Imtiaz Ali's latest film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, is a poetic and deeply emotional tale of unfinished love that leaves a lingering ache. Released on June 12, 2026, the Hindi drama and romance film runs for 2 hours and 46 minutes and has earned a critic's rating of 3.5 out of 5, with a similar user rating.
Story and Plot
Set seventy-eight years after the Indo-Pak Partition, the story follows Nirvair (Diljit Dosanjh), the grandson of Ishar Singh (Naseeruddin Shah). After Ishar suffers a brain stroke, Nirvair pieces together an unfinished story of love, loss, and longing through his grandfather's delirious anecdotes. As India and Pakistan inch closer to Partition, young Keenu (Vedang Raina as young Ishar) repeatedly promises Afsana, also known as Jiya (Sharvari), that he will never leave. When forced to part, he vows, “Main vaapas aaunga” (I will come back). He keeps his word, even if only in his memories. As his dementia progresses, Nirvair realizes that his grandfather's unfinished promise prevents him from leaving the world until it is fulfilled. Thus begins Nirvair's journey to trace Keenu's life and give him closure, learning about commitment along the way.
Love and separation evoke heartache like nothing else. The anguish of leaving one's home, life, and identity behind deepens the poignancy. Director Imtiaz Ali weaves a nonlinear saga across two distinct timelines, exploring how displacement creates emotional distance and bitterness, leading to intergenerational trauma. This is an ache no one can truly share, as Ishar's younger brother Pali (Vinod Nagpal) emphatically points out: the one who bears such suffering will take it to the grave. This gut-wrenching moment reminds us of the lakhs of people on both sides who may have passed on without closure. The film also uses striking metaphors, including the idea that bigots and Adolf Hitler are Martians, suggesting such cruelty is almost inhuman.
Visuals and Music
The romantic drama's visual language is a highlight, with cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca using golden, sunlit frames to lend Keenu and Jiya's early romance a dreamlike quality. In sharp contrast, the grim scenes of Partition riots are harrowing, especially one sequence depicting women protecting their honor. A. R. Rahman's music adds an evocative layer, blending Punjabi folk with jazz in Ishq Mastana, raw energy in Kya Kamaal Hai, and breezy charm in Maskara.
Critique
The first half feels plodding, and at 2 hours 46 minutes, the runtime seems overstretched. The slow pace may not work for everyone, but those who enjoy Ali's sweeping, cinematic storytelling will find enough to immerse themselves. Frequent transitions between 1947 and the present day can be challenging to track. While Keenu and Jiya's love track is beautifully portrayed, Nirvair's equation with Kaveri (Banita Sandhu) does not create the same impact. A sequence about crop burning and a machine turning husk into fertilizer feels out of place, and Nirvair's stand-up comedy attempts about Partition seem tonally odd.
Performances
The film belongs to Naseeruddin Shah, who proves why he is celebrated as one of Indian cinema's finest actors. He is pitch-perfect in portraying Ishar's delirium and sadness, delivering a powerful performance even when confined to a bed. Diljit Dosanjh matches his prowess as a commitment-phobic young man determined to help his grandfather find closure and eternal peace. Vedang Raina is brilliant as young Keenu, capturing innocent romance, helplessness, and later embittered self with conviction. Sharvari looks ethereal and charms as Afsana, essaying someone dealing with the pangs of love and fear with panache. Among the supporting cast, Rajat Kapoor is effective as Ishar's resentful son Iqbal Grewal, while Anjana Sukhani delivers a strong turn as his outspoken daughter-in-law Meher. Manish Chaudhri and Danish Pandor deserve mention in brief but impactful roles.
Conclusion
Imtiaz Ali's signature poetic and deeply emotional storytelling, along with powerful performances, makes Main Vaapas Aaunga a must-watch. The film's bittersweet ache stays with you long after the credits roll.
