While the market may have been flooded with Bhagat Singh biopics, Guddu Dhanoa’s take on the revolutionary’s life offered a compelling intensity. Although not as polished as Raj Kumar Santoshi’s ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh,’ ’23rd March 1931 Shaheed’ presented a distinct vitality. The film’s narrative sometimes leaned towards bombastic rhetoric, a common trait in patriotic Hindi cinema. The courtroom scenes, particularly the farcical trial with a Muslim lawyer’s dramatic displays, and the lengthy jail sequences, felt overdone. However, the film’s embrace of overt drama, emphasizing fiery rebellion, was not necessarily a drawback. The visuals, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to the final execution, were strikingly authentic, particularly with cinematographer Thiru’s work. The emotional core of the narrative was strong, highlighting the relationship between Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai, and also Bhagat Singh and his mother. The film’s portrayal of the relationship between Bobby Deol as Bhagat Singh and Sunny Deol as Chandrashekhar Azad lacked empathy. Sunny Deol expressed his belief in the project, adding that Bobby’s portrayal was closer to history than other films claiming authenticity. Sunny felt his brother Bobby fulfilled his dream.
Sunny also mentioned history showed Chandrashekhar Azad was Bhagat Singh’s inspiration. He felt they had gone into detail of Bhagat Singh’s life. He also touched upon his wish to include Mr. Manoj Kumar but it could not work out. Sunny further added that their film was not a remake of the 1960s starrer Shaheed, but completely original.
