Reel vs real? Is ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ inspired or fictional?

Sara Ali Khan starrer ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ has recently been released on Amazon Prime Video.

Directed by Kannan Iyer alongside writer Darab Farooqui, the movie follows the journey of a young woman who goes on to become a freedom fighter. Is the film based on an actual event or a real person? Let’s find out:

Ae Watan Mere Watan

Ae Watan Mere Watan is a historical biographical film which is set against the backdrop of the Quit India Movement in 1942.

inspired or fictional

Yes, the movie draws inspiration from real-life freedom fighter Usha Mehta. The movie is indeed based on the life of Usha Mehta, a brave young girl who underwent a radio station to spread the message of unity, setting off a thrilling chase with the British authorities.

Cast

Produced by Karan Johar, the movie starring Sara Ali Khan as Mehta, Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O’Neil, and Anand Tiwari, alongside a cameo appearance by Emraan Hashmi.

 Release date

The movie was released on stream on March 21, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video.

About Usha Mehta

Usha Mehta started Congress Radio, also known as the Secret Congress Radio.

During India’s struggle for independence from British colonial authority, Usha Mehta and her radio station played a pivotal role.

Achievement

In 1988, she received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor bestowed by the Indian government.

However, on November 12, 1942, the police eventually located and arrested them, including Usha Mehta. Under the second Congress administration in the state, Home Minister Moraji Desai ordered the release of Usha Mehta. This made her the first political prisoner to be released in the Bombay province.