The time was tested for Sri Lankan in the early 90s. For those who grew up listening to radical stories of torture and murders among a civil war. Any story focused on Sri Lanka always has a high emotional intensity. When a filmmaker crafts a story based on Sri Lanka, political purity is on one side, the film should explain the tests and tribulations that passed through people. ‘Freedom’ is a film inspired by true events, in which there is enough scope to move you, shock and thrill you. But, did the film manage to create the desired effect? Let’s know!

In 1991, several Sri Lankan refugees demanded shelter in Tamil Nadu and were put into camps across the state. However, when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, these refugees were made suspicious on the police. The police took some men and women to the camps for investigation and took them captive in Vellore Fort. He chose Vellore Fort due to high walls and trenches around the old fort.

Maran (Sasikumar), a revolutionary among his colleagues, is among those who were taken captive. In the name of investigation, they are brutally injured and tortured by the Tamil Nadu Police, who have no mercy. Years pass, but the investigation is over. After losing patience, Maran and other prisoners dig a tunnel to avoid the fort and prepare a plan. Do they succeed in their efforts?

Director Satyasiva’s ‘freedom’ increased the incidents of incidents after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in Sriperumbudur. It has been decades since the Sri Lankan war and the subject is always relevant. The film begins on a sombre note, in which people are displaced and become emotional about leaving their homes. A beach shore to see the crowd of people living in tents on the banks of a beach and in refugee camps and reminds you of terrible days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxxxpbgf8iq

‘Freedom’ naturally had a story that could hit a raga with the audience. However, the intensity of Satyasiva’s film story fails to capitalize on its dirty execution. The initial segments of the film largely highlight the barbarity of the police. We hear testimony of how pregnant women are suffering in these refugee camps, people complain about lack of basic facilities again and again. It seems that the filmmaker forgot that it is a visual medium and tells us what is happening instead of showing us.

The film also stars physical violence, gore and thoughtless camera. For example, a police officer takes out a refugee and sees him with sick intentions. The camera moves, where her eyes move, the woman holds her head to foot, until she leaves her skirt. He goes for violence. We feel that the police is beating these innocent people in a pulp. However, the camera zoom on their injuries – both insensitive and inappropriate.

Politically, ‘freedom’ should have taken a more nutritious stand. Instead, it negligence condemns Kashmir. Gelbreak episode is exciting in itself. However, the filmmaker does not show it in a way that the audience sits on the edge of its seats. The entire episode leaves us with more questions than the answer.

As Sashikumar, Maran, Bayana in a Sri Lankan role, which is fresh after the success of the ‘tourist family’. Lijomol Jose played the role of Selvi, who was a pregnant actor when he reached Tamil Nadu. She then becomes a mother to navigate the struggle to be a mother in a refugee camp. With limited scrantim, the actor has performed his best. But, lip sink issues dilute the effect. Sudev Nair is cruel as an explorer. However, one of his note character does not take us seriously.

‘Freedom’ could have been a permanent impact film. However, it sounds like a lost opportunity.