to capture the essence of the historical events that took place during World War II.

Conclusion 

The Forgotten Army is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian history, the struggle for independence, or the human experience of war. With its powerful performances, thrilling action, and emotional depth, the series is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who fought for a better future and a reminder of the sacrifices they made in pursuit of that dream.