The long-awaited epic starring Amir Khan finally hits our screens this month and it is certainly worth the wait.

Film-makers always have the tendency to be less than generous with the truth when it comes to historical fact.

Here at least they attempt not to wander too far from events.

The anti-British sentiment and the 'freedom idea' make for a great story and throw in some made up love scenarios and you've got yourself a hit.

The Rising is set against the backdrop of the Indian Mutiny of 1857 when a band of sepoys decide they've had enough of their colonial masters.

During a fierce battle Mangal rescues his commanding officer William Gordon. The meeting creates a strong friendship and binding loyalty between them.

The friendship is soon challenged, first by the arrival of a beautiful young aristocrat, Emily Kent, and then by the introduction of controversial new gun cartridges among the troops.

The new cartridges require soldiers to bite through their greased casing, made of animal fat. This upsets both Hindus and Muslims.

Gordon assures Mangal that this is not the case but it seems further up the ranks someone has been lying.

This spark, eventually leads to outright mutiny with Mangal at the helm.

The music is as always some of AR Rahmans finest.

Mangal Pandey - The Rising Stars: Amir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel, Toby Stephens, Coral Beed. Directed by: Ketan Mehta Music: A.R Rahman