2021 · Film
Sardar Udham
Shoojit Sircar's biographical drama about revolutionary Udham Singh, played by Vicky Kaushal, and his years-long plan to kill Michael O'Dwyer, Punjab's governor during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Reviewed by Movie Mandala, Sun, 18 Oct, 2026
Where to watch
IndiaAs of 18 October 2026, Sardar Udham is free to watch in India on Prime Video.
- Checked Sun, 18 Oct, 2026Open ↗
The story
In the 1930s, Udham Singh walks out of a Punjab jail under the watch of British intelligence. He slips away, crosses Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, and reaches London under false names. There he takes ordinary jobs, moves among Indian activists and quietly follows Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The story moves back and forth in time, to his youth in Amritsar, his friendship with Bhagat Singh's circle and the day in April 1919 that shaped the rest of his life.
Spoiler-free: only the set-up.
Who it suits
A slow, non-linear historical drama for adults and older teens who want a serious account of the freedom struggle. Although rated U/A, it runs nearly two and three-quarter hours and includes a long, graphic re-creation of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that many viewers will find upsetting.
darkthought-provokingemotional
Genres:HistoricalTrue storiesDramaWar and patriotic
Curation to help you choose, not a review.
Background
Sardar Udham is based on the life of Udham Singh, who shot Michael O'Dwyer in London on 13 March 1940 to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Rising Sun Films produced it with Kino Works, and the film has no songs; Shantanu Moitra composed the score.
It was first meant for cinemas on 2 October 2020, but the pandemic delayed it, and the producers sold it to Prime Video instead. It premiered there on the night of 15 October 2021, ahead of the announced 16 October date, in more than 240 countries. It was shortlisted as one of 15 films for India's entry to the 94th Academy Awards but was not picked. At the 69th National Film Awards, announced on 24 August 2023, it won five awards, including Best Feature Film in Hindi, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. It also won nine Filmfare Awards, including Best Film (Critics).
The facts
- Language
- Hindi
- Hindi
- Hindi original
- Genre
- Biographical historical drama
- Runtime
- 163 min
- Certificate
- U/A
- Director
- Shoojit Sircar
- Cast
- Vicky Kaushal, Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Banita Sandhu, Amol Parashar
Questions people ask
- Where can I watch Sardar Udham in India?
- As of 18 October 2026, Sardar Udham is free to watch in India on Prime Video.
- Is Sardar Udham in Hindi?
- Yes. Sardar Udham is a Hindi-language film.
- Is Sardar Udham suitable for children?
- Sardar Udham has a CBFC U/A certificate, which means children under 12 should watch with a parent or guardian.
- How long is Sardar Udham?
- Sardar Udham runs for 2 hours 43 minutes (163 minutes).