Garm Hava

One of the best movies made on the most debated subject in South Asia - the Partition!. It portrays life of a Muslim family in post-partition India. The family elder fights the temptations to move out to the newly-formed country called 'Pakistan' and the family faces the challenges that come on their way. Most of the clues and warnings set out at the outset manifested themselves in the latter years and decades and still continue to haunt both sides of the border.

Balraj Sahni has carried it through. A. K. Hangal and Gita Siddharth (Kak) were superb. Farooq Shaikh can be seen in his early years of act.

The land is divided, Lives are shattered Storms rage in every heart; It's the same here or there Faith has lost all meaning; Here or there.

Based on an unpublished story by famous Urdu writer Ismat Chugtai, is one of the few movies dealing with state of Muslims who stayed back in India post partition. This film captures the struggle and anguish of the Muslim people who found themselves in strange situation where they in their own country were treated as outsiders. Salim Mirza, played brilliantly by Balraj Sahney, is one such Muslim who stays back in India. He with his family has to fight to find their identity and respect in this new country with changed realities. He can only watch as his world is slowly ripped by tragic aftermath of partition. Sikandar, played by Farooq Shaikh, is Salim Mirza's unemployed son who is often on his face told that he might have a better chance in Pakistan. The fabulous story, great performances (especially of Balraj Sahani) and the sensitivity of the content makes it a must watch. Garam Hawa was initially banned but eventually it won a national award for national integration and was even screened in Pakistan.

The DVD cover of this film says "Most memorable movie of Balraj Sahni"...well guess what, not just the most memorable movie of Balraj Sahni...but probably one of the greatest of the great movies ever seen in in Indian film industry and a landmark performance in the history of Indian cinema.

The best movie on the India-Pak partition. The movie based in Agra deals with the social issues amongst other issues related to the partition and the repercussions of the partition on the society in general and looking at the problems within one family, both internal and external!

The features and expressions of Balraj Sahni and his portrayal of Salim Mirza is too good to be true! Words cant describe his performance! It is said that Dilip Kumar was first offered this role. Good support from Farooq S, AK Hangal, Gita Siddharth and many others!

Great Script by Kaifi Azmi and sensational stuff by the director M.S.Sathyu. Exceptionally realistic, hard hitting and a bonafide classic! 10 out of 10!

The partition not only affected those who were displaced but also those who decided to stay back. And the minorities who decided to stay back amongst the majorities found themselves in a strange situation; suddenly they were outsiders in their own country and people viewed them with suspicion. 'Garam Hawa' deals with such issues with great sensitivity and perhaps is one of the best movies ever made on post partition.

Salim Mirza, brilliantly played by Balraj Sahney, is one such Muslim who stays back in India. India is a new democracy and has its problems of poverty and unemployment and Salim Mirza and his family has to fight to find its identity and respect in the country they chose not to leave. Sikandar, played by Farooq Shaikh, is Salim Mirza's unemployed son who is often told on his face that he might have a better chance in Pakistan but like his father he is determined. The family suffers a great deal for its decision but doesn't give up. I am sure everyone who was present during those days can identify with something in this story.

The grandmother wanting to die in her ancestral home and her whole life flashing before her eyes before she dies is an unforgettable scene.

I saw this movie many years ago...and although so many years have passed this movie still remains etched in my mind.It was MS Sathyu's debut film as director. But he has till date not made a better film. To say that Garam Hawa is one of the most poignant and moving films ever made on the Partition is merely stating the obvious. Directors like Ritwick Ghatak had also earlier dealt with the Partition of Bengal. But Garam Hawa, made in 1973, marked the first time that a Hindi film director had handled the subject with so much sensitivity and realism.

I went to the market to purchase a DVD copy. But alas!!..It was not available in the Indian market. It is such a sad situation that being a Indian movie it is not available in India!!!...if anyone who reads this and has any knowledge as to the address where i can buy a copy IN India please email me at the foll address vinamra88@yahoo.com.I shall be ever grateful.