Nikkhil Advani Shares His Journey Behind The Creation of “Freedom At Midnight”

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NOVEMBER 26,2024

SonyLIV's latest series, 'Freedom at Midnight,' directed by Nikkhil Advani, brings to life the turbulent period leading up to India's independence and Partition. This political thriller, based on Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins' iconic novel, delves deep into the events that defined India's struggle for freedom, spanning from 1946 to 1948. With gripping storytelling and powerful performances, the series sheds light on both known and lesser-known historical moments.

A Political Thriller Rooted in History

'Freedom at Midnight' explores the two critical years before India's independence, vividly depicting the backroom politics, ideological battles, and human stories that shaped this era. The series also highlights the rising tensions with the Muslim League's demand for Pakistan, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The compelling narrative brings a fresh perspective to familiar historical events, blending fact with creative interpretations to make the story engaging and thought-provoking.

The seven-episode series, with each episode running approximately 42 minutes, features a talented ensemble cast, including Sidhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra, Rajendra Chawla, Arif Zakaria, Ira Dubey, Malishka Mendonsa, Rajesh Kumar, KC Shankar, and more. Together, they breathe life into a complex narrative of politics, division, and hope.

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Nikkhil Advani on the Creative Process

Nikkhil Advani shared his inspiration behind the series, noting the unique perspective it aimed to explore. 'A lot of what we have shown is in history books, and a lot of it is not. When Danish Khan (Executive Vice President, SonyLiv) said in passing that the series was about a history you may not know, rather a history you should know, it became the mantra with which we approached the writing.'

The series draws from pivotal events, beginning with Jinnah's call for Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946, and concluding with Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948. Advani emphasised how historical figures' personalities informed the creative debates and dialogues in the series. 'Once it was clear that Gandhi would never compromise on his principles, Sardar (Patel) was more pragmatic and realistic than others, and Nehru was going to be the one torn between two giant personalities it allowed us to create our debates and discussions.'

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When asked about a potential second season, Advani hinted at expanding the narrative. 'If the first season is about backroom politics, in the second, the time bomb would explode as we move outside to see the opposition to Gandhi, the response to Partition in Punjab and Calcutta, the role of the princes, the plight of the refugees, and the question of Kashmir.'

With its gripping portrayal of a transformative era, 'Freedom at Midnight' not only captivates viewers but also reignites interest in one of the most defining moments in history. For fans of history and drama alike, this series is a must-watch.