Seldom do you see films that are based on novels do justice to the novel or as a film. But when you knew that someone of the calibre of Dr Diwedi was making a film it had to be good. And it was.
I haven’t read the novel but watching the film was much better than reading. It was actually like living in that era. Or more so being a part of it or experiencing the whole situation.
Unlike other partition films that give emphasis to just the event - this says the story of people and what they went through. Not just because of the partition but the age that India was living in at that point in time. Parents were ready to abandon children because of society constraints and other such plights.
The film has some great art direction apart from certain scenes being shot in real locations - most of it has been shot in a set put up in a studio in Bombay.
The music of the film is soothing and the best part about it is the fact that the lyrics are picked up from the novel itself. The poetry written by Amrita Pritam has been composed by Uttam Singh.
And of course the actors contribute to it all and make it a whole. While a lot of people have seemed to particularly not like Urmila in the role of the protagonist - to me she seemed just fine. Her shortcomings give other actors a chance to shine. In the first half the show is completely stolen by Priyanshu - who in the role of Urmila’s brother is wonderful. Right from his look to his body language to his nuances - he puts forth a great performance.
But the second half completely belongs to our man Mr Bajpai. Manoj in the role of a lover who ends up paying for one mistake for the rest of his life is awesome. Minus the words - just his expressions are killing. And he acts so effortlessly that it almost brings tears to your eyes when he is hurt.
The rest of the supporting cast is good as well - especially Sandali Sinha - who in her two-bit scenes in the second half does a good job.
The film is a bit slow and a bit long (it has been trimmed now, however) but that doesn’t hinder at all. If you like the movie experience, then this one is a must for you.