Maybe it was intentional that director NS Ponkumar wanted us to feel the monotony of their lives, but the tedium, unfortunately, passes on to the film. Even the beautiful songs (credits to Sean Roldan’s score and the lyrics) — a love track, a song about their plight and another as they rejoice a day’s break from all the violence — feel stretched out. And it is one of the reasons why the film, despite being only close to two-and-a-half hours, feels way longer.
The makers have crafted restrained and genuine characters, with most of them not being reduced to mere numbers in the village — they are real people with their own backstories and purpose. But the same cannot be said of the Britishers, who play caricaturish villains — Robert beats people to a pulp and Justin is a lust-driven maniac. Violence and bloodshed predominantly occupy the screen. While real depictions of struggle are necessary for a film that talks about the Independence movement, it is unclear where one should draw the line.
However, it is not to say that the film got everything wrong. Besides the exciting premise, the sets, costumes and dialogue truly take us back in time. The film is also elevated by some wonderful performances. Gautham Karthik is sincere as the self-centred Paraman, who is not a hero leading the village, a brave man ready to die fighting for his loved ones. Pugazh (who plays Paraman’s friend) had about ten releases in the past two years but none of performances stood out. It felt like the actor couldn’t capitalise on the momentum he gained with television. But August 16 1947 brings out the performer in him and how! Watch out for the scene where the villagers finally understand what he was trying to convey all along — you will find yourself smiling at the heartwarming moment.