Sony LIV has unveiled the much-anticipated teaser for ‘The Waking of a Nation’, a gripping fictional drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ram Madhvani. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the series is set to stream exclusively on Sony LIV from March 7, bringing to light a lesser-known yet critical chapter of India’s colonial history.
The series follows Kantilal Sahni, a young lawyer played by Taaruk Raina, who finds himself entangled in the deceitful machinations of the British empire. As the Hunter Commission established to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy warps historical truth to serve imperial interests, Kantilal is forced to navigate racism, erasure, and the relentless fight for justice. Alongside his childhood friends, Ali Allahbaksh (Sahil Mehta), Hari Singh Aulakh (Bhawsheel Singh), and Hari’s wife Poonam (Nikita Dutta), Kantilal embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover hidden truths. However, in a world where justice remains elusive, their pursuit of the truth may come at an unimaginable cost.
Speaking about the series, Ram Madhvani shared his deep connection to the themes of colonialism, racism, and historical distortion. “I have always been deeply interested in colonialism and, by extension, the issues of racism and prejudice. As I was contemplating my next project, I knew it had to be rooted in our past, in the British Raj, and in our freedom struggle,” he explained. The Waking of a Nation was born out of this vision, weaving an intense courtroom drama with the powerful story of three friends who played a role in shaping India’s identity.
The show boasts an ensemble cast featuring Taaruk Raina, Nikita Dutta, Sahil Mehta, Bhawsheel Singh, Alex Reece, and Paul McEwan. Produced by Ram Madhvani and Amita Madhvani under the Ram Madhvani Films banner, it is penned by Shantanu Srivastava, Shatrujeet Nath, and Madhvani himself.
With its compelling blend of historical intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the relentless struggle for justice, The Waking of a Nation promises to be a thought-provoking and intense watch. The series will offer viewers a powerful narrative about truth, friendship, and the power struggles that defined an era.