Sarzameen is an intensely moving and tragic film, which is about the explosive overlapping realities of the notions of patriot, family, sacrifice and the emotional drama playing up against the backdrop of Kashmir. Under the harsh but deeply troubled guidance of a stoic Colonel Vijay Menon, the story balances intense action with soul searching that is extremely well done. The manner in which the film has presented the uncompromising nature of Vijay in securing the nation at personal sacrifices is very strong, which throws light on various moral questions that the protectors of the country have to contend with. The conflict of his son Harman which is unclear which side to be on also adds twists of suspense and moralizing to the story where viewers are made to consider the concept of loyalty and identity.
Vision wise, the cinematography portrayed in Sarzameen is on the stark/ gritty side that reflects the rough land and the tensions of the war zone. The action is thick and bloody and the emotional scenes especially the ones involving family, and betrayal have been treated with a more subdued touch and subtlety. The actors are strong, particularly the two main actors who portray a profound inner conflict- the determined resolve of Vijay as opposed to the radicalized self loss of Harman. The disclosure of Meher being the spy adds compelling spy versus spy narration into the picture staking the game and results in a taut denouement that brings out the idea of sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption.
The topical issue that impressed me in “Sarzameen” was the theme of sacrifice; the role of love, duty and betrayal in the extreme situation. Filled with tragedy and a feeling of hope, the movie made me pensive about the price of blind patriotism and costs of warfare in human life. It is heartbreaking and provoking in its depiction of a family that was ripped apart by ideology, but in the end connected over sacrifice. The mixed ability of war and human spirit is a strong visual that sticks in the mind long after the last scene of the film, one can see the importance of Sarzameen.
