Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has revealed that he deliberately shaped the character of legendary freedom fighter Bagha Jatin in the new streaming series 'The Revolutionaries' as someone deeply emotional yet restrained in speech — a directorial choice rooted in the personality of the actor portraying him. The show, now streaming on Prime Video, has drawn strong early responses from audiences and critics alike.

The Character Design Behind Bagha Jatin

Speaking at a promotional event held at a 5-star property in Andheri West, Mumbai, Advani explained how he retrofitted the role of Bagha Jatin to suit actor Gurfateh Pirzada's natural screen presence. 'I feel that there is so much silence in Gurfateh, and I have played him like that,' Advani said. 'I have played Bagha Jatin as this guy who is almost monotone. When he speaks, he is very clear that this is what we need to do. And he is very emotional, highly emotional. I showcased him as highly emotional.'

The approach reflects a broader philosophy Advani described — one where the energy of the cast shapes the final characterisation as much as the written script. 'I felt that that is the energy I was getting from when we were together. So, I think that it evolves from people that are around you,' he added.

What 'The Revolutionaries' Is About

The series follows four Indian freedom fighters — Rash Behari Bose, Pratibha Lahiri, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, and Bagha Jatin — who championed armed resistance against the British Raj. Inspired by true events, the show is set against the backdrop of India's independence struggle and dramatises the sustained revolutionary efforts that, according to the narrative, compelled the British empire to shift its capital from Kolkata to Delhi.

The ensemble cast includes Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Jason Shah. Advani was joined by Bam, Saraf, Ranta, and Pirzada at the promotional event in Mumbai.

The Show's Broader Significance

Notably, 'The Revolutionaries' arrives at a time when historical drama on Indian streaming platforms has found a growing and engaged audience. The series positions itself within a tradition of revisiting lesser-documented chapters of the freedom movement — particularly the armed resistance strand, which mainstream historical narratives have at times underrepresented. By centring figures such as Bagha Jatin and Rash Behari Bose, the show brings renewed attention to revolutionaries who operated outside the non-violent mainstream.

Where to Watch

'The Revolutionaries' is currently available to stream exclusively on Prime Video. With its strong initial reception, the show is expected to sustain viewer interest through word-of-mouth and critical discussion in the weeks ahead.