Freedom review: Sasikumar's action drama, based on true story, is lost opportunity

India Today

09-07-2025

The early 90s were testing times for Sri Lankans. For those who grew up listening to the gut-wrenching stories of torture and killings amid a civil war. Any story that's centred on Sri Lanka will always hold high emotional intensity. When a filmmaker crafts a story based on Sri Lanka, political correctness aside, the film should encapsulate the trials and tribulations that the people went through. 'Freedom' is one such film which is inspired by true events, which have ample scope to move you, shock you and enthral you. But, did the film manage to make the desired impact? Let's find out!advertisementIn 1991, many Sri Lankan refugees sought shelter in Tamil Nadu and were put in camps all across the state. However, when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, these refugees became suspects to the police. The police took some of the men and women into the camps for investigation and held them captive at the Vellore Fort. They chose Vellore Fort because of the high walls and trenches surrounding the old fort.Maaran (Sasikumar), a revolutionary among his peers, is among the people who were held captive. In the name of the investigation, they are harassed, brutally injured and tortured by Tamil Nadu police, who have no mercy. Years pass, but the investigation is far from over. After losing patience, Maaran and the other inmates devise a plan by digging a tunnel to escape the fort. Do they succeed in their attempt?
Director Sathyasiva's 'Freedom' chronicled the events of the aftermath of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in Sriperumbudur. It's been decades since the Sri Lankan war and the topic always stands relevant. The film starts on a sombre note with people getting displaced and getting sentimental about leaving their homes. To see hordes of people living in tents on the shore of a beach and in refugee camps stings you and reminds you of the horrific days. 'Freedom' naturally had a story that could strike a chord with the audience. However, Sathyasiva's film fails to capitalise on the intensity of the story with its sloppy execution. The initial stretches of the film expose police brutality to a large extent. We hear testimonies of how pregnant ladies suffer in these refugee camps, people complaining about a lack of basic amenities not once, but again and again. It feels like the filmmaker forgot that this is a visual medium and tells us what's happening instead of just showing us.The film also has an overdose of physical violence, gore and thoughtless camera gaze. For example, a police officer singles out a refugee and looks at her with ill intentions. The camera moves where his eyes move, capturing the woman from her head to toe, till he unties her skirt. The same goes for violence. We get that the police are beating these innocent men to a pulp. But, the camera zooms in on their injuries - both insensitive and inappropriate. advertisementPolitically, 'Freedom' should have taken a more wholesome stand. Instead, it casually indulges in slandering Kashmir. The jailbreak episode is exciting in itself. However, the filmmaker doesn't show it in a way that makes the audience sit on the edge of their seats. The whole episode leaves us with more questions than answers.Sasikumar, as Maaran, is earnest in a Sri Lankan role, fresh after the success of 'Tourist Family'. Lijomol Jose played the role of Selvi, who was a pregnant actor when she arrived in Tamil Nadu. She then becomes a mother navigating the struggles of being a single mother in a refugee camp. With limited screentime, the actor has done her best. But, the lip sync issues dilute the impact. Sudev Nair is brutal as an investigator. However, his one-note character doesn't let us take him seriously.'Freedom' could have been a film offering a lasting impact. However, it feels like a lost opportunity.- Ends2 out of 5 stars for 'Freedom'.Tune InMust Watch