Ep 1. Shonan

The Forgotten Army - Azaadi ke liye is a historical drama series that takes the audience back to the Indian independence struggle in the 1940s. The series depicts the story of the Indian National Army (INA), which was formed by the Indian prisoners of war who were captured by the Japanese army during World War II. The INA was led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who believed that the only way to free India from the British Raj was through armed struggle.

Season 1 episode 1, titled Shonan, is a powerful episode that introduces the main characters and sets the tone for the entire series. The episode begins with a young girl named Maya, who is trying to learn more about her grandfather's past. Her grandfather, Amar, was a soldier in the Indian National Army and fought alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the Second World War.

Maya's curiosity takes her to the INA memorial in Singapore, where she meets a group of veterans who served in the INA. They tell her about the struggles and sacrifices that the soldiers in the INA made to free India from the British Raj. They also explain how the Japanese army gave support to the INA by training and arming them.

The episode then transitions to the past, where we see Amar as a young man fighting for the INA. The soldiers are shown undergoing rigorous training under the Japanese army. Amar and his comrades are shown to have formed a bond rooted in their shared belief in their cause. The INA soldiers are also seen to be culturally close to their Japanese allies, as they share food and stories around a campfire.

However, things take a difficult turn for the INA soldiers as they are sent to fight in the battle of Shonan, which is one of the most brutal battles of the Second World War. The battle takes place in a densely forested region, where the Japanese and the INA are pitted against the British army.

The battle is intense and bloodied, and the soldiers are shown fighting with great vigour. The Japanese provide support to the INA, but the British army is well equipped and organised. The INA soldiers suffer heavy losses, with many being killed or injured. The episode shows the brutality of war, with scenes of wounded soldiers being treated on the field, and bodies of the dead being carried away.

Through all the chaos and pain, Amar and his comrades fight with great courage and determination. The episode ends with the INA soldiers being forced to retreat, but with their spirits undimmed.

Overall, Season 1 episode 1 of The Forgotten Army - Azaadi ke liye is a gripping and emotional episode that sets the scene for the rest of the series. Viewers are exposed to the brutality of war and the sacrifices that soldiers must make to fight for their beliefs. The episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of India's independence struggle and the role played by the Indian National Army in achieving it.