Cinema as Shraddhanjali: Ram Madhvani Revisits Jallianwala Bagh Through ‘The Waking of a Nation’

Filmmaker Ram Madhvani, known for nuanced storytelling in works like Neerja and Aarya, marks the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre with a deeply personal tribute through his latest project, ‘The Waking of a Nation’. The six-part series revisits April 13, 1919, not with spectacle, but with solemnity, remembering the peaceful gathering that was met with unprovoked and brutal violence. Reflecting on the tragic events of that day, Madhvani shared how the massacre became a moment of reckoning in India’s journey toward independence. He says, “Jallianwala Bagh was not just a tragedy; it revealed the true cost of colonial rule. The people there gathered in peace, and what they were met with changed the course of history.”

The series ‘The Waking of a Nation’ stems from Ram’s belief that moments like these must remain part of our collective memory. “This is my shraddhanjali - not just in words, but through storytelling. We owe it to the generations that follow to remember,” he added.

Calling the massacre a turning point in the history of India, Madhvani underscores the importance of acknowledging the quiet courage of those present; individuals who never sought to be remembered as heroes, but whose presence that day became a catalyst for change. He shares, “As a filmmaker, I feel a responsibility to preserve these stories. It’s in telling them that we honour those who can no longer speak.” With ‘The Waking of a Nation’, Madhvani continues to explore stories rooted in truth, dignity, and resilience—reminders of the human cost behind the freedoms we hold today.