There are many parallels between the story of Pandey and that of Sir William Wallace, the Scottish hero portrayed by Mel Gibson; in fact I can easily imagine this highly professional Indian film making it to a mass western audience (something I couldn't say about many Bollywood films I've seen), though of course the music & dance routines will look very odd to those unfamiliar with the ethos of Bollywood.The script is well written, giving a balanced historical analysis of the politics and economics surrounding the 1857 "Indian Mutiny" (as it's still known by the British). Direction is fine, the action flows evenly over its 2-1/2 hour span. Beautifully photographed and acted, this is a very solid and entertaining film, well worth watching (make sure you see it on a wide screen).

Ketan Mehta has no idea what 'uprising' means and surely no clue about revolution. The 1857 mutiny was about RAGE, it was a bloody revolt. There's NO RAGE in this movie. Mehta fails to depict the atmosphere, struggle and sacrifice behind all that happened. And instead turns it into a crappy romantic love-fest with an almost celebratory touch to it. Plus the song-and-dance nonsense. Is it a party or what??Mangal Pandey has been short-changed throughout the movie. Too many disconnected and irrelevant incidents seem like distractions that could have been avoided. Entire perspective is that of ruling British. The lives of Indians are trivial side shows that we can ignore while we munch on our popcorn. Gordon hogs footage that could have been devoted to Mangal, with the result that we get no insight into the psychology of the main character. Then why on earth make a movie about him?!! Its ridiculous.Mehta seems to think that the Sepoys just out of the blue decided to go up in arms against the British. How idiotic. His lack of accurate research and distortion of historical facts show in the movie. He fails to live up to the basic honesty of film.People like that really pxxx me off. It seems Indians must still bow to and pay homage to whatever is left of British era in India, either real or imaginary. The drudgery of the bonded imagination etched deep, the intellectual slavery continues unabated. WHY??? Ketan Mehta, Deepa Mehta, Mira Nair, Shashi Tharoor, Naipaul, Rushdie they are all exactly the same. India does not need this lousy breed of pseudos of the Macaulayite kind aka "bloody bxxtxxds the British left behind".If Holi was horrible, Mirch Masala was maddening. And Rising has made my BP rise to stratospheric levels. Watch the movie but ignore what it tries to mislead you into believing.

I was in India travelling with 2 friends and we were wandering Bangalore and decided to try this film out. I had no idea what to expect.... bu I loved the film, it was warm and very funny, but there were also many tears, Amir Khan is amazing and I fell totally in love with the strength of his character. Rani really is a beauty. It was mainly in Hindi but we got by with a little help from guys who spoke English. Cinema in India is a must do experience! This film address' many issues which are still going on in India-maybe not so much in the Cities but definitely in the rural areas!The Songs and Dancing adds to the beauty of this truly magnificent film!

Plot Outline: Set in 1957 British India, Mangal Pandey (Aamir) a Sepoy in the East India Company saves Capt William Gordon's life thus earning his friendship cutting across race and rank. Things get worse when Company introduces a new Cartridge allegedly greased with Cow and Pig fat, hurting both Hindu and Muslim sentiments. Mangal Pandey's reaction and the start of the Sepoy Mutiny is a known piece from History. Other characters include Prostitute Heera (Rani) and a rescued Sati victim Jwala (Ameesha) Comment: Mangal Pandey, in the movie has been projected as the Forerunner of India's freedom struggle and one who was chivalrous with prostitutes. While people from the Hero's village have reportedly disagreed to him being portrayed as a drunkard and man who visited prostitutes, the British don't seem to have liked their portrayal as being brutal.Some historians call Mangal an accidental hero; a casteist man facing societal rejection of having bitten Cow/Pig fat-greased cartridge reacted against the British, thus forcibly triggering the revolt much earlier than it was planned. Mangal's casteist notions are visible when Heera tries to touch him and he asks her 'What Caste are you?' There are many who say that Mangal, an obedient Sepoy of the company reacted more out of religious sentiments than out of any patriotic fervor. Surely, Ketan Mehta could have could have learnt how to make History Films from Hollywood's Braveheart.Ketan Mehta of Holi & Mirch Masala fame claims to have research two years on this subject. I can't believe that he has turned up with such a poor script after all those years. The best 'actors' of Bollywood Aamir & Rani have been thoroughly wasted with half baked poorly researched roles. Toby Stephens better known as the villain in the 007 flick Die Another Day is the only one to have a well scripted role and has done exceedingly well. His dialogue delivery in Hindi and his dedicated performance are noteworthy.Music is average with ill timed songs disturbing the pace of the movie. The Holi song is the most misplaced of all. Rahman has done a Mediocre job on this movie with 'Mangala Mangala' and 'Vari Vari' being the creamier of the lot.Rating: 3/5