The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and 31st March 1931:

Shaheed As we celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Independence, the year witnessed maximum number of films based on the patriotic theme. There were the Bharat Bhagya Vidhaatas and Border Hinudtan Kas aplenty. But the two most talked about films of the year were The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and 31st March 1931: Shaheed.

Both films were based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. In fact Rajkumar Santoshi who directed the Legend and Sunny Deol who produced Shaheed wanted to make the film together. This was then when they were thick friends. Sunny wanted Santoshi to cast Bobby as Bhagat Singh while Santoshi felt that a newcomer would be suited better. It was this difference of opinion that compelled them to part ways and make their dream ventures on their own. Sunny announced his film with chhote bhaiyya Bobby in the lead. Good friend Guddu Dhanoa was signed to direct the film. Rajkumar Santoshi preferred then to play safe and cast Ajay Devgan as Bhagat Singh. Santoshi even invited Kultar Singh younger brother of Bhagat Singh to attend one of the schedules in Pune. Compared to the Deols, Rajkumar Santoshi's film was well researched and planned.

Both films were released on the same day. While Bobby appeared to suit the role of Bhagat Singh to the T, it was Ajay Devgan who walked away with the laurels where performance was concerned. Even when it came to the techincal finesse and the storyline it was Santoshi's The Legend Of Bhagat Singh that walked away with all the praise. Characters of Sukhdev and Rajguru were well defined in The Legend.... While in 31st March 1931: Shaheed Sukhdev and Rajguru appeared to be mere caricatures. Their poorly sketched characters gave them no scope to perform. 31st March 1931: Shaheed will be only remembered for one thing—Amrita Singh's moving performance as Bhagat Singh's mother.