Pinjar: Beyond Boundaries...

Many of the reviewers have made it a point to note that Pinjar is unlike the run of the mill films produced in Bollywood. While this is true, Bollywood films in general are geared to a specific audience and should be appreciated for accomplishing their aims in this regard.

However,Pinjar is an excellent film for those seeking a change from the normal equation based Bollywood film. Set during the time of Partition between India and Pakistan, Pinjar focuses on a Punjabi girl who becomes the victim of societal and cultural attitudes toward the treatment of women in her time. Paro, the protagonist, is forced to choose between a life with a man who has abducted her and the fleeting hope of a life with her family back in Indian ruled Punjab. More than an issue of Hindus and Muslims, Pinjar addresses and defines a woman's role as a daughter, as a wife, and as a mother in India and Pakistan in 1947. Unlike typical Bollywood films which are escapist in nature, Pinjar is a film that makes its audience contemplate these issues during and after the film.

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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.

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.

Pinjar is a genuinely good film, with great acting, good narrative, good presentation, touching emotions, etc.

It seems to me that the quality of films that Bollywood is producing is quite improving these days, and this film is one evidence.

No Bollywood movie that I can remember of made such an impact on me - I was literally thinking about the movie for hours - marvelling at the various emotional situations that test the human in a human.

The film rests on the great acting of Urmilla Matondkar, and also some from Manoj Bajpai. Urmilla plays a girl in North India in the background of the partition, and all troubles seem sweet if compared with the problems she happens to face.

A must-see film. A technically superior Bollywood product, which I feel is comparable to the best movies coming out of other countries in the world.