Indian Muslims have already proved their patriotism: Imtiaz Ali to critics
Imtiaz Ali has defended Main Vaapas Aaunga against anti-national criticism, saying it focusses on Partition's human cost. He said the film rejects hatred and reflects on belonging, displacement and patriotism.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has responded to criticism of his latest film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, saying Indian Muslims have repeatedly shown their commitment to the country despite facing suspicion and hate. In an interview with The Tribune, Ali addressed those who called his Partition drama "anti-national", saying the film is centred on the human cost of the 1947 Partition rather than nationalist binaries.
Ali said the film is set in undivided India and should not be seen through the lens of loving or hating Pakistan. "The film is set in undivided India, so it's not about loving or hating Pakistan. Besides, of all the people I met, none of them spoke of hatred," he said. He also added, "More than anyone else, Indian Muslims have proved their patriotism by deciding to stay in India when they had a choice," while directing the remark at hatemongers.
Set against the backdrop of undivided India and the Partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga looks at the emotional toll of displacement, fractured identities and lost love. The film follows characters dealing with the trauma of leaving behind their homes, while asking what truly defines belonging.
When asked what "home" means to him, Ali linked the idea to the film's central theme. "Home is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas... we all yearn to return to being that person we were when we were home," he said.
Despite opening to a modest box office response, Main Vaapas Aaunga has seen steady momentum in cinemas through positive word of mouth and Ali's multi-city visits to theatres, where he has been interacting with audiences.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Vedang Raina, with Vedang playing the younger version of Naseeruddin Shah's character. It marks Ali's second collaboration with Diljit after Amar Singh Chamkila and reunites him with composer AR Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, the trio behind soundtracks including Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has responded to criticism of his latest film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, saying Indian Muslims have repeatedly shown their commitment to the country despite facing suspicion and hate. In an interview with The Tribune, Ali addressed those who called his Partition drama "anti-national", saying the film is centred on the human cost of the 1947 Partition rather than nationalist binaries.
Ali said the film is set in undivided India and should not be seen through the lens of loving or hating Pakistan. "The film is set in undivided India, so it's not about loving or hating Pakistan. Besides, of all the people I met, none of them spoke of hatred," he said. He also added, "More than anyone else, Indian Muslims have proved their patriotism by deciding to stay in India when they had a choice," while directing the remark at hatemongers.
Set against the backdrop of undivided India and the Partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga looks at the emotional toll of displacement, fractured identities and lost love. The film follows characters dealing with the trauma of leaving behind their homes, while asking what truly defines belonging.
When asked what "home" means to him, Ali linked the idea to the film's central theme. "Home is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas... we all yearn to return to being that person we were when we were home," he said.
Despite opening to a modest box office response, Main Vaapas Aaunga has seen steady momentum in cinemas through positive word of mouth and Ali's multi-city visits to theatres, where he has been interacting with audiences.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Vedang Raina, with Vedang playing the younger version of Naseeruddin Shah's character. It marks Ali's second collaboration with Diljit after Amar Singh Chamkila and reunites him with composer AR Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, the trio behind soundtracks including Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila.
