Underground Radio Rebellion: The Untold Story of Usha Mehta in Ae Watan Mere Watan

In the historical drama film ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ the tale of the unsung heroine Usha Mehta during India’s freedom struggle unfolds. Directed by Kannan Iyer and streaming on Prime Video, the movie delves into the Quit India Movement of 1942.

A young Usha Mehta, played by Sara Ali Khan, embarks on a daring venture to launch an underground radio station named Congress Radio, alongside her comrades Fahad and Kaushik, amidst the heightened tensions of the colonial rule.

The narrative weaves in elements of intrigue and resistance as Usha and her team, aided by prominent Congress leader Ram Manohar Lohia, navigate the challenges of evading the British forces under the menacing John Lyre.

The screenplay draws inspiration from Usha Mehta’s real-life exploits, documented in sources like Usha Thakkar’s book ‘Congress Radio: Usha Mehta and the Underground Radio Station of 1942’ and the play ‘Kharr Kharr’ by Amatya Goradia and Pritish Sodha.

Despite its sincere portrayal, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ grapples at times with the balance between gripping thriller and human drama, showcasing the conflicting choices faced by Usha between family, love, and her commitment to the freedom movement.

The production design by Amrita Mahal Nakai and Sabrina Singh adds a nostalgic touch to the film, capturing the essence of an era when radio waves sparked revolution and the Congress party symbolized hope for a nation yearning for independence.