A Gritty Retelling of Forgotten History – ‘Freedom’ Movie Review
Director Sathya Siva’s Freedom is a hard-hitting Tamil drama that revisits a dark and often overlooked chapter in Indian history. Inspired by true events that took place in Vellore during the early 1990s, the film blends fact with fiction to shed light on the lives of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees caught in a web of political unrest, suspicion, and survival.
Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, Freedom captures the chaos and desperation that unfolded when Tamil civilians fled to India seeking refuge. In the aftermath of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991 — an incident linked to Sri Lankan Tamil extremists — many refugees were taken into custody, interrogated, and detained in high-security camps. The film pivots around a dramatic real-life escape in which 43 inmates dug a tunnel and fled from one such special camp — a moment that serves as the emotional and narrative core of the story.
Sathya Siva approaches the subject with sensitivity and authenticity, weaving in fictional elements without diluting the seriousness of the real events. His direction ensures that the film never slips into melodrama, maintaining a tight grip on tone and tension.
Sasikumar, fresh off the success of Tourist Family, delivers a compelling performance as a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee. His attention to detail — from body language to dialect — adds credibility to his character. His physical performance, especially in action sequences, reflects significant preparation and dedication. Lijomol Jose plays his counterpart with grace and restraint, though her role could have been written with more depth to fully showcase her acting range.
Malavika steps in as a principled lawyer fighting for justice, offering a strong supporting performance, while Sudev Nair excels as the ruthless Superintendent of Police. His portrayal of a power-abusing officer is chilling — and convincing enough to evoke genuine dislike, which speaks to his strength as a performer.
Supporting actors including Bose Venkat, Ramesh Khanna, Mu. Ramasamy Mu.Ramasamy, Antony, ‘Boys’ Manigandan, Guna and Vijay Sathya do justice to their roles, contributing to the film’s grounded and realistic atmosphere. The ensemble cast portraying fellow inmates and police officers help flesh out the narrative with authenticity.
Visually, the film stands out. The sets — especially the recreation of Tippu Mahal, the refugee camp, and the underground tunnel — are impressively designed, adding to the immersive experience. The art direction by C.Udayakumar and team deserves a special mention.
The soundtrack and background score by Ghibran Vaibodha elevate the emotional weight of the film. His compositions don’t just complement the narrative — they amplify it. N.S. Uthayakumar’s cinematography captures the grimness and urgency of the story beautifully, while N.B. Srikanth’s editing ensures the pace remains tight and engaging throughout.
In all, Freedom is a thought-provoking and poignant film that bravely revisits a turbulent moment in South Asian history. It doesn’t just tell a story — it demands attention and reflection. While not without its minor flaws, Freedom succeeds in delivering a gripping and emotional cinematic experience rooted in reality.
Rating: 3.5/5