Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has finally brought his celebrated film Main Vaapas Aaunga to Chandigarh, a city he describes as 'first world'. During a theatre-hopping visit to gauge audience response, Ali reflected on the personal stories that inspired his moving Partition drama. He acknowledged that while he has seen many films and considers Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's Freedom at Midnight the definitive book on the cataclysmic period, the true inspiration came from the personal accounts of those affected by the hastily drawn Radcliffe Line.
Personal Stories Over Political Narratives
Ali's film oscillates between two time periods—1947 and modern-day Punjab—both of which he considers crucial for a state he holds dear. Main Vaapas Aaunga, he emphasized, is more than a love story. In an era where Pakistan-bashing has become common, Ali explained his contrarian approach: 'The film is set in undivided India, so it is not about loving or hating Pakistan. Besides, all the people I met spoke of no hatred.' He also addressed those who tell Indian Muslims to 'go to Pakistan', reminding that 'more than anyone else, Indian Muslims have proved their patriotism by choosing to stay in India when they had a choice.'
Home, Heart, and Punjab's Essence
Asked what home means to him personally, Ali said: 'Home is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas Aaunga, we all yearn to return to being that person we were when we were home.' He expressed heartened by the film's theatrical run, which picked up after being declared 'dead on arrival'. Ali values the big-screen experience, noting that some of his films, like Tamasha, are now hailed as masterpieces despite initial box-office struggles. When asked which is more gratifying—instant success or passing the test of time—he quipped: 'Pain is temporary… cinema is permanent.'
Punjab's Image and Cultural Roots
Ali's love for Punjab is evident in his work. When asked about the image of the state he carries in his heart, he replied: 'Wheat fields and gentle breeze.' Among Punjabi words, 'chardi kalan' is his favourite. The songs of Amar Singh Chamkila, whose life Ali brought to the screen in a biopic, remain indelible on his mind. He noted that Amar Singh Chamkila led to Main Vaapas Aaunga, while his brother Sajid Ali's film Laila Majnu will soon be followed by Heer Ranjha with the same team.
Audience Response and Future Directions
The responses from moviegoers, including Gen Z, have become a refresher course for Ali, helping him reassess his future course and reinforcing his belief that 'audiences like a good film.' As he continues to deliver cinematic gems, Ali's reflections on Partition, Punjab, and storytelling underscore the enduring power of personal narratives over political rhetoric.
