Nikkhil Advani’s latest historical drama The Revolutionaries takes viewers into a lesser-known and intensely turbulent chapter of India’s freedom struggle. Headlined by Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta and Gurfateh Pirzada, the eight-episode series explores the lives, sacrifices and revolutionary activities of four young Indians who chose armed resistance against British rule. The series began streaming on Prime Video on September 11, 2026.

Based on Sanjeev Sanyal’s book Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom, the show attempts to expand the conventional narrative of India’s independence movement by focusing on revolutionary networks that operated alongside the better-known non-violent movement.

A Different Side of India’s Freedom Struggle

Indian history has often been told through a handful of famous names. The Revolutionaries tries to move beyond that familiar territory. The story revolves around Rash Behari Bose, Sachindranath Sanyal, Pratibha Lahiri and Bagha Jatin, four revolutionaries who became part of an underground resistance against the British Raj. Bhuvan Bam plays Rash Behari Bose, Rohit Saraf portrays Sachindranath Sanyal, Pratibha Ranta plays Pratibha Lahiri, while Gurfateh Pirzada steps into the role of Bagha Jatin. The series touches upon secret revolutionary networks, political conspiracies, friendship, betrayal, sacrifice and the determination to challenge British power.

Bhuvan Bam Is a Pleasant Surprise

For viewers who know Bhuvan Bam primarily as a digital creator and the face behind BB Ki Vines, seeing him in the role of revolutionary Rash Behari Bose is one of the biggest attractions. Bam takes on a dramatically different persona here. His character requires seriousness, restraint and the weight of a man carrying a dangerous mission. His performance may not be flawless, but the effort to step outside his familiar comic image is evident. The role also gives Bam an opportunity to explore a historical personality whose story is not widely discussed in mainstream popular culture. He has previously spoken about how playing Bose made him wonder how revolutionaries managed to communicate and coordinate across India without modern technology.

Rohit Saraf and Gurfateh Pirzada Add Strength

Rohit Saraf gets a substantial transformation from his more familiar romantic roles. His portrayal of Sachindranath Sanyal brings an emotional and somewhat restrained quality to the story. Saraf reportedly underwent around ten months of physical preparation for the role, including gym training and Kalaripayattu, to develop the physicality required for the period action drama. Gurfateh Pirzada, as Bagha Jatin, brings a quieter intensity. His controlled screen presence works particularly well during the more serious revolutionary sequences. Pratibha Ranta also makes an impression as Pratibha Lahiri, a character who adds another dimension to the story by highlighting the participation and sacrifices of women within underground revolutionary networks.

The Story Is the Biggest Strength

The most interesting thing about The Revolutionaries is not simply its scale—it is the history it chooses to tell. The series introduces audiences to figures such as Rash Behari Bose, Sachindranath Sanyal, Bagha Jatin and Pratibha Lahiri, whose contributions have received comparatively less attention in mainstream entertainment.

The narrative also connects different revolutionary movements and networks, giving the story a broader geographical canvas. Elements surrounding Bengal, Punjab, underground organisations and international revolutionary activity add depth to the historical setting. For viewers unfamiliar with this part of the freedom struggle, the show can become a starting point for discovering an important but less frequently discussed chapter of Indian history.

Action and Period Setting Create Impact

Visually, the series aims for the scale of a historical action drama. Secret meetings, confrontations with the British authorities, revolutionary missions and action sequences keep the narrative moving.The production also attempts to recreate the atmosphere of the early 20th century, giving the story a sense of period authenticity.

However, some critics have felt that the polished presentation occasionally works against the rawness of the subject. Moneycontrol, for example, praised the underlying story but criticised the show’s excessive gloss and lack of grit, rating it 2.5/5.

Where The Revolutionaries Falls Short

Despite its fascinating subject, the series isn’t without weaknesses.

The biggest issue is that the enormous historical canvas sometimes makes the storytelling feel rushed. With so many characters, events, political ideas and revolutionary movements to cover, certain emotional moments don’t always receive enough breathing room.

The tonal balance can also be uneven. Some sequences feel grounded and intense, while others lean heavily into spectacle. Another criticism concerns the screenplay. NewsBytes described the series as engaging and action-heavy but noted its uneven and rushed writing. Outlook India similarly praised the show’s choice of historical subject and several performances while arguing that its ambition sometimes overwhelms its storytelling and pacing.

Is The Revolutionaries Worth Watching?

Yes—especially if you enjoy historical dramas and stories about India’s freedom struggle.

The series may not be a perfect historical epic, but its subject alone makes it worth exploring. It brings relatively unfamiliar revolutionaries into the mainstream conversation and encourages viewers to look beyond the textbook version of India’s independence movement. Bhuvan Bam’s dramatic transformation is another major reason to watch, while Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta and Gurfateh Pirzada strengthen the ensemble. The show works best when it focuses on the human cost of revolution—the fear, uncertainty, loyalty and sacrifice behind the larger political struggle.

The Revolutionaries is an ambitious attempt to revisit the forgotten faces of India’s revolutionary movement. Its historical premise is fascinating, the performances have several strong moments, and Bhuvan Bam deserves credit for taking on a challenging role far removed from his established image. At times, however, the series becomes too polished and hurried for a story that demands more emotional depth and rawness.

Still, the show succeeds in doing something important: it makes audiences curious about revolutionaries whose stories deserve greater attention.

The Revolutionaries is streaming on Prime Video.