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.

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.

A very good adaptation of the novel by amrita pritam. Urmila and manoj bajpai have given their best.

there is a natural flair in the movie and i felt it right through. It looked like bollywood finally gave away it's glamor and had some quality artists performing on screen.

Content wise, the movie depicted very much what exactly happened during partition by showing the sufferings of a particular family and also shows that trust in one's life goes beyond religion.

The best part was they did not make it a drama with a lot of tear shedding and melodrama.

I simply loved it.

In a word...amazing.

I initially was not too keen to watch Pinjar since I thought this would be another movie lamenting over the partition and would show biases towards India and Pakistan. I was so totally wrong. Pinjar is a heart-wrenching, emotional and intelligent movie without any visible flaws. I was haunted by it after watching it. It lingered on my mind for so long; the themes, the pain, the loss, the emotion- all was so real.

This is truly a masterpiece that one rarely gets to see in Bollywood nowadays. It has no biases or prejudices and has given the partition a human story. Here, no one country is depicted as good or bad. There are evil Indians, evil Pakistanis and good Indians and Pakistanis. The cinematography is excellent and the music is melodious, meaningful (thanks to Gulzar sahib) and haunting. Everything about the movie was amazing...and the acting just took my breath away. All were perfectly cast.

If you are interested in watching an intellectual and genuinely wonderful movie...look no further. This movie gives it all. I recommend it with all my heart. AMAZING cannot describe how excellent it is.

I was haunted for days after watching this movie. Spent several nights tossing and turning. What makes this movie stand out is the authenticity. Since the movie is based on a novel by Amrita Pritam, a woman who experienced the trauma of partition first hand, the original story was bound to have a soul. Add to that Dwivedi's penchant for perfection, and we have a classic.

Urmila's relation with Manoj Bajpai, and the way it evolves, could not have been portrayed more authentically. The guilt on Manoj Bajpai's face makes your heart reach out to him. You want to go there and console him, tell him its not his fault.

Lilette Dubey's lullaby (original poetry by Amrita Pritam), can bring tears to the eyes. The scene where Urmila self aborts or the one where she tries to wash away the tattoo from her hand, stand out. The way she rescues Sandhali Sinha brings a sad smile to your face. And the climax is so poignant, there are no words to describe it.

This movie should have been India's official entry for the Oscars and should have participated in each and every film festival anywhere in the world. In fact, Amrita Pritam deserves a Nobel prize for this one. I have never seen a better Bollywood movie, and don't think ever will.