Sara Ali Khan has signed her first biopic titled Ae Watan Mere Watan. The actress will be playing the role of a valiant freedom fighter. Directed by Kannan Iyer and written by Darab Farooqui, the film is produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta, with Somen Mishra serving as the co-producer.
Ahead of India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations, Sara's first look from the Amazon Prime Video Original film was unveiled. Transporting us to a bygone era, we can see Sara playing an extremely focused young girl expertly assembling a radio-like device in a dimly lit room. In the video, Sara spreads the message of independence to the entire nation through her secret radio station until she is interrupted by the incessant banging at the door.
Ae Watan Mere Watan is inspired by true events and follows the intrepid journey of a college girl in Bombay who goes on to become a freedom fighter. This fictional tale is set against the backdrop of the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Speaking about the under-production Amazon Original Movie, Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Prime Video, said, "As we celebrate India’s 74th Republic Day, it is an honour to pay homage to the unsung warriors of the Indian freedom struggle. Ae Watan Mere Watan is a story inspired by true events, and will see the confluence of some of the most creative minds of our times. We are really excited to have Sara Ali Khan headline this film; she has truly immersed herself in the character of the young freedom fighter. We are certain that Kannan Iyer’s directorial vision and Darab and Kannan’s passionate writing will inspire and evoke a sense of patriotism and determination amongst audiences not just in India but across the world."
Karan Johar of Dharmatic Entertainment, said, "Dharmatic Entertainment is glad to be teaming up with Prime Video, yet again, to create a masterpiece- Ae Watan Mere Watan. The movie is an effort to bring to the audiences a lesser-known chapter of Indian history of the independence struggle. With the incredibly talented Sara Ali Khan taking on a never-seen-before character, and with Kannan Iyer’s vision, this movie promises to be truly inspiring and an entertaining experience."
"We are delighted to partner with Prime Video to create what I consider to be a great cinematic marvel. Prime Video has been a hub for unique stories and has provided its audience with a plethora of amazing titles. Ae Watan Mere Watan is a tale inspired by true events, about a freedom fighter whose unwavering courage and bravery helped our country immeasurably. We are extremely excited to see the magic Kannan Iyer is going to create with Sara Ali Khan as the lead in this film," said Apoorva Mehta, Dharmatic Entertainment.
"Directing this story inspired by true events from the very precarious times of India’s freedom struggle is a feeling of tremendous pride for me, and I am thankful to Prime Video and Dharmatic Entertainment for this opportunity. Ae Watan Mere Watan is going to be a tribute to the priceless contributions made by fearless heroes to India’s fight for independence. It is my first time working with Sara Ali Khan and I am excited to see how she moulds herself into this character," added director Kannan Iyer
Sara Ali Khan shared her excitement on playing this role in Ae Watan Mere Watan, "I am so excited and honoured that Prime Video and Dharmatic Entertainment have given me the opportunity to be a part of a film that I truly believe deserves to be told. As an actor, and more importantly as an Indian I am proud to be able to portray a character that echoes bravery, strength and courage. Working with Kannan Iyer sir is a sheer privilege as he is so passionate and emotionally invested in this story himself. And while of course it is very challenging to essay a character that is vastly different from anything that I’ve done before, it is a project I’m going to work really hard on. And most importantly, I’m going to cherish every day that I get to play an enigmatic freedom fighter."
