Pinjar

wow wow wow wow wow

This unquestionable loss of words is what I felt like when I saw Pinjar. Going in not expecting anything from the movie was a good way to stay objective, but having watched it, it really makes you think of all the suffering and torment that went on during partition. Being born and brought up in the west, one tends to forget the pain and the struggle that our forefathers and mothers must have gone through. I would have to quote this as one of the most serious art movie that bollywood has made in some time. Although in my view an art movie, it managed to churn out wonderful cinematography, narration, characters and pace. Before this movie I was very dismissive of Urmila and this had made me change my view on her acting capabilities.

A definite movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon with a nice cup of chai.

This movie was absolutely wonderful. The pre-partition time and culture has been recreated beautifully. Urmila has given yet another brilliant performance. What I truly admire about this movie is that it doesn't resort to Pakistan-bashing that is running rampant in movies like Gadar and LOC. With the partition as a backdrop, the movie does not divert to political issues or focus on violence or what is right and wrong. The movie always centers around the tragic story of Urmila's life. Her fragile relationship with Manoj Bajpai has been depicted excellently. The movie actually shows how the people, both Hindus and Muslims, have suffered from this partition. The theme that there is only one religion is truly prevalent in this film.

In a word...amazing.

I initially was not too keen to watch Pinjar since I thought this would be another movie lamenting over the partition and would show biases towards India and Pakistan. I was so totally wrong. Pinjar is a heart-wrenching, emotional and intelligent movie without any visible flaws. I was haunted by it after watching it. It lingered on my mind for so long; the themes, the pain, the loss, the emotion- all was so real.

This is truly a masterpiece that one rarely gets to see in Bollywood nowadays. It has no biases or prejudices and has given the partition a human story. Here, no one country is depicted as good or bad. There are evil Indians, evil Pakistanis and good Indians and Pakistanis. The cinematography is excellent and the music is melodious, meaningful (thanks to Gulzar sahib) and haunting. Everything about the movie was amazing...and the acting just took my breath away. All were perfectly cast.

If you are interested in watching an intellectual and genuinely wonderful movie...look no further. This movie gives it all. I recommend it with all my heart. AMAZING cannot describe how excellent it is.

I tend to find most Indian movies based on the 1946-1947 riots that took place in Punjab during the partition to be extremely melodramatic, one-sided, preachy, pretentious and sometimes even mocking. Barely any of these films presented an impartial look or even tell a convincing story. Not so old examples include successful films like 'Gadar, Ek Prem Katha', 'Refugee' and 'Border'.

Then comes Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi's jaw-dropping 'Pinjar: Beyond Boundaries...' based on Amrita Pritam's astounding novel. Not only does this poignant film depict an unbiased view on the segregation and its devastating effects on thousands of lives but it haunts the viewer (in a good way) as one continues to think about it.

Dwivedi beautifully tells the stories surrounding the theme. His depiction of other themes such as the harsh reality of women from that time, of honour being the most valuable possession of a man for which he is willing to sacrifice his innocent daughter, of redemption, persistence, forgiveness and courage are excellently put together.

'Pinjar: Beyond Boundaries...' is an exceptionally well made film. It looks pleasingly colourful without appearing glossy or artificial. Muneesh Sappel's art direction dazzles. The sets and costumes look authentic and the landscapes are stunning. Santosh Thundiiayil's cinematography and Ballu Saluja's editing are brilliant.

Uttam Singh's score is one of a kind. I love all of the songs. Not only are they beauteously visualized and choreographed but they never look out of place as they contribute to the story. Moreover Gulzar's poetry is magic as they bring a lyrical quality.

Each and every actor delivers one of their career best performances. Sanjay Suri, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Kulbushan Kharbanda, Seema Biswas, Lilette Dubey, Sandali Sinha, Farida Jalal, Pratima Kazmi and Alok Nath are remarkable. Dina Pathak and Isha Koppikar are highly effective in small roles. If I had to pick the best performances then easily two names pop in mind. Manoj Bajpai and Urmila Matondkar. While Bajpai is phenomenal in a complex role, Matondkar performs all guns blazing leading to a transcendent performance and one of the best female lead performances I have had the pleasure to witness in Indian cinema.

'Pinjar: Beyond Boundaries...' is a personal favourite. I don't think there are enough words for me to describe this movie treasure. I have already seen it multiple times and it keeps getting better with each viewing.

If you like movies with any sense and leave movies like Kal Ho Na Ho and Main Hoon Na for dodos then this is the movie for you. The movie shows the real plight suffered by the people from both side of the border during partition without being biased. There are no chest-thumping dialogues that make your blood boil. But instead it has sensible script that makes you think on whatever happened during partition was it really necessary.

All the cast has put a commendable performances. The director has done a stupendous job first by selecting a topic so volatile and then portraying it in such a beautiful way. Hats off SIR!!!!

Over all a fantastic movie!!!! Rating 9 out of 10.

PS: Here I would like to make a point to the people who make & watch movies like Kal Ho Na Ho, Main Hoon Na, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. What are you trying to achieve by making & watching eye-candies that don't have any sense. Because of these kind of brainless and baseless movies, good movies like Pinjar goes unnoticed. I think its time for people to decide who deserves more credit Pinjar or Main Hoon Na?????