One of the most powerful legacies in India’s fight for independence comes to the big screen

One of the most poignant yet untold episodes in India’s struggle for Independence finally takes form on the big screen as PVR Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions’ much-awaited period thriller ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ is set free in cinemas on 3^rd December 2010, distributed worldwide by Cinergy Independent Film Services Pvt. Ltd. ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ is directed by one of contemporary Indian cinema’s most acclaimed directors, the Oscar-nominated Ashutosh Gowariker (‘Lagaan’, ‘Jodha Akbar’), hailed for his immaculate cinematic outings inspired by some of India’s most historic milestones. 

 Marking Ashutosh Gowariker’s first period thriller, the film is based on the book ‘DO and DIE: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34’ by Manini Chatterjee, and captures the zeitgeist spirit and intensity of Goa, Sawantwadi and Mumbai – the locales in which the film is set.

The stellar cast is spearheaded by Abhishek Bachchan, essaying the lead role of Surjya Sen (fondly known as ‘Masterda’) with characteristic finesse. Continuing to prove her mettle far beyond her grace and beauty, Deepika Padukone joins him on screen alongside rising talent Sikander Kher. Also starring in supporting roles are Vishakha Singh, Samrat, Maninder, Feroz Wahid Khan and Shreyas Pandit. ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ has been produced jointly by Ajay Bijli, Sanjeev K. Bijli and Sunita A. Gowariker, with a lasting soundtrack composed by maverick Music Director, Sohail Sen.  

Set in Chittagong, British India, ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ recounts the true incident of a series of attacks executed in one single night on 18^th April 1930 and its aftermath. A force of five experienced revolutionaries, two defiant and resolute women – Kalpana Datta (Deepika Padukone) and Pritilata Waddedar – and a group of innocent but fearless young boys, was led by Surjya Sen, a school teacher by profession, as they carried out attacks on the British Cantonment AFI Armoury, Police Lines, European Club, Telegraph Office and Nangalkote Railway Lines. The group of 64 revolutionaries and their actions on 18^th April 1930 represent a little-known chapter in history; a forgotten night that reigned terror on the British through a series of calculated attacks.

‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ is the true story of these forgotten heroes and the narrative takes audiences through every step of the gripping sequence of events, from the initial trepidation to the thrill of the attack, to the underground movement, daring escapes and tragic captures, and most importantly, their undying legacy. 

Commenting about the film, Ashutosh Gowariker says, “Little to almost nothing is known about the Chittagong Uprising and I thought it important to be brought forward to the nation. It is a true story and yet we know so little about it, hence my desire to bring it onto the big screen. Few realise that the Chittagong Armoury Raid is one of India's greatest freedom struggles. The film is about young revolutionaries who play with their very lives, hence the reason behind the title.” 

Be prepared for liberation as ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’ releases in cinemas on 3^rd December 2010, distributed worldwide by Cinergy Independent Film Services Pvt. Ltd.